The high bit rates of high-definition or 3D-services require a huge share of the valuable terrestrial spectrum, especially when targeting wide coverage areas. This article describes how to provide future services with the state-of-the-art digital terrestrial TV technology DVB-T2 in a flexible and cost-efficient way. The combination of layered media such as the scalable and 3D extension of the H.264/AVC or emerging H.265/HEVC format with the physical layer pipes feature of DVB-T2 enables flexible broadcast of services with differentiated protection of the quality layers. This opens up new ways of service provisioning such as graceful degradation for mobile or fixed reception. This article shows how existing DVB-T2 and MPEG-2 transport stream mechanisms need to be configured for offering such services over DVB-T2. A detailed description of the setup of such services and the involved components is given.


Madar-i-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah is known for her contribution to the uplift of various segments of Pakistani society which is indicated through her speeches, statements, messages and addresses at different functions and institutions, delivered on various occasions. Her special concern was that women of Pakistan which formed 50 percent of the population should be moulded to play their role on various aspects of human life. An important aspect to which she felt attached, was the promotion of technical education in the country. Along with men, she desired women of Pakistan should equally contribute to the industrial development of Pakistan. This could be done by spreading technical education amongst the girls of Pakistan. For this purpose she delivered a number of speeches, addressed various institutions and established various industrial homes.


There exist a number of high-performance Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithms (MOEAs) for solving Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO) problems; two of the best are NSGA-II and epsilon-MOEA. However, they lack an archive population sorted into levels of non-domination, making them unsuitable for construction problems where some type of backtracking to earlier intermediate solutions is required. In this paper we introduce our Stored Non-Domination Level (SNDL) MOEA for solving such construction problems. SNDL-MOEA combines some of the best features of NSGA-II and epsilon-MOEA with the ability to store and recall intermediate solutions necessary for construction problems. We present results for applying SNDL-MOEA to the Tight Single Change Covering Design (TSCCD) construction problem, demonstrating its applicability. Furthermore, we show with a detailed performance comparison between SNDL-MOEA, NSGA-II, and epsilon-MOEA on two standard test series that SNDL-MOEA is capable of outperforming NSGA-II and is competitive with epsilon-MOEA.


This work describes an experimental study of the cross-plane thermal conductance of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposited (PECVD) diamond films grown as a result of bias-enhanced nucleation (BEN). The diamond films are grown on silicon wafers using a two-step process in which a nucleation layer of amorphous or diamond like (DLC) carbon is first deposited on the silicon under the influence of a voltage bias. Then, conditions are adjusted to allow for polycrystalline diamond (PD) growth. The nucleation layer is essential for seeding diamond growth on smooth substrates and for optimizing PD properties such as grain size, orientation, transparency, adhesion, and roughness. A photoacoustic (PA) technique is employed to measure the thermal conductivities of and the thermal interface resistances between the layers in the diamond film structure. The influence of nucleation layers that are 70, 240, 400, and 650 nm thick on the thermal conductance of the diamond film structure is characterized. The thermal conductivity of the nucleation layer exhibits a thickness dependence for relatively thin layers. For each sample, the thermal conductivity of the PD is higher than 500 Wldrm-1K-1 (measurement sensitivity limit). A resistive network for the diamond film structure is developed. The resistance at the silicon/nucleation interface is less than 10-9m2ldrKldrW-1 (measurement sensitivity limit), which is of the order of theoretical predictions. The minimum diamond film structure resistance occurs when the nucleation layer is thinnest. When the nucleation layer is sufficiently thick, it begins to exhibit bulk behavior, and the resistance at the nucleation/PD interface dominates the thermal resistance of the diamond film structure.


Phatics expressions are vital in our day- to-day interactions with the society. They are intended to create  ties of union among the people who interact with each other in the form of minitalk. The aim of the study includes (1) the reasons why phatic expressions are important in English, (2) the way how the pathic expressions are classified, (3) what makes them different from interjections. The data used are the greetings and salutations commonly used in English by employing some references regarding phatic particles, words and phrases. This is a descriptive research approach by collecting secondary data, analysing and classified accurately. This is just a preliminary survey without deeply analysing the data. The writer describes the phatic expressions based on the observations and examples by Beare, Kenneth and Nordquist, Richard on thoughtco.com. The data show that the  beginning of a conversation, letter, email, or another form of communication, a salutation is a polite greeting, an expression of goodwill, or other sign of recognition. Salutation terms are an important part of a conversation to tell the other that we feel friendly toward them, and they are maybe the start of a longer conversation. The writer found that the phatics expressions are in the form of particles, words and phrases phatically. Based on the analysis it is concluded that the phatic pressions are purposed at strengthening solidarity and ties of union while interjections convey emotion and they are emotive while the phatic expressions are content-free and context-based.  Syntactically the phatic expressions can be positioned either in the beginning, in the middle or in the end of the sentences or utterances while the interjections are only put in the beginning.


level, and introduced the measurement of deviation from a constraint as a cost function for optimization, rather than a count of discrete violations. Although this method does not produce a unique optimal hierarchy – an indeterminacy problem similar to that reported by Hilgetag et al. (1996) – it does always produce an optimal hierarchy. The method is also easily implemented, such that an optimal hierarchy can be calculated for any arbitrary set of cortical areas with tract tracing information, and easily updated if new data are produced. A further question which emerges from this process is that of suitable optimization criteria. Whether a hierarchy is considered optimal depends on the notion of optimality that is employed, and there are many options for defi ning optimality. In Reid et al. (2009), we utilized the sum of deviations as an objective function to be minimized, but it is uncertain whether this is the best choice of criterion, and to what extent the addition of further objectives might improve the resulting hierarchy. This also introduces the related issue of how sensitive the optimization is to this choice of criteria. In the present article we explore these possibilities, investigating in particular the effects of adding (1) the number of violations, and (2) the maximal deviation, to the objective function.


How do animals become problems? Drawing on interactionist theories of social problems and cultural geography, I argue that the construction of animals as problems relies upon cultural understandings of nature/culture relationships, which in turn entail "imaginative geographies." Specifically, modernity posits a firm boundary between nature and culture. Animals have their place, but are experienced as "out of place"—and often problematic—when they are perceived to transgress spaces designated for human habitation. Relying on New York Times articles from 1851 to 2006, and articles from 51 other newspapers from 1980 to 2006, this article focuses on the process by which pigeons as a species were problematized. I contend that pigeons have come to represent the antithesis of the ideal metropolis, which is orderly and sanitized, with nature subdued and compartmentalized. While typified as a health issue, the pigeon's primary "offense" is that it "pollutes" habitats dedicated for human use. The catch phrase "rats with wings" neatly summarizes society's evaluations of, and anxieties about, this bird. This metaphor reflects a framing of pigeons by claims-makers that renders them out of place in the cityscape. This study expands social problems theorizing to more thoroughly account for animals and the role of space.


Almond milk (about 3% protein and 7% lipids) was prepared using wet disintegration of raw almonds and then subjected to in vitro gastric digestion using an advanced dynamic digestion model (i.e., a human gastric simulator). Microstructural changes, physicochemical behavior, and protein digestion were examined; the release of lipids and protein during digestion was quantified. Under acidic gastric conditions, almond oil bodies flocculated. Proteolysis by pepsin led to destabilization and coalescence of the oil bodies, resulting in creaming and phase separation. This phase separation significantly delayed the delivery of lipids to the small intestine. After 225 min of digestion, ∼42% of the lipids remained in the stomach. In contrast, protein release was not significantly affected by the gastric behavior of the almond oil bodies. This study provides a better understanding of how the digestive system manages plant lipids, and may be useful in the microstructural design of foods to achieve a controlled physiological response during digestion.


The primary objective of a UK fisheries policy should be to balance the goals of ensuring a viable future for commercial fishing in UK waters, ensuring sustainability, and enabling UK consumers to have access to cheaper fish and fish products. This should be based on a framework of minimising restrictions on trade and competition so that policies and regulations developed are least trade restrictive, least market distorting, based on sound science and consistent with clearly expressed regulatory and sustainability goals. It is important to clearly state this overall objective at the outset, as much work in this area assumes that the objective is solely conservation, or to preserve a particular way of life or culture; similarly, no viable or sustainable industry can exist in the long-term without thoughtful conservation efforts. We consider that it is in the UK's broader commercial interest to have a successful fishing industry.<br>


We report a rare case of growth hormone and gonadotropin deficiency associated with dysmorphic features. A 16-year-old boy had left anophthalmia, microphallus, bilateral cryptorchidism, and mental retardation. His chromosomal karyotype was normal, 46, XY. Endocrinological studies revealed growth hormone and gonadotropin deficiency, attributed to hypothalamic dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging scan of the head showed a hypoplastic pituitary gland, decreased high intensity signals in the pituitary posterior lobe, absence of the left eye, and a hypoplastic left optic nerve with no abnormality of the pituitary stalk, corpus callosum, or septum pellucidum. Although not completely consistent with the features of septo-optic dysplasia (SOD), his condition was considered within the spectrum of SOD. Despite similarities to the Hesx1 knockout mouse, a model of human SOD, mutation analyses revealed no mutations or polymorphisms in coding regions of any exons or intron-exon boundaries of the HESX1 gene. Further genetic studies of this patient may improve understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in pituitary development.


In the late nineteenth century and beginning of the twentieth century, Jewish immigrants took, when possible, from the Russian empire to their new destinations their dearest possessions. One of these was their books. Religious and prayer books represented the knowledge sages and rabbis had passed from generation to generation to their people. Belle lettres and political books in different languages were an important part of their education, upbringing, and ideology. These collections were the start of the libraries at the Jewish settlements in Argentina. Based on published memoirs of these first settlers this article presents how these libraries were created and notes a pattern of similarities on how they became a space to share books, to socialize, to enjoy cultural events, including readings and discussions of Yiddish and European masterpieces as well as musical and theatrical evenings, and to promote political beliefs.


© Soil Science Society of America, 5585 Guilford Rd., Madison WI 53711 USA. The dual-probe heat-pulse (DPHP) method is attractive for measuring soil thermal properties and volumetric water content. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a DPHP sensor having rigid probes made from thickwalled stainless steel tubing (2.38-mm outside diameter). The probes of this sensor are much more resistant to deflection than those of conventional DPHP sensors, decreasing measurement error caused by probe deflection during insertion into the soil. Laboratory experiments were conducted across a wide range of saturation levels with glass beads and three soils of different textures. For inferring soil properties from the proposed sensor, we applied the recently developed identical cylindrical perfect conductors (ICPC) model instead of the infinite line source (ILS) model that is typically used. The ICPC model improves solution for heat transport through the probe-soil system by accounting for the heat capacity and radius of the probes. Our results show a root mean square error of 1.4% volumetric water content and elimination of the measurement bias typically encountered with DPHP measurements. We conclude that the improved sensor, in combination with the ICPC model, provides a general, soil-independent water content estimate that is especially suitable for field soil water content monitoring because of its robust design with rigid probes. Because of its simplicity and measurements independent of soil type, we propose the presented DPHP method as an excellent alternative to other available measurement techniques for soil water content.


In In the Heat of the Summer: The New York Riots of 1964 and The War on Crime, Michael W. Flamm draws on personal narratives and archival evidence to outline the development of the New York Riots of 1964 — instigated by the shooting of the fifteen-year-old black teenager, James Powell, by a white police officer — and their wider repercussions on the social and political landscapes of 1960s America. Resonating with current discussions on racism and police brutality, this book will prove an inspiring read for those questioning the relationship between discourses of law and order and the reproduction of collective fear, writes Eraldo S. Santos.


Objective The clustering of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors is a serious threat for increasing medical expenses. The age-specific proportion and distribution of medical expenditure attributable to CVD risk factors, especially focused on the elderly, is thus indispensable for formulating public health policy given the extent of the ageing population in developed countries. Design Cost analysis using individuals' medical expenses and their corresponding health examination measures. Setting Shiga prefecture, Japan, from April 2000 to March 2006. Participants 33 213 participants aged 40 years and over. Main outcome measures Mean medical expenditure per year. Methods Gamma regression models were applied to examine how the number of CVD risk factors affects mean medical expenditure. The four CVD risk factors analysed in this study were defined as follows: hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg), hypercholesterolaemia (serum total cholesterol ≥240 mg/dl), high blood glucose (casual blood glucose ≥200 mg/dl) and smoking (current smoker). Sex-specific and age-specific investigations were carried out on the elderly (aged 65 and over) and non-elderly (aged 40–64) populations. Results The mean medical expenditure (per year) for the no CVD risk-factor group was only 110 000 yen at age 50 (men, 110 708 yen; women, 107 109 yen), but this expenditure was 6–7 times higher for 80-year-olds who have three or four CVD risk factors (men, 603 351 yen; women, 765 673 yen). The total overspend (excess fraction) was larger for the non-elderly (men, 15.4%; women, 11.1%) than that for the elderly (men, 0.1%; women, 5.2%) and largely driven by people with one or two CVD risk factors, except for elderly men. Conclusions The age-specific proportion and distribution of medical expenditure attributable to CVD risk factors showed that a high-risk approach for the elderly and a population approach for the majority are both necessary to reduce total medical expenditure in Japan.


In recent years, there have been concerns in the UK regarding the uptake of particular subjects in post-compulsory education. Whilst entries for Advanced level (A-level) subjects such as media studies have experienced considerable growth, entries for A-level physics have, until recently, been declining, prompting fears of a skills crisis in future generations. This study applied an established psychological theory, the theory of planned behaviour, to explore the drivers behind students' subject choice at A-level, specifically focusing on students' intentions to study physics and media studies. Multiple regression analyses supported the predictive validity of the theory in this context, with the three predictor variables (attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control) accounting for 66% of the variance in students' intentions to study physics and 68% of the variance in students' intentions to study media studies. Furthermore, for both subjects, attitude and subjective norm were found to be significant predictors of intentions. Hence, students with higher intentions to study physics or media studies exhibited a more positive attitude towards choosing this subject and perceived greater social pressure from significant others. Analysis of the beliefs underlying students' subject choices suggested that the influence of parents was particularly important to students, as were beliefs about the positive outcomes of choosing physics or media studies in terms of student's future career and education prospects. This suggests that initiatives aimed at increasing the uptake of subjects such as physics in the future might be best targeted in these areas.


Protected and conserved areas (PCAs) throughout the world face huge challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We give a global overview of impacts and responses. Protected area agencies, NGOs and research groups, together with the communities that support the management of PCAs, have conducted online studies to understand the overall impacts of COVID-19 containment measures on PCAs at regional and global levels. This paper summarises results from ten surveys, eight regional and two global, from 90 countries representing all continents except Antarctica. It draws lessons from different regions and contexts, and synthesises information on impacts and responses, particularly with regard to conservation and management activities, visitor services, revenue, stakeholder engagement, capacity, threats, illegal activities and neighbouring communities. Results vary; generally impacts have been most severe in Africa and Latin America, although many protected area agencies have evolved coping strategies and impacts are apparently not quite as severe as first thought. The paper also identifies future opportunities for PCAs in the post-COVID-19 era and proposes strategic decisions that may help cope with the current pandemic and prevent future ones.


The premise that IP promotes dynamic efficiency while antitrust concentrates on static welfare is wrong, or at least oversimplified. It proceeds from a fundamentally Schumpeterian assumption that competition will not lead to innovation, and we need the lure of monopoly to drive investment in new products. In fact, however there is substantial economic evidence suggesting that competition itself may act as a greater spur to innovation than monopoly. Critically, different market structures will promote innovation in different industries. Sometimes - as in the pharmaceutical industry - we need the incentive provided by strong patents, but in other industries - like the Internet - competition is more likely to spur innovation. Both patent and antitrust law need to take these industry differences into account. And to do so, antitrust will need to shed its subservience to IP law.


The use of asynchronous design approaches to construct digital signal processing (DSP) systems is a rapidly growing research area driven by a wide range of emerging energy constrained applications such as wireless sensor network, portable medical devices and brain implants. The asynchronous design techniques allow the construction of systems which are samples driven, which means they only dissipate dynamic energy when there processing data and idle otherwise. This inherent advantage of asynchronous design over conventional synchronous circuits allows them to be energy efficient. However the implementation flow of asynchronous systems is still difficult due to its lack of compatibility with industry-standard synchronous design tools and modelling languages. This paper devises a novel asynchronous design for a finite impulse response (FIR) filter, an essential building block of DSP systems, which is synthesizable and suitable for implementation using conventional synchronous systems design flow and tools. The proposed design is based on a modified version of the micropipline architecture and it is constructed using four phase bundled data protocol. A hardware prototype of the proposed filter has been developed on an FPGA, and systematically verified. The results prove correct functionality of the novel design and a superior performance compared to a synchronous FIR implementation. The findings of this work will allow a wider adoption of asynchronous circuits by DSP designers to harness their energy and performance benefits.


Urban form describes the physical shape and settlement/land use patterns of cities and towns. This research addressed two key questions: 1) How urban form impacts on transport and economic outcomes and 2) How regional and local council planning policies can contribute to a more efficient and durable urban form. We found that urban form has modest impacts on transport outcomes, through reductions in vehicle ownership and drive mode share. On the other hand, urban form was found to have relatively large impacts on economic outcomes, primarily by virtue of its impacts on agglomeration economies. Several promising areas of further research have been identified that would seek to strengthen and deepen our understanding of the linkages between urban form, transport, and economic outcomes.


There has been intense investigation regarding the interaction between the phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) and p53 tumor suppressors. p53 has been shown to up-regulate PTEN expression as a transcriptional activator. However, clinical observations by immunohistochemistry studies indicate that significant increases in p53 protein levels coexist with reduced or absent expression of PTEN protein in a variety of neoplasias. In this study, we propose a mechanism that begins to explain how p53 can both up-regulate and down-regulate PTEN. We have found that PTENprotein is down-regulated under proteasome dysfunction induced by proteasome inhibitor MG132 in both human lymphoblast cells and MCF7 cells. The reduction of PTEN is coincident with elevated p53 protein levels and the association between PTEN and p53 but independent of its phosphatase activities. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR indicates that proteasome inhibition does not reduce PTEN message levels but affects PTEN protein stability. The p53 inhibitor, pifithrin-A, is able to attenuate the effect of proteasome inhibition. Using ectopic expression studies in p53-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts and p53/PTEN-null PC3 cells, we show that PTEN is more stable in p53-null cells compared with p53expressing cells. Inhibition of caspases, the downstream targets of p53, particularly caspase-3, can partially restore the stability of PTEN. This study provides the first evidence that p53 is able to down-regulate PTEN protein stability in stressed cells. Our study sheds some light on the mechanisms that regulate PTEN protein stability, which is important to fully elucidate to comprehend the broad neoplastic manifestations of Cowden syndrome/Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba and sporadic cancers. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(12): 6139-48)


This book, like its companions on Thucydides books I and IV, is published primarily for students approaching a book of Thucydides for the first time or studying the Peloponnesian War in a more general way. The Greek text and notes are those of E.C. Marchant, originally published in 1891, and the introduction is by Thomas Wiedemann, who takes into account the needs of the modern student and up-to-date research on Thucydides.


PURPOSE
To compare the accuracy of implant analog positions on complete edentulous maxillary casts made of either dental stone or additive manufactured polymers using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS
A completely edentulous maxillary model of a patient with 7 implant analogs was obtained. From this model, two types of casts were duplicated, namely conventional dental stone (CDS) using a custom tray impression technique after splinting (N = 5) and polymer cast using additive manufacturing based on the STL file generated. Polymer casts (N = 20; n = 5 per group) were fabricated using 4 different additive manufacturing technologies (multijet printing-MJP1, direct light processing-DLP, stereolithography-SLA, multijet printing-MJP2). CMM was used to measure the correct position of each implant, and distortion was calculated for each system at x-, y-, and z-axes. Measurements were repeated 3 times per specimen in each axis yielding a total of 546 measurements. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Sheffé tests, and Bonferroni correction (α = 0.05).

RESULTS
Compared to CMM, the mean distortion (μm) ranged from 22.7 to 74.9, 23.4 to 49.1, and 11.0 to 85.8 in the x-, y-, and z-axes, respectively. CDS method (x-axis: 37.1; z-axis: 27.62) showed a significant difference compared to DLP on the x-axis (22.7) (p = 0.037) and to MJP1 on the z-axis (11.0) (p = 0.003). Regardless of the cast system, x-axes showed more distortion (42.6) compared to y- (34.6) and z-axes (35.97). Among additive manufacturing technologies, MJP2 presented the highest (64.3 ± 83.6), and MJP1 (21.57 ± 16.3) and DLP (27.07 ± 20.23) the lowest distortion, which was not significantly different from CDS (32.3 ± 22.73) (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION
For the fabrication of the definitive casts for implant prostheses, one of the multijet printing systems and direct light processing additive manufacturing technologies showed similar results to conventional dental stone.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Conventional dental stone casts could be accurately duplicated using some of the additive manufacturing technologies tested.


In this work we use calculations to obtain reaction enthalpies for the formation of YBa2Fe3 xMxO8 (where M 1⁄4 Co, Ni and Mn and x 1⁄4 1, 2 and 3) from binary oxides and oxygen gas using Density Functional Theory (DFT). Based upon these calculations we are able to make predictions on favourable levels of doping and Bsite ordering for YBa2Fe3 xMxO8, followed by experimental investigation in the same study. The composition where we predict doping to be favourable was experimentally investigated and a triple perovskite is found to be the major phase, confirming the prediction. Optimisation of the synthesis produced a phase-pure triple perovskite, Y1.175Ba1.825Fe2MnO8 d, formed in a narrow compositional window. The crystal structure of this phase was analysed using Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), iodometric titrations, Mössbauer spectroscopy and Neutron Powder Diffraction (NPD). This is the first reported example of ordered or disordered Fe and Mn coexistence in this structure type. We compare the observed structure against the initial DFT predictions and find them to be in good agreement and conclude that the computational methods presented within this work can be used as a predictive guide to the synthesis of oxide materials.


We present a generic template for spoken dialogue systems integrating speech recognition and synthesis with 'higher-level' natural language dialogue modelling components. The generic model is abstracted from a number of real application systems targetted at very different domains. Our research aim in developing this generic template is to investigate a new approach to the evaluation of Dialogue Management Systems. Rather than attempting to measure accuracy/speed of output, we propose principles for the evaluation of the underlying theoretical linguistic model of Dialogue Management in a given system, in terms of how well it fits our generic template for Dialogue Management Systems. This is a measure of 'genericness' or 'application-independence' of a given system, which can be used to moderate accuracy /speed scores in comparisons of very unlike DMSs serving different domains. This relates to (but is orthogonal to) Dialogue Management Systems evaluation in terms of naturalness and like measurable metrics (eg Dybkjaer et al 1995, Vilnat 1996, EAGLES 1994, Fraser 1995); it follows more closely emerging qualitative evaluation techniques for NL grammatical parsing schemes (Leech et al 1996, Atwell 1996).


Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) technology has propelled the field of stem cells biology, providing new cells to explore the molecular mechanisms of pluripotency, cancer biology and aging. A major advantage of human iPSC, compared to the pluripotent embryonic stem cells, is that they can be generated from virtually any embryonic or adult somatic cell type without destruction of human blastocysts. In addition, iPSC can be generated from somatic cells harvested from normal individuals or patients, and used as a cellular tool to unravel mechanisms of human development and to model diseases in a manner not possible before. Besides these fundamental aspects of human biology and physiology that are revealed using iPSC or iPSC-derived cells, these cells hold an immense potential for cell-based therapies, and for the discovery of new or personalized pharmacological treatments for many disorders. Here, we review some of the current challenges and concerns about iPSC technology. We introduce the potential held by iPSC for research and development of novel health-related applications. We briefly present the efforts made by the scientific and clinical communities to create the necessary guidelines and regulations to achieve the highest quality standards in the procedures for iPSC generation, characterization and long-term preservation. Finally, we present some of the audacious and pioneer clinical trials in progress with iPSC-derived cells.


This paper presents the Cameron Project, which aims to provide a high level, algorithmic language and optimizing compiler for the development of image processing applications on reconfigurable computing systems (RCSs). SA-C, a single assignment variant of the C programming language, is designed to exploit both coarse-grain and fine-grain parallelism in image processing applications. Khoros, a software development environment commonly used for image processing, has been modified to support SA-C program development. SA-C supports image processing with true multidimensional arrays, and with sophisticated array access and windowing mechanisms. Reduction operators such as medians and histograms are also provided. The optimizing compiler targets RCSs, which are fine-grained parallel processors made up of field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), memories and interconnection hardware. They can be used as inexpensive co-processors with conventional workstations or PCs. This paper discusses compiler optimizations to generate optimal FPGA code using dataflow analysis techniques applied to data dependence graphs. Initial results are presented.


Word recognition is an important part of the reading process. During word recognition a Dutch reader of English will regularly process English words wich in different ways resemble Dutch words. Many of them are cognate words. Some examples are: block, dance, beer, bath. If it could be shown that the meaning of such English words need not be learned but becomes available to a reader in the same way as it becomes available when their Dutch counterparts are processed in a Dutch context language teaching could benefit from that insight. Using a lexical decision paradigm with pseudo-cognates as stimuli (3 to 5 letter words) it was shown that the following types of cognates were recognised as such during visual word recognition in English by Dutch subjects (first year university students not specializing in English):1. Dutch cognate words that had kept their spelling in an English context.2. Dutch cognate words that in an English context were still homophonous with their Dutch version and differed in the spelling of only one phoneme from their Dutch counterparts (cf. the Dutch-English cognate pair TEKST-TEXT).Of all other types of cognate words, also those that were homophonous with their counterparts in the other language but differed in the spelling of two or more phonemes, the cognate status was not recognised. Applications of the results are discussed.


We describe a 44-year-old man who recently received a cadaveric renal transplant and had a relapse of Legionnaires' disease after an appropriate course of therapy. The relapse occurred within two weeks after completion of a three-week course of therapy with erythromycin stearate. A transbronchial biopsy specimen was positive for Legionella pneumophila by direct immunofluorescence, although the Dieterle silver impregnation stain was negative. The patient responded to a repeated course of erythromycin for an additional 21 days, and no further sequelae or relapses have been noted. The importance of early rapid diagnostic modalities in the immunocompromised patient is emphasized, and the need to consider the possibility of relapse after effective therapy is warranted.


It's of great importance to detect SO2 and its derivatives (bisulfite/sulfite) because of their harmful effects on the environment and human health. In this work, three probes based on hemicyanine were designed and synthesized to detect SO2 derivatives in aqueous solution (containing 10% DMSO) through a 1,4-addition reaction. All probes displayed rapid and selective responses toward SO2 derivatives, and could quantitatively detect HSO3− with detection limits of 8.7 μM, 6.5 μM and 4.0 μM, respectively. Meanwhile, the color of the probe solution changed immediately (within 10 s), which provides a simple way to recognize bisulfite with the naked eye. Finally, visual detection of SO2 gas has been successfully realized.


Mounting evidence underlines the role of genomic hypomethylation in the generation of genomic instability (GI) and tumorigenesis, but whether DNA hypomethylation is required for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and progression remains unclear. We investigated the correlation between GI and DNA methylation, and influence of methionine metabolism deregulation on these parameters and hepatocarcinogenesis in c‐Myc and c‐Myc/Tgf‐α transgenic mice and human HCCs. S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine/S‐adenosylhomocysteine ratio and liver‐specific methionine adenosyltransferase (MatI/III) progressively decreased in dysplastic and neoplastic liver lesions developed in c‐Myc transgenic mice and in human HCC with better (HCCB) and poorer (HCCP) prognosis (based on patient's survival length). Deregulation of these parameters resulted in a rise of global DNA hypomethylation both in c‐Myc and human liver lesions, positively correlated with GI levels in mice and humans, and inversely correlated with the length of survival of HCC patients. No changes in MATI/III and DNA methylation occurred in c‐Myc/Tgf‐α lesions and in a small human HCC subgroup with intermediate prognosis, where a proliferative activity similar to that of c‐Myc HCC and HCCB was associated with low apoptosis. Upregulation of genes involved in polyamine synthesis, methionine salvage and downregulation of polyamine negative regulator OAZ1, was highest in c‐Myc/Tgf‐α HCCs and HCCP. Our results indicate that alterations in the activity of MAT/I/III, and extent of DNA hypomethylation and GI are prognostic markers for human HCC. However, a small human HCC subgroup, as c‐Myc/Tgf‐α tumors, may develop in the absence of alterations in DNA methylation. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


I argue in this paper that Robert Barclay fundamentally uses a relational method in doing theology notwithstanding a growing scholarly consensus that his thought is shaped by Cartesian dualism. The claims of dualism in Barclay are assessed through a close textual interpretation of parts of his 1676 work, An Apology for the True Christian Divinity, and his subsequent essay 'The Possibility and Necessity of the Inward and Immediate Revelation of the Spirit of God'. While he explicitly engages Cartesian dualism in this latter work, my conclusion is that when he is arguing apologetically with someone employing dualist categories, as in this essay, he uses Cartesian language in order to find common ground with his audience; but when he reflects on his own experience, he thinks relationally rather than dualistically. That he does not disjoin the self from God, other selves, or its own body, nor does he separate the inward and biblical Christ, has been obscured by his apologetic use of Cartesian dualism. In recognizing his relational approach, we can discover in Barclay's thought a resource for doing Quaker theology today that responds to George Fox's question, 'What canst thou say?'.


Purpose of reviewTraumatic injury continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the year 2011. In addition, the healthcare expenditures and lost years of productivity represent significant economic cost to the affected individuals and their communities. Helicopters have been used to transport trauma patients for the past 40 years, but there are conflicting data on the benefits of helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) in civilian trauma systems. Debate persists regarding the mortality benefit, cost-effectiveness, and safety of helicopter usage, largely because the studies to date vary widely in design and generalizability to trauma systems serving heterogeneous populations and geography. Strict criteria should be established to determine when HEMS transport is warranted and most likely to positively affect patient outcomes. Individual trauma systems should conduct an assessment of their resources and needs in order to most effectively incorporate helicopter transport into their triage model. Recent findingsResearch suggests that HEMS improves mortality in certain subgroups of trauma patients, both after transport from the scene of injury and following interfacility transport. Studies examining the cost-effectiveness of HEMS had mixed results, but the majority found that it is a cost-effective tool. Safety remains an issue of contention with HEMS transport, as helicopters are associated with significant safety risk to the crew and patient. However, this risk may be justified provided there is a substantial mortality benefit to be gained. SummaryRecent studies suggest that strict criteria should be established to determine when helicopter transport is warranted and most likely to positively affect patient outcomes. Individual trauma systems should conduct an assessment of their resources and needs in order to most effectively incorporate HEMS into their triage model. This will enable regional hospitals to determine if the costs and safety risks associated with HEMS are worthwhile given the potential benefits to patient morbidity and mortality.


Mormon feminists have face over 40 years of fear of excommunication, the loss of family and social relationships for their advocacy for gender equality in the LDS Church. The history of punishment has repeatedly pushed mormon feminist conversations underground, spoken only in small safe circles, but the creation of the blog Feminist Mormon Housewives in 2004, began to bring the discussion into the digital, and into a public space. The last 10 years have produced numerous online communities related to Mormon feminism. In the last two years these groups have moved from online discussion to offline activism, including wearing pants to church day, asking for women to pray in all church meetings, and public calls for female ordination. Many Mormon feminists continue to face formal and informal discipline This presentation will address last three years of refining methodologies and research methods to capture the complexity of online Mormon feminism. We will address how we first identified the the community using snowball sampling methods, and how we have evolved random sampling methodologies. We will address how we have worked to establish legitimacy within the community. We will discuss how we gathered and have analyzed historical digital documents. We will discuss how we have tried to expand existing sociological understanding of conservative non political religious social movements.


We reported previously that the presence of selenium in culture media of mammalian cells influences both the steady-state levels and distributions of two tRNA isoacceptors involved in the insertion of selenocysteine into protein in response to certain UGA codons. In this study, we demonstrate an increase in the levels of these isoacceptors in rats fed a selenium-adequate diet compared to animals fed a selenium-deficient diet, as well as a shift in the relative distribution toward the tRNA which elutes later from an RPC-5 column. These effects were found to occur in a tissue-specific manner. Both selenocysteine tRNAs were isolated from rat liver, sequenced, analyzed by mass spectrometry, and shown to differ only by ribose 2'-O-methylation of 5-methylcarboxymethyluridine that occurs in the wobble position of the anticodon. This modified nucleoside has been documented previously only in yeast tRNA while the corresponding 2'-O-methylribose derivative has not been observed. The structure of these nucleosides was established by mass spectrometry and confirmed by chemical synthesis. Although the role of methylation of the wobble nucleotide is not known, the differences in elution properties from RPC-5 columns are consistent with other experimental observations indicating that a change in tRNA conformation accompanies this methylation.


In the recent times issues like the Green House Gas (GHG) emission reduction and carbon-trading through Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) have gained large prominence as a part of climate change. Biomass gasification is one such technology which is environmentally benign and holds large promise for the future. These technologies are currently being utilized for power generation applications at a number of industrial sites in India and abroad. In India there are nearly 4 MWe equivalent power plants which are based on IISc's open top reburn down draft biomass gasification technology. In the field of power generation, there has been substantial effort in the development of producer gas engine; systematic experimental and modeling studies followed by long duration field monitoring. As a part of this effort, a gas carburetor has been designed for producer gas fuel and forms a part of the power package. The essential requirements of gas conditioning equipment are packaged to meet the engine quality gas as a power plant. Currently there are more than 3.0 MWe equivalent gas engines operating in the field; of this one is deployed in an Energy Service Company (ESCO), which sells green electricity to a textile industry. The company is located at Metupalyam in South India, near the city of Coimbatore. The power plant is configured with a 150 kg/hr gasifier coupled with a turbo charged after cooled Cummins make (GTA855G) gas engine. The plant is also provided with an effluent treatment plant and an engine-waste-heat based biomass drier. The plant commissioned in September 2003 has successfully completed over 7500 hours of operation, generating about 0.7 million units, thus saving a net CO2 of about 0.7 million Tons against a fossil fuel technology. The plant operates on a continuously to meet the end use requirement over 275 hours non stop operations hours of operation. The power plant utilizes a weed namely Julifora Prosopis which is abundantly available in the southern part of India and converts into green energy; additionally generates value added product namely partially activated carbon-Iodine no. of 400-450. The paper reports specific biomass consumption and engine emission monitored over long duration. The specific biomass consumption is measured to be within 1.1 ± 0.1 kg/kWh with an overall efficiency of 22-24%. It is also found to be environmentally benign in terms of emissions; NOx and CO levels are found to be much lower than most of the existing emissions norms of various countries including the United States and European Union. The paper also highlights results from other installations using this technology. Keywords: open top gasifier, producer gas engine, CDM technology.


Energy is considered as a vital sign of any country. The energy resource of any country is governed by their owned resources either through fossiliferous or alternative/renewable energy reserves. Due to depleting reserves of fossil fuel, countries including Pakistan are now focusing and converting themselves on renewable energy sources. Out of the different renewable sources, Hydel Power is among those indigenous sources which are considered as cheap, efficient and environmentally friendly. Pakistan is among those countries, which have the largest irrigation system which portrays a huge hydel potential within it. Government of Pakistan has also identified different potential sites where Hydel Energy can be obtained. However, apart from the recognized potential sites, there are still many streams/canals/ drains that can also be studied for their hydro potential and estimated generation capacity using mini/micro hydropower plant. Different studies have been carried out in calculating the energy potential of canals. In this paper, Hydropower Potential (HPP) of a Drainage System that is Left Bank Outfall Drain (LBOD), at Sindh has been calculated using field-based data parameters such as hydraulic depth, the width of the canal and flow velocity. Other studies were also reviewed for data collection. Based on the calculated HPP, five types of turbines with their benefits have been identified and proposed. This study concludes that different locations of LBOD can be considered for setting up a micro hydropower plant; however, a vertical head through extended penstock or weir needs to be considered for an effective hydropotential.


BACKGROUND
Regular physical activity is of paramount importance to reduce chronic disease risk. Classical ballet training requires balance, strength, and range of motion. Participation in social ballet classes is increasing. Ballet training interventions may be an alternative method of regular, enjoyable activity. This review aimed to determine the effectiveness of classical ballet training interventions on physical and psychological health.

METHODS
Ten databases were searched until April 2019. The included studies investigated classical ballet training interventions of a ≥4-week duration, on any population (no restrictions on experience and clinical condition), measuring physical health or psychological outcomes.

RESULTS
Twenty-three studies (25 intervention groups) were included, comprising experienced (19 groups) and novice dancers (6 groups). In experienced populations, muscular strength was the most commonly reported outcome. However, only 25% of these studies reported improvements. With novice dancers, including clinical populations, balance showed the most positive change, improving in 75% of studies that reported this measure.

CONCLUSIONS
Classical ballet training may improve balance in novices and maintain physical activity across the life span. Experienced dancers showed no further improvement, perhaps due to an already greater ability. There was large heterogeneity between the included studies. A greater focus on classical ballet interventions for inexperienced populations is required.


Plant and business closings have become a serious problem both for the individuals and communities directly affected and for the businesses themselves, who must find ways to effectively manage the closings they find necessary and must then also deal with the inevitable damage to their public image. Even beyond dealing with the recent legislative, labor union, and community responses to closings and shutdowns, businesses must learn to address their management actions in terms of social responsibilities. By being sensitive to the changing social environment, business can not only avoid future negative reactions in the form of new laws and knotty regulations, but it can establish an ongoing and beneficial relationship with society that is not sacrified when closings become inevitable.


The cinnamamide scaffold has been incorporated in to the structure of numerous organic compounds with therapeutic potential. The scaffold enables multiple interactions, such as hydrophobic, dipolar, and hydrogen bonding, with important molecular targets. Additionally, the scaffold has multiple substitution options providing the opportunity to optimize and modify the pharmacological activity of the derivatives. In particular, cinnamamide derivatives have exhibited therapeutic potential in animal models of both central and peripheral nervous system disorders. Some have undergone clinical trials and were introduced on to the pharmaceutical market. The diverse activities observed in the nervous system included anticonvulsant, antidepressant, neuroprotective, analgesic, anti‐inflammatory, muscle relaxant, and sedative properties. Over the last decade, research has focused on the molecular mechanisms of action of these derivatives, and the data reported in the literature include targeting the γ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors, N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors, transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels, voltage‐gated potassium channels, histone deacetylases (HDACs), prostanoid receptors, opioid receptors, and histamine H3 receptors. Here, the literature data from reports evaluating cinnamic acid amide derivatives for activity in target‐based or phenotypic assays, both in vivo and in vitro, relevant to disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems are analyzed and structure–activity relationships discussed.


Bender element testing is used to measure shear wave velocities (VS) across soil specimens in the laboratory. Conventional bender element testing is carried out at a few discrete points during an experiment. This paper presents a method which uses bender elements to monitor VS continuously throughout a triaxial test. The method is based on monitoring the change in phase angle between a continuous trigger signal and a received signal. It allows the phase velocity at multiple selected frequencies to be monitored throughout a test. The method is described in detail and its use is illustrated for triaxial tests on loose specimens of Fraser River sand prepared by water pluviation. The variation of shear wave velocity is demonstrated during consolidation, ageing, and shearing to failure along a conventional stress path. Potential difficulties of interpretation are presented and discussed. In addition, the potential for continuous excitation of the specimen to alter the test results is considered and dismissed based on a comparison of samples tested without benders and with continuous benders at a range of excitation voltages. The proposed method for continuously monitoring bender element shear wave velocities does not use special or unique equipment. It results in a continuous VS from a trigger and receiver element installed on opposite ends of a triaxial specimen. This method provides a measure of VS during dynamic phases of an experiment that have not previously been observed. For example, this paper includes measures of VS at the onset of creep, the onset of shearing, and over the phase transformation from contractive to dilative behaviour. The relationship between fundamental soil behaviour and VS can now be more easily explored.


TNM staging has been a gold standard in the evaluation and treatment strategy for lung cancer. Preoperative anatomical discrimination of the exact range of tumor spreading is a key determinant for surgical resectability. In addition, postoperative pathologic evaluation of microscopic occult metastatic foci predicts the long-term prognosis. Classical prognostication based on the anatomical tumor extent has remained valid for decades despite the ongoing search for new prognostic markers. Many biomarkers have been suggested and validated, however, no single biomarker is as effective as TNM staging. These biomarkers represent the biological behavior of lung cancer cells; however, a sole biomarker without implication on treatment outcome has not been successful.


The proper management of uterine leiomyomas found during cesarean section remains uncertain. Some obstetricians believe that myomectomy is safe in carefully selected cases, but others continue to discourage the practice because of the risk of intractable bleeding. Uterine artery occlusion may provide an alternative. This prospective nonrandomized study evaluated ligation in 48 women with uterine leiomyomas, including at least one larger than 5 cm, who underwent cesarean section for obstetrical reasons. Approximately 60% of patients had multiple myomas. Twenty-six women (group I) had ligation of both uterine arteries immediately after closing the uterine incision, while 22 (group II) served as a control group. In study cases the uterine arteries were double-ligated with silks. Women in the study and control groups were similar with respect to age, parity, gestational age, myoma size, position of the dominant myoma, indications for cesarean delivery, and preoperative hemoglobin values. The average postoperative follow-up was 38.5 months. Surgery was technically successful in all cases. Blood loss during surgery averaged 254 ml and 278 ml for groups I and II, respectively. One group II patient required blood transfusion because of hemorrhage. In group I women the decrease in myoma volume averaged 45%. In group II women, average myoma volume increased 34%. During follow-up, two group I women (8%) and nine group II women (41%) underwent myomectomy or hysterectomy. All three group II women who had repeat cesarean deliveries requested uterine artery ligation. The investigators believe that uterine artery ligation may be a promising means of lessening postpartum bleeding in women found during cesarean section to have uterine leiomyomas. The procedure may reduce the need for future myomectomy or hysterectomy, and does not appear to compromise fertility.


A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Medicine,
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg for the degree
of Master of Science in Medicine.


Antiestrogens (AE), such as tamoxifen, selectively increase the production of a secreted protein of 37,000 mol wt (Mr) in estrogen receptor-containing human breast cancer cells (MCF-7, but not in estrogen receptor-negative MDA-MB-231 cells), and the production of this protein by AE is inhibited by concomitant estradiol (E) treatment. Likewise, E increases the production of a 32,000 Mr secreted protein whose synthesis is inhibited by AE. Proteins were detected by [35S]methionine and [35S]cysteine labeling of cells and analysis of proteins by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels and fluorography. Enhanced production of the 37,000 Mr protein is observed within 6 h of AE treatment, with maximal synthesis seen at 1-2 days when this protein represents about 6% of the total radiolabeled secreted proteins. This protein is stimulated maximally (approximately 4-fold) by 10(-8) M trans-hydroxytamoxifen or LY117018 or 10(-6) M tamoxifen, and its AE specificity is seen by the fact that trans-tamoxifen increases this protein, whereas cis-tamoxifen, an estrogen, does not. In addition to stimulating the synthesis of previously identified 160,000 and 52,000 Mr secreted proteins, E increases the production of a 32,000 Mr secreted protein. When cells are grown in estrogen-free conditions, i.e. in charcoal-dextran-treated serum in medium lacking the estrogen phenol red, the basal level of the 32,000 Mr protein is extremely low, and E stimulation results in a 10-fold increase in the production of this protein, with increases observable by 6 h and maximal stimulation at 2 days. Interestingly, the basal level of synthesis of the 37,000 Mr protein is high in the absence of E and is then stimulated only minimally by the addition of AE, suggesting that this protein is clearly produced as an estrogen-antagonistic protein. Amino acid incorporation conducted in the presence of tunicamycin and endoglycosidase H indicates that both of these proteins are glycoproteins. These proteins should serve as useful markers for AE and E action and may be involved in AE and E modulation of cell proliferation and/or cell function.


Environmental crime is one of the most lucrative forms of criminal activity. The illegal dumping of hazardous waste, trafficking of dangerous substances and smuggling of protected natural resources is estimated to be worth between EUR18 and EUR25 billion per year. The trafficking of endangered species generates the highest revenue of all types of environmental crime and is widely considered to be second in value only to drug trafficking. Environmental crime is believed to be expanding constantly. In spite of this, it is not currently a political priority, having taken a back seat to anti-terrorism measures since 11 September 2001.

This article aims to show that environmental crime is one of the most serious forms of criminal activity - it threatens the very existence of mankind. In order to do this, the article begins by advancing a definition of environmental crime, which is intended to allow the reader better to understand its implications for our society. An attempt is then made to provide a financial estimate of the worldwide value of this criminal activity, in order to shed light on its scale and diversity. Next, the article examines various examples from European Union (?EU?) countries (Member States and candidate countries) in order to illustrate the ways in which police combat environmental crime. Examples of international cooperation in this field are also provided. Finally, the article proposes a number of possible paths for future action which might push environmental crime up the criminal law and crime-fighting policy agenda in EU Member States and EU policy as a whole. In this respect, the recent judgment by the European Court of Justice (?ECJ?) concerning European Community competence in criminal law provides interesting material for reflection.


Human-inhabited or -disturbed areas pose many unique challenges for wildlife, including reacting to novel environmental stimuli like car traffic, buildings and anthropogenic noise. Animals inhabiting these environments must adapt to such changes by overcoming such novelty (i.e., neotolerance, neophilia), and either exploiting new resources or avoiding danger. Although many studies have tested animal responses to individual forms of novelty (e.g., human objects, food, urban noise), to our knowledge no study has comprehensively assessed behavioural reactions of urban and rural populations to numerous novel environmental stimuli, including noise. We tested exploratory behaviour of urban, suburban, and rural house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus) in response to four different types of novelty (novel structural environment, novel object, novel noise, and novel food) in separate captive experiments, while also recording each bird for 30 min before exposure to determine baseline activity level. Although we found few population-level differences in behavioural responses to novel objects, environment, and food, we found significant differences in how finches from different sites responded to novel noises. When played a novel sound (whale call or ship horn), urban and suburban house finches approached their food source more quickly and spent more time on it than rural birds, and urban and suburban birds were more active during the ship-noise presentation. These results indicate that, in comparison with other types of novel stimuli, anthropogenic noise may be a key driver of urban adaptation in birds and its influence may vary depending on the type of sound.


Background: Medical personnel are bound toexperience some difficulties in the course of duty and they may end up criminally or civilly liable in the performance of these responsibilities. Across the globe, many medical employees have lost their license to practice their profession after facing disciplinary committees for breach of duties. Some have been sued by patients for negligent treatment. Administratively, the hospital management boards have protected their staff against liabilities by being sued instead of the staff, paying some patients off or write off their hospital bills to compensate them for the liabilities of their medical personnel. Legally, medical personnel are also shielded from medical liabilities as long as they observe a high level of care and skills in the course of duty, otherwise, the law will remove the veil of protection and charge them as liable. Methodology: In order to achieve the objectives of this research, the doctrinal and qualitative methodology was adopted. The doctrinal approach enables the authors to explore the position of the Nigerian law to examine the liabilities of medical personal in cases of any malpractice whether intentionally or unintentionally. The qualitative approach was used to analyze the administrative protection of medical personnel by the hospital management board. Conclusion: The study concludes that as long as there is lack of proper supervision of medical personnel by their superior officers, no constant supply of electricity, no improved welfare package for medical personnel, lack of educational sponsorship for career advancement, deliberate observation of advanced professional ethics and honesty on the part of medical personnel, negligence in the course of treatment would not be abated in Nigerian hospitals. Keywords: Medical Personnel, Negligence, Liabilities, Hospital Management, Law


The 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that 9.5 million Americans aged 18 and older have been diagnosed with more than one mental disorder. Music therapists working in mental health treatment settings are likely to work with individuals who have a complex diagnosis defined here as 2 or more of the following: depression, eating disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, substance use disorder, and severe mental illness. Additionally, adverse childhood events or posttraumatic stress disorder often complicate the clinical profile. Given this, a trauma-informed approach to music therapy treatment is necessary to improve outcomes and minimize harm. The risks, contraindications, and ethical considerations necessary to effectively treat and care for these clients in music therapy will be reviewed. Methods of identifying, assessing, and treating these complex clinical issues in music therapy are discussed with the goal of helping clinicians understand: (1) where treatment needs to begin to ensure therapeutic goals addressing primary issues prior to addressing secondary issues and (2) the appropriate use of music therapy methods. The necessity for music therapists to understand the power of the music in the music therapy process is explored, to ensure that clinicians are meeting client needs, not triggering symptomatology, traumatic memories, or experiences. The importance of a clinician knowing their scope of practice, when they are adequately trained and prepared to work with clients with complex disorders, and how to utilize support such as consultation and supervision to support their effective treatment with client(s) is presented.


The conversion of inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor (I alpha I) into active, acid-stable derivatives by proteolytic degradation has been tested with 10 different proteinases. Of these, only plasma kallikrein, cathepsin G, neutrophil elastase, and the Staphylococcus aureus V-8 proteinase were found to be effective, each releasing more than 50% of this activity. However, a strong correlation between inhibitor degradation and significant release of acid-stable activity could only be found with the V-8 enzyme. Inhibition kinetics for the interaction of native I alpha I, the inhibitory fragment released by digestion with S. aureus V-8 proteinase, or the related urinary trypsin inhibitor, with seven different proteinases indicated that all had essentially identical Ki values with an individual enzyme and, where measurements were possible, nearly identical second order association rate constants. Significantly, none of the five human proteinases tested, including trypsin, chymotrypsin, plasmin, neutrophil elastase, and cathepsin G, would appear to have low enough Ki values to be physiologically relevant. Thus, the role of native I alpha I or its degradation products in controlling a specific proteolytic activity is still unknown.


Deep neural networks are capable of state-of-the-art performance in many classification tasks. However, they are known to be vulnerable to adversarial attacks—small perturbations to the input that lead to a change in classification. We address this issue from the perspective of backward error and condition number, concepts that have proved useful in numerical analysis. To do this, we build on the work of Beuzeville, T., Boudier, P., Buttari, A., Gratton, S., Mary, T. and Pralet S. (2021) Adversarial attacks via backward error analysis. hal-03296180, version 3. In particular, we develop a new class of attack algorithms that use componentwise relative perturbations. Such attacks are highly relevant in the case of handwritten documents or printed texts where, for example, the classification of signatures, postcodes, dates or numerical quantities may be altered by changing only the ink consistency and not the background. This makes the perturbed images look natural to the naked eye. Such 'adversarial ink' attacks therefore reveal a weakness that can have a serious impact on safety and security. We illustrate the new attacks on real data and contrast them with existing algorithms. We also study the use of a componentwise condition number to quantify vulnerability.


The contribution which Mr. Henry Rhodes has here made to the popular understanding of crime is to give a clear and condensed summary of the attitudes towards crime and the theories of its natture which have been held through the ages and more particularly in recent times. Until quite recently, as the notorious Calas case showed, the person accuLsed of crime was accorded no rights at all, and even now men cling tenaciously to the idea that crime is a theological vice. Mr. Rhodes traces the advance to the psychological view of crime, which he regards as the most immediately important. He recognizes, however, that while we cannot escape from the study of the psychological situation which finally determines the criminal act, we cannot neglect the contributory factors of environment and social order. Society must take part of the responsibility for the crime; deficiencies are to be found in both the contributing factors. He therefore surveys the social background at various times, dealing with society itself as a problem, and gives particular attention to the economic factor, the neglect of which has been responsible for many fantastic opinions. He deals with criminal sociology, criminal responsibility, and the origin and significance of punishment, inferring that mere reform of penal methods can never be the final end of penology, which is deprived of all meaning and tutility if no account is taken of the environmental factors. He closes the book with an acute analysis of crime in the auithoritarian States, the democratic coluntries, and the socialist system of Soviet Russia, giving some account of the extraordinary progress reported to have been made in the U.S.S.R. by the application of constri.ctive methods of reform. A student who requires a sound introduction to criminology could do no better than read this book, with its wealth of citation and reference and its moderate expression of opinion.


The overall goal of Pan American CLIVAR Research on the North American Monsoon System is to determine the sources and limits of predictability of warm season precipitation over North America, with emphasis on time scales ranging up to seasonal-to-interannual. To achieve this goal, several research objectives have been identified including (1) a better understanding of the key components of the monsoon system and their temporal and spatial variability, (2) a better understanding of the role of this system within the global water cycle (3) improved observational data sets, and (4) improved simulation and monthly-to-seasonal prediction of the monsoon and regional water resources. The purpose of this paper is to review the recent progress made towards achieving these objectives and to highlight some of the future challenges based on gaps in our understanding.


The overall aim of this study was to analyze the methods applied in previous metasynthesis research and to inform future researchers of epistemological and methodological issues based on this analysis. Meta-method analysis was applied to a decade of 45 published metasynthesis studies that pertain to nursing and allied health studies. The findings show that the metasynthesis research can be classified into three areas: (1) health, illness and suffering, (2) care and support, and (3) parenting, newborn and childcare. Meta ethnography dominates the research area. Metastudy, metasummary, qualitative metasynthesis, and grounded formal theory are emerging methods. The metasynthesis studies suffer from modifications without explications, use of secondary method references, missing sample and search data and differences in the type of findings and the meta-concepts depicting the findings. The worth of metasynthesis research is questioned when the core ideas of qualitative meta studies, theoretical and/or methodological development ("synthesis") combined with the potential of going beyond and behind the studies ("meta"), is missing. Metasynthesis research requires knowledge in both the substance and the various qualitative methods, and systematic attendance to the method accompanied by the openness and the creativity of a qualitative approach. Conclusions and recommendations are presented as epistemological reflections and a guide for future metasynthesis research in health sciences.


One of the most important factors that affect the cost of a woven fabric is the energy cost. In this study, general information about the energy types and levels that are used during woven fabric production has been given, and an energy analysis of a chosen weaving mill has been conducted. A new theoretical approach has been developed for determining the specific energy consumption of selected woven fabric. The energy consumption of a particular woven fabric produced in the chosen weaving mill has been calculated using the equations given, and the results obtained have been compared with data given in literature.


The Born-Oppenheimer separation of the Schrodinger equation allows the electronic and nuclear motions to be solved in three steps. 1) The solution of the electronic wave function at a discrete set of molecular conformations; 2) the fitting of this discrete set of energy values in order to construct an analytical approximation to the potential energy surface (PES) at all molecular conformations; 3) the use of this analytical PES to solve for the nuclear motion using either time-dependent or time-independent formulations to compute molecular energy values, chemical reaction rates, and cumulative reaction probabilities. This project involves the development of technology to address all three of these steps. This report focuses on our recent work on the optimization of nonlinear wave function parameters for the electronic wave functions.


To better understand processes leading to porphyry Mo deposit formation, the metal content, volatile content, and crystallization conditions of melt inclusions from pre- and synmineralization intrusions in six porphyry(-skarn) Mo deposits of northeastern China (Aolunhua, Hashitu, Lanjiagou, Songbei, Wanbaoyuan, and Yangjiazhangzi) were investigated by means of laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and electron microprobe analysis. The ore-forming silicate melts were one to four times more evolved than average granite with 1 to 7 ppm Mo. The ore-related intrusions crystallized predominantly at 760° to 690°C and 3.7 to 1.0 kbar, except for the one at Hashitu, which crystallized at 770° to 740°C and lower pressures (2.0–1.0 kbar). Fertile silicate melts at Hashitu contain up to 0.4 wt % F, 0.03 to 0.09 wt % Cl, 5.0 to 7.0 wt % H2O, 10 to 24 ppm Cs, and 200 to 500 ppm Rb, whereas those at Yangjiazhangzi and Wanbaoyuan contain less Cs (3–6 ppm and 5–7 ppm, respectively), less Rb (180–220 ppm and 200–240 ppm, respectively), and negligible F (<0.15 wt %) but have similar Cl (0.03–0.05 wt %) and H2O (5.3–6.5 wt % and 4.0–5.2 wt %, respectively) contents. Calculated melt viscosities in fertile magmas (log η = 4.3–6.1 Pa s) are at the lower end of the values reported for felsic melts at the same temperature.Comparison between syn- and premineralization intrusions in individual deposits reveals that the ore-related intrusions were similarly evolved and had similar Mo contents and crystallization conditions as the nonmineralizing intrusions. The only difference is that the premineralization intrusions tend to occur as batholiths. The key to porphyry Mo mineralization lies in the focusing of fluid into and through a small rock volume on the top of the intrusion.For the studied porphyry Mo deposits, the mineralizing magmas are all Mo poor, indicating Mo enrichment is not required to form porphyry Mo deposits. Metal endowments in porphyry Mo deposits have no direct relationship with the composition and crystallization condition of mineralizing melts but are linked with the fluid flux released from the underlying magma chamber through a cupola.


In the Milky Way, the thick disk can be defined using individual stellar abundances, kinematics, or age, or geometrically, as stars high above the midplane. In nearby galaxies, where only a geometric definition can be used, thick disks appear to have large radial scale lengths, and their red colors suggest that they are uniformly old. The Milky Way's geometrically thick disk is also radially extended, but it is far from chemically uniform: α-enhanced stars are confined within the inner Galaxy. In simulated galaxies, where old stars are centrally concentrated, geometrically thick disks are radially extended, too. Younger stellar populations flare in the simulated disks' outer regions, bringing those stars high above the midplane. The resulting geometrically thick disks therefore show a radial age gradient, from old in their central regions to younger in their outskirts. Based on our age estimates for a large sample of giant stars in the APOGEE survey, we can now test this scenario for the Milky Way. We find that the geometrically defined thick disk in the Milky Way has indeed a strong radial age gradient: the median age for red clump stars goes from ∼9 Gyr in the inner disk to 5 Gyr in the outer disk. We propose that at least some nearby galaxies could also have thick disks that are not uniformly old, and that geometrically thick disks might be complex structures resulting from different formation mechanisms in their inner and outer parts.


Energy‐efficient synthesis of materials locked in compositional and structural states far from equilibrium remains a challenging goal, yet biomineralizing organisms routinely assemble such materials with sophisticated designs and advanced functional properties, often using amorphous precursors. However, incorporation of organics limits the useful temperature range of these materials. Herein, the bioinspired synthesis of a highly supersaturated calcite (Ca0.5Ba0.5CO3) called balcite is reported, at mild conditions and using an amorphous calcium–barium carbonate (ACBC) (Ca1− x Ba x CO3·1.2H2O) precursor. Balcite not only contains 50 times more barium than the solubility limit in calcite but also displays the rotational disorder on carbonate sites that is typical for high‐temperature calcite. It is significantly harder (30%) and less stiff than calcite, and retains these properties after heating to elevated temperatures. Analysis of balcite local order suggests that it may require the formation of the ACBC precursor and could therefore be an example of nonclassical nucleation. These findings demonstrate that amorphous precursor pathways are powerfully enabling and provide unprecedented access to materials far from equilibrium, including high‐temperature modifications by room‐temperature synthesis.


Organisations are making increasing use of web applications and web-based systems as an integral part of providing services. Examples include personalised dynamic user content on a website, social media plug-ins or web-based mapping tools. For these types of applications to have maximum use for the user where the applications are fully functional, they require the integration of data from multiple sources. The focus of this thesis is in improving this integration process with a focus on web applications with multiple sources of data.

Integration of data from multiple sources is problematic for many reasons. Current integration methods tend to be domain specific and application specific. They are often complex, have compatibility issues with different technologies, lack maturity, are difficult to re-use, and do not accommodate new and emerging models and integration technologies. Technologies to achieve integration, such as brokers and translators do exist, but they cannot be used as a generic solution for developing web-applications achieving the integration outcomes required for successful web application development due to their domain specificity. It is because of these difficulties with integration, and the wide variety of integration approaches that there is a need to provide assistance to the developer in selecting the integration approach most appropriate to their needs.

This thesis proposes GIWeb, a unified top-down data integration methodology instantiated with a framework that will aid developers in their integration process. It will act as a conceptual structure to support the chosen technical approach. The framework will assist in the integration of data sources to support web application builders. The thesis presents the rationale for the need for the framework based on an examination of the range of applications, associated data sources and the range of potential solutions. The framework is evaluated using four case studies.


In this report, we provide a comparative study of state-of-the-art in Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) techniques with orthonormal analysis and synthesis basis. Two main categories, OFDM/QAM which adopts base-band Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) and rectangular pulse shape, and OFDM/OQAM which uses baseband offset QAM and various pulse shapes, are intensively reviewed. OFDM/QAM can provide high data rate communication and effectively remove intersymbol interference (ISI) by employing guard interval, which costs a loss of spectral efficiency and increases power consumption. Meanwhile it remains very sensitive to frequency offset which causes inter-carrier interference (ICI). In order to achieve better spectral efficiency and reducing combined ISI/ICI, OFDM/OQAM using well designed pulses with proper Time Frequency Localization (TFL) is of great interest. Various prototype functions, such as rectangular, half cosine, Isotropic Orthogonal Transfer Algorithm (IOTA) function and Extended Gaussian Functions (EGF) are discussed and simulation results are provided to illustrate the TFL properties by the ambiguity function and the interference function.


The European Commission (hereinafter "the Commission") recently released two Inception Impact Assessments (IIA) and public consultations on a possible new competition tool and a possible ex-ante regulation of large online platforms (so-called "gatekeepers"). After the publication of many reports on the topic "competition law in the digital economy", the Commission is ready to act by adapting its antitrust law and by regulating large digital players before the end of the year (Q4-2020). To regulate or not to regulate is not anymore a Shakespearian issue. A regulation is inevitable. If the why seems obvious the how is still an open question. Should the regulation be symmetric (applicable to all firms equally) or asymmetric (applicable only to large online platforms against objective criteria)? From a law and economics point of view, an ex-ante asymmetric regulation may not only be inefficient but also unfair. Section I provides a brief summary of why a regulation is necessary and section 2 explains why an ex-ante asymmetric regulation is not an efficient and fair solution.


Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) is an attractive transmission technique for high-bit-rate communication systems. One major drawback of OFDM is the high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of the transmitter's output signal. The selected mapping (SLM) approach provides good performance for PAPR reduction, but it requires a bank of inverse fast Fourier transforms (IFFTs) to generate a set of candidate transmission signals, and this requirement usually results in high computational complexity. In selected mapping (SLM) method a whole set of candidate signals is generated representing the same information, and then the most favourable signal as regards to PAPR is chosen and transmitted. SLM scheme is one of the initial probabilistic approaches for reducing the PAPR problem, with a goal of making occurrence of the peaks less frequent, not to eliminate the peaks. The scheme can handle any number of subcarriers and drawback associated with the scheme is the overhead of side information that needs to be transmitted to the receiver. This paper studies the problem of peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system. It introduces a new PAPR reduction method that performs signal processing in the OFDM time domain together with the SLM method. The simple non-linear amplitude pre-distortion process of the proposed method changes the statistical characteristics of the OFDM symbol from Rayleigh distribution into Gaussian-like distribution. This change in statistical distribution is accompanied by changes in the peak and average power values and consequently reduction in the PAPR value. For the QPSK OFDM system with 128 sub-carriers, 3dB reduction in PAPR value is achieved. The proposed method shows that SLM with square rooting have higher PAPR reduction compare to the original SLM method. The approach is very flexible and can work with arbitrary number of sub-carries without restriction on the type of modulation applied on them.

 Key words: Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), peak –to-average power ratio (PAPR), slm, statistical distribution.


The paper deals with the development and design of a kit for choosing samples from various objects for microbiological studies. The studies clarified the composition of the set and requirements for the complete set and its parts. The design of this set parts was made and the design documents were drawn up for manufacturing the sampling set. A programme and procedures for microbiological and pilot tests of the kit were developed and its trials were performed.


DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS NANAYAKKARA, THARANGA R. B.Sc. UNIVERSITY OF COLOMBO, 2011 ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF NITROPHENYL FUNCTIONALIZED GRAPHENE AND BORON NANOTUBES Committee Chair: Xiao-Qian Wang, Ph.D. Thesis dated July 2015 We have studied the electronic characteristics of covalently functionalized graphene by nitrophenol groups using first-principles density-functional theory calculations. The nitrophenyl functionalization leads to a band gap opening in graphene and transition from a semi-metallic to semiconducting state. The induced gap is shown to be attributed to the modification of the ^-conjugation that depends on the configuration for a pair of monovalent adsorption. A detailed analysis reveals that this intriguing magnetism modulation by strain stems from the redistribution of spin-polarized electrons induced by local lattice distortions. A detailed analysis suggests a sensitive and effective way to tailor properties of graphene for future applications in nanoscale devices. The quest for low-dimensional boron structures has been motivated by the potential applications of light-weight materials. Recently, a semi-metallic twodimensional boron allotrope was predicted via ab initio evolutionary structure search, which is markedly lower in energy than the planar structures composed of triangular motifs and hexagonal holes. The emergence of a Dirac cone in the band structure demonstrates an intriguing perspective for quasiplanar counterpart of graphene. We studied the corresponding single walled boron nanotubes derived from the quasiplanar boron structure. In particular, our results are identified to have a Dirac cone, as well. The buckling and coupling between the two sublattices not only enhance the stability, but also are key factors to the emergence of the Dirac cone. ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF NITROPHENYL FUNCTIONALIZED GRAPHENE AND BORON NANOTUBES


Cell synchrony was investigated during glycolytic oscillations in starved yeast cell suspensions at cell densities ranging from 2 × 106-5 × 107cells ml-1. Oscillations in NAD(P)H were triggered by inhibition of mitochondrial respiration when intracellular NAD(P)H had reached a steady state after glucose addition. Before macroscopic damping of the oscillations, individual yeast cells oscillated in phase with the cell population. After oscillations had damped out macroscopically, a significant fraction of the cells still exhibited oscillatory dynamics, slightly out-of-phase. At cell concentrations higher than 107cells ml-1the dependence upon cell-density of (i) the damping of glycolytic oscillations and (ii) the amplitude per cell suggested that cell-to-cell interaction occurred. Most importantly, at cell densities exceeding 107cells ml-1the damping was much weaker. A combination of modelling studies and experimental analysis of the kinetics of damping of oscillations and their amplitude, with and without added ethanol, pyruvate or acetaldehyde, suggested that the autonomous glycolytic oscillations of the yeast cells depend upon the balance between oxidative and reductive (ethanol catabolism) fluxes of NADH, which is affected by the extracellular concentration of ethanol. Based on the facts that cell (i) excrete ethanol, (ii) are able to catabolize external ethanol, and (iii) that this catabolism affects their tendency to oscillate, we suggest that the dependence of the oscillations on cell density is mediated through the concentration of ethanol in the medium.


A functional nervous system consists of two halves:
the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system
(PNS). Although these two halves are, for the most part,
anatomically separate, their communication relies on specialized
connections called transition zones (TZ) which form early in
development. At these transition zones, axons cross in or out of
the spinal cord, connecting CNS and PNS. Some glial cells migrate
through TZs as part of normal nervous system development, while
many others are restricted from migrating through, although they
can send processes into the TZ and interact with glia on the other
side. The mechanisms regulating TZ formation and migration of cells
across TZ boundaries are not understood, although interactions
between CNS and PNS cells are thought to play a major role. My
research has discovered novel mechanisms regulating cell migration
across TZs, focusing particularly on one type of glia,
oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). I have characterized a
newly discovered cell type, motor exit point (MEP) glia, which are
essential for preventing OPCs from migrating into the PNS. I have
also discovered that neuronal modulation via adenosine signaling is
an additional mechanism involved in regulating OPC migration. This
work demonstrates the importance and specificity of cellular
interactions in regulating cell migration and nervous system
patterning.


The photochromic materials have been widely applied in many fields. In this article, we report a class of photochromic ammoniums with a dithienylethene backbone. They were utilized as templates to construct mechanically interlocked rotaxanes and pseudorotaxanes showing photo-responsive behavior by template-directed clipping reaction and the threading approach. The structures of novel rotaxanes were well defined. It is worth mentioning that the single crystal structure of [3]rotaxane containing two N-hetero crown ether units was obtained. Their photoisomerization behavior was investigated. These N-hetero crown ether-based rotaxanes displayed good reversibility and similar photochromic behaviors to their corresponding ammoniums when they underwent UV/vis photoirradiation. Interestingly, the cucurbit[6]uril-based pseudorotaxane showed better photoisomerization than its corresponding ammonium and those of N-hetero crown ether-based rotaxanes.


High Speed Machining is applicable for producing parts that require little or no grinding / polishing operations within the required machining tolerances. For achieving required level of quality, selection of cutting tools and parameters in high speed machining is very important. In this study, small diameter flat end milling tool was used to achieve high rpm to facilitate the application of low values of feed and depth of cut to achieve better surface roughness. Machining was performed on a Vertical Machining Centre (VMC) with a high speed milling attachment (HES 510), using cutting speed, depth of cut, and feed as machining variables. Statistical prediction model of average surface roughness was developed using three-level full factorial design of experiments. It was observed that depth of cut is the most dominating factor followed by cutting speed and feed. The developed model was used for optimization by desirability function approach to obtain minimum Ra. Maximum desirability of 95.63% was obtained.


Brown rice puffing (unpolished rice) gives a more nutritious product compared to traditional puffed polished rice and reduces the cost of the product significantly, even though, the rice bran layer resists expansion during puffing. In the present study, brown rice was puffed in a microwave and hot-sand-bed after its pressure parboiling. Pressure parboiling parameters, steam pressure (196, 294, 392, 490 kPa) and steaming time (5, 10, 15 min), along with pre-conditioned moisture content (8, 10, 12 % wb) were studied and optimized for puffing characteristics (puffing percentage, expansion ratio, whiteness index, bulk density and hardness). All the experiments were carried out using a full factorial design. Statistical analysis showed there was a significant effect of processing variables on puffing characteristics. Optimized steam pressure, steaming time and pre-conditioned moisture content for microwave puffing were found to be 303.6 kPa, 14.25 min and 11.6% (wb) respectively, and for hot-sand-bed puffing to be 260.7 kPa, 15 min and 8% (wb) respectively.


We have observed unusual plasma formations (UPFs) in artificial clouds of charged water droplets using a high-speed infrared camera operating in conjunction with a high-speed visible-range camera. Inferred plasma parameters were close to those of long-spark leaders observed in the same experiments, while the channel morphology was distinctly different from that of leaders, so that UPFs can be viewed as a new type of in-cloud discharge. These formations can occur in the absence of spark leaders and appear to be manifestations of collective processes building, essentially from scratch, a complex hierarchical network of interacting channels at different stages of development (some of which are hot and live for milliseconds). We believe that the phenomenon should commonly occur in thunderclouds and might give insights on the missing link in the still poorly understood lightning initiation process.


Multi-core computing is becoming ubiquitous due to the scaling limitations of single-core computing. It is inevitable that parallel programming will become the mainstream for such processors. In this paradigm shift, the concept of abstraction should not be compromised. A programming model serves as an abstraction of how programs are executed. Transactional Memory (TM) is a technique proposed to maintain lock free synchronization. Due to the simplicity of the abstraction provided by it, TM can also be used as a way of distributing parallel work, maintaining coherence and consistency. Motivated by this, at a higher level, the thesis makes three contributions and all are centred around Hardware Transactional Memory (HTM).As the first contribution, a transaction-only architecture is coupled with a ``data centric" approach, to address the scalability issues of the former whilst maintaining its simplicity. This is achieved by grouping together memory locations having similar access patterns and maintaining coherence and consistency according to the group each memory location belongs to. As the second contribution a novel technique is proposed to reduce the number of false transaction aborts which occur in a signature based HTM. The idea is to adaptively switch between cache lines and signatures to detect conflicts. That is, when a transaction fits in the L1 cache, cache line information is used to detect conflicts and signatures are used otherwise. As the third contribution, the thesis makes a case for having an exit functionality in an HTM. The objective of the proposed functionality, TM_EXIT, is to terminate a transaction without restarting or committing.


Congenitally missing teeth, or hypodontia, is one of the most common abnormalities of the human dentition and has a critical and often lifelong impact on the oral health of affected individuals. Here we review hypodontia and describe the patterns of inheritance it can display. A short review of tooth development and a primer in human genetics are presented. Approaches used to determine the underlying cause for various forms of hypodontia are discussed and information about genes discovered to date is reviewed. The role that the dental hygienists can play in facilitating the discovery of novel genes for hypodontia is illustrated.


Abelson helper integration site 1 (AHI1) is associated with several neuropsychiatric and brain developmental disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, autism, and Joubert syndrome. Ahi1 deficiency in mice leads to behaviors typical of depression. However, the mechanisms by which AHI1 regulates behavior remain to be elucidated. Here, we found that down-regulation of expression of the rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine biosynthesis, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), in the midbrains of Ahi1-knockout (KO) mice is responsible for Ahi1-deficiency–mediated depressive symptoms. We also found that Rev-Erbα, a TH transcriptional repressor and circadian regulator, is up-regulated in the Ahi1-KO mouse midbrains and Ahi1-knockdown Neuro-2a cells. Moreover, brain and muscle Arnt-like protein 1 (BMAL1), the Rev-Erbα transcriptional regulator, is also increased in the Ahi1-KO mouse midbrains and Ahi1-knockdown cells. Our results further revealed that AHI1 decreases BMAL1/Rev-Erbα expression by interacting with and repressing retinoic acid receptor–related orphan receptor α, a nuclear receptor and transcriptional regulator of circadian genes. Of note, Bmal1 deficiency reversed the reduction in TH expression induced by Ahi1 deficiency. Moreover, microinfusion of the Rev-Erbα inhibitor SR8278 into the ventral midbrain of Ahi1-KO mice significantly increased TH expression in the ventral tegmental area and improved their depressive symptoms. These findings provide a mechanistic explanation for a link between AHI1-related behaviors and the circadian clock pathway, indicating an involvement of circadian regulatory proteins in AHI1-regulated mood and behavior.


Diabetic foot ulcers are sores on the feet that occur in 15% of diabetic patients a while during their lifetime. Incidence of diabetes and its complications are increased. Accordingly diabetic foot considered as a standard complication of diabetes. This study was undertaken to assess the knowledge of adults on diabetic foot care with a view to organize Information booklet on diabetic foot care. Descriptive Cross Sectional Design was adopted for the study. Adults who met the inclusion criteria were selected by purposive sampling technique. After obtaining informed consent, data was collected by using closed structured interview schedule among 50 adults admitted in Medical, Surgical, Ortho and CCU wards at PIMS, Puducherry. Average time spent for the interview was 20 - 30 minutes. Around 12-15 adults were interviewed by seven research assistants per day. Data was collected over a period of one week from 07.03.16 to 11.03.16. An information booklet on diabetic foot care was distributed to the entire study participants after data collection. The investigators didn't face any difficulty during the data collection process. The data obtained were compiled for analysis and interpretation.