HIGH PERFORMANCE, LOW COST SUBSPACE DECOMPOSITION AND POLYNOMIAL ROOTING FOR REAL TIME DIRECTION OF ARRIVAL ESTIMATION: ANALYSIS AND IMPLEMENTATION

This thesis develops high performance real-time signal processing modules for direction of arrival (DOA) estimation for localization systems. It proposes highly parallel algorithms for performing subspace decomposition and polynomial rooting, which are otherwise traditionally implemented using sequential algorithms. The proposed algorithms address the emerging need for real-time localization for a wide range of applications. As the antenna array size increases, the complexity of signal processing algorithms increases, making it increasingly difficult to satisfy the real-time constraints. This thesis addresses real-time implementation by proposing parallel algorithms, that maintain considerable improvement over traditional algorithms, especially for systems with larger number of antenna array elements. Singular value decomposition (SVD) and polynomial rooting are two computationally complex steps and act as the bottleneck to achieving real-time performance. The proposed algorithms are suitable for implementation on field programmable gated arrays (FPGAs), single instruction multiple data (SIMD) hardware or application specific integrated chips (ASICs), which offer large number of processing elements that can be exploited for parallel processing. The designs proposed in this thesis are modular, easily expandable and easy to implement. Firstly, this thesis proposes a fast converging SVD algorithm. The proposed method reduces the number of iterations it takes to converge to correct singular values, thus achieving closer to real-time performance. A general algorithm and a modular system design are provided making it easy for designers to replicate and extend the design to larger matrix sizes. Moreover, the method is highly parallel, which can be exploited in various hardware platforms mentioned earlier. A fixed point implementation of proposed SVD algorithm is presented. The FPGA design is pipelined to the maximum extent to increase the maximum achievable frequency of operation. The system was developed with the objective of achieving high throughput. Various modern cores available in FPGAs were used to maximize the performance and details of these modules are presented in detail. Finally, a parallel polynomial rooting technique based on Newton’s method applicable exclusively to root-MUSIC polynomials is proposed. Unique characteristics of root-MUSIC polynomial’s complex dynamics were exploited to derive this polynomial rooting method. The technique exhibits parallelism and converges to the desired root within fixed number of iterations, making this suitable for polynomial rooting of large degree polynomials. We believe this is the first time that complex dynamics of root-MUSIC polynomial were analyzed to propose an algorithm. In all, the thesis addresses two major bottlenecks in a direction of arrival estimation system, by providing simple, high throughput, parallel algorithms.

Auriferous Tertiary Gravels Near Rocker, in Silver Bow County, Montana

Between the villages of Rocker and Silver Bow, in south­western Montana, are found an interesting group of placers. Gold occurs in Tertiary gravel beds that are interstratified with beds of rhyolitic volcanic ash. With the aid of a plane table and open-sight alidade, a small portion of the lake-bed area near Rocker was mapped; all distances were paced, but numerous checks assure a fairly accurate map.

Agricultural land use and biodiversity in the Alps - How cultural tradition and socioeconomically motivated changes are shaping grassland biodiversity in the Swiss Alps

Alpine grasslands are ecosystems with a great diversity of plant species. However, little is known about other levels of biodiversity, such as landscape diversity, diversity of biological interactions of plants with herbivores or fungal pathogens, and genetic diversity. We therefore explored natural and anthropogenic determinants of grassland biodiversity at several levels of biological integration, from the genetic to the landscape level in the Swiss Alps. Differences between cultural traditions (Romanic, Germanic, and Walser) turned out to still affect land use diversity and thus landscape diversity. Increasing land use diversity, in turn, increased plant species diversity per village. However, recent land use changes have reduced this diversity. Within grassland parcels, plant species diversity was higher on unfertilized mown grasslands than on fertilized or grazed ones. Most individual plants were affected by herbivores and fungal leaf pathogens, reflecting that parcels harbored a great diversity of herbivores and pathogens. However, as plant damage by herbivores and pathogens was not severe, conserving these biological interactions among plants is hardly compromising agricultural goals. A common-garden experiment revealed genetic differentiation of the important fodder grass Poa alpina between mown and grazed sites, suggesting adaptation. Per-village genetic diversity of Poa alpina was greater in villages with higher land use diversity, analogous to the higher plant species diversity there. Overall, landscape diversity and biodiversity within grassland parcels are currently declining. As this contradicts the intention of Swiss law and international agreements, financial incentives need to be re-allocated and should focus on promoting high biodiversity at the local and the landscape level. At the same time, this will benefit landscape attractiveness for tourists and help preserve a precious cultural heritage in the Swiss Alps.

Assessment of splanchnic blood flow using magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The splanchnic circulation has an important function in the body under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Despite its importance, no reliable noninvasive procedures for estimating splanchnic circulation have been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate MRI as a tool for assessing intra-abdominal blood flows of the aorta, portal vein (VPO) and the major intestinal and hepatic vessels. METHODS: In nine healthy volunteers, the proximal aorta (AOP) and distal abdominal aorta (AOD), superior mesenteric artery (SAM), celiac trunk (CTR), hepatic arteries (common and proper hepatic arteries, AHC and AHP, respectively), and VPO were localized on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography images. Volumetric flow was measured using a two-dimensional cine echocardiogram-gated phase contrast technique. Measurements were taken before and 30 min after continuous intravenous infusion of somatostatin (250 microg/h) and were independently evaluated by two investigators. RESULTS: Blood flow measured by MRI in the VPO, SAM, AOP, AHP, and CTR significantly decreased after drug infusion. Flows in the AOD and AHC showed a tendency to decrease (P>0.05). Interrater agreement on flows in MRI was very good for large vessels (VPO, AOP, and AOD), with a concordance correlation coefficient of 0.94, as well as for smaller vessels such as the CTR, AHC, AHP, and SAM (concordance correlation coefficient =0.78). CONCLUSION: Somatostatin-induced blood flow changes in the splanchnic region were reliably detected by MRI. MRI may be useful for the noninvasive assessment of blood flow changes in the splanchnic region.

Plant ion channels: gene families, physiology, and functional genomics analyses

Distinct potassium, anion, and calcium channels in the plasma membrane and vacuolar membrane of plant cells have been identified and characterized by patch clamping. Primarily owing to advances in Arabidopsis genetics and genomics, and yeast functional complementation, many of the corresponding genes have been identified. Recent advances in our understanding of ion channel genes that mediate signal transduction and ion transport are discussed here. Some plant ion channels, for example, ALMT and SLAC anion channel subunits, are unique. The majority of plant ion channel families exhibit homology to animal genes; such families include both hyperpolarization- and depolarization-activated Shaker-type potassium channels, CLC chloride transporters/channels, cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, and ionotropic glutamate receptor homologs. These plant ion channels offer unique opportunities to analyze the structural mechanisms and functions of ion channels. Here we review gene families of selected plant ion channel classes and discuss unique structure-function aspects and their physiological roles in plant cell signaling and transport.

KIWAKKUKI - Women fight against HIV/AIDS. An encouraging example for social work in Tanzania

For 20 years, AIDS has continued its relentless spread across the globe. By the end of the year 2000, the United Nations’ Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS reported that 36.1 million men, women, and children around the world were living with HIV and 21.8 million had died of it. Though AIDS is now found in every country, it has most seriously affected sub-Saharan Africa - home to 70 % of all adults and 80 % of all children living with HIV, and the continent with the least medical resources in the world. Today, AIDS is the primary cause of death in Africa and it has had a devastating impact on villages, communities and families. In many African countries, the number of newly infected persons is increasing at a rate that is threatening to destroy the social fabric. Life expectancy is decreasing rapidly in many of these countries as a result of AIDS related illnesses and socioeconomic problems. Of the approximately 13.2 million children orphaned by HIV/AIDS worldwide, 12.1 million live in Africa.

Virtual Electrophysiology with SPatch

SPatch is an open source virtual laboratory designed to perform simulated electrophysiological experiments without the technical difficulties inherent to laboratory work. It provides the core equipment necessary for recording neuronal activity and allows the user to install the equipment, design their own protocols, prepare solutions to bathe the preparation or to fill the electrodes, and gather data. Assistance is provided for most steps with predefined components that are appropriate to a range of standard procedures. Experiments that can be performed with SPatch at present concern the study of voltage-gated channels in isolated neurons. This allows understanding the ionic mechanisms of Na+ and Ca2+ action potentials, after spike hyperpolarization, pacemaker tonic or bursting activity of neurons, delayed or sustained or adaptive firing of neurons in response to a depolarization, spontaneous depolarization of the membrane following an hyperpolarization, etc. In an educational context, the main interest of SPatch is to allow students to focus on the concepts and thought processes of electrophysiological investigation without the high equipment costs and extensive training required to perform laboratory work. It can be used to acquaint students with the relevant procedures before starting work in a real lab, or to give students an understanding of single neuron behavior and the ways it can be studied without requiring practical work. We illustrate the function and use of SPatch, explore educational issues arising from the inevitable differences between simulated and real laboratory work, and outline possible improvements.

Gefälschte Identität oder Sehnsucht nach Exotik

Auch im Kopieren fremder Vorbilder bleibt Architektur auf technische, materielle und ökonomische Aspekte der Gesellschaft bezogen, in der sie entsteht. Dies unterscheidet "Immobilien"-Architekturen von Produkten, die weltweit verschickt und gehandelt werden. Die Übernahme westlicher, aber auch eigener historischer Architekturvorbilder im chinesischen Immobilenmarkt ist insofern ein Anzeiger für spezifische Bedürfnisse und für ein spezielles Verständnis von Kopie. Die Vermarktung westlicher Architekturkopien ist die Inszenierung einer als fortschrittlich empfunden Lebenswelt, die sich aus dem Umfeld der allgemeinen Entwicklung abhebt und damit exotisch und begehrenswert wirkt. Dabei kommt zum Tragen, dass Architektur in China traditionell nicht als Kunst angesehen, sondern in den Zünften der Handwerker weitergegeben wurde. Das kommunistische Regime tat über Jahrzehnte ein übriges zur Anonymisierung der Entwurfspraxis. Erst seit den letzten Jahren entwickelt sich in China eine Architekturszene, die sowohl die eigene Tradition wie die globale Entwicklung im Blickfeld hat.

Orphanhood, Poverty and the Care Dilemma: Review of Global Policy Trends

The care and protection of children experiencing orphanhood presents a major child-care policy challenge. This paper draws on a review of the literature to document divergent conceptualizations of orphanhood, how the hurdles for the care of orphans reflect wider issues of poverty and inequality, as well as the ways in which different care interventions (familial, institutional, community-based and rights-based) might be appropriated for children in need. It is argued that the map of contemporary orphanhood overlaps with the contours of global poverty, inequality, age-based deprivations and marginalization. An example of a ‘globalised’ model of orphan care, namely SOS Children’s Villages, is presented and its implications for policy are examined. The paper highlights the significance of fighting poverty and enhancing the care-giving capabilities of extended families in the care and protection of children from a rights-based perspective. It suggests that external interventions should primarily address the structural causes of poverty and marginality, rather than amplifying inequalities through the selective support of orphans in economically vulnerable communities.

Systemvergleich zwischen magnetisch erregten und piezoerregten Schwingförderern

Energieeffizienz und Leistungsfähigkeit von fördertechnischen Anlagen sind in den vergangenen Jahren immer mehr in den Fokus der Betreiber und Hersteller gerückt. Im Rahmen einer Untersuchung am Fraunhofer-Institut für Materialfluss und Logistik IML wurden diese beiden Aspekte an magnetisch erregten und piezoerregten Schwingförderern untersucht. Ein Systemvergleich stellt dabei die wesentlichen Vor- und Nachteile der jeweiligen Antriebsart dar und unterstützt sowohl bei der Auswahl als auch bei der Optimierung von Transportsystemen im logistischen Umfeld.

The sociolinguistic situation of ǂHoan, a moribund 'Khoisan' language of Botswana

In 2010, we conducted a sociolinguistic survey on the moribund 'Khoisan' language ǂHoan (Ju-ǂHoan), spoken in Botswana at the fringe of the Kalahari Desert. The survey aimed at investigating language use, degrees of multilingualism and language attitude among the ǂHoan speakers. Data collection was done on the basis of a questionnaire. We found that the positive language attitude of individuals towards ǂHoan often conflicts with the community's attitude towards this language, resulting in a split of actual language use between the family and more formal situations. All ǂHoan speakers are at least bilingual speaking the local lingua franca Kgalagadi (Bantu) besides ǂHoan. Most of them are in fact even trilingual, speaking Gǀui (Khoe-Kwadi) in addition to ǂHoan and Kgalagadi. Most of our results stand in line with an earlier sociolinguistic survey on ǂHoan by Batibo (2005a) which was carried out in 2003. In comparing Batibo's results to ours, changes in the sociolinguistic situation of ǂHoan as well as differences between the different villages will be pointed out.

Cluster randomized clinical trials in orthodontics: design, analysis and reporting issues

Cluster randomized trials (CRTs) use as the unit of randomization clusters, which are usually defined as a collection of individuals sharing some common characteristics. Common examples of clusters include entire dental practices, hospitals, schools, school classes, villages, and towns. Additionally, several measurements (repeated measurements) taken on the same individual at different time points are also considered to be clusters. In dentistry, CRTs are applicable as patients may be treated as clusters containing several individual teeth. CRTs require certain methodological procedures during sample calculation, randomization, data analysis, and reporting, which are often ignored in dental research publications. In general, due to similarity of the observations within clusters, each individual within a cluster provides less information compared with an individual in a non-clustered trial. Therefore, clustered designs require larger sample sizes compared with non-clustered randomized designs, and special statistical analyses that account for the fact that observations within clusters are correlated. It is the purpose of this article to highlight with relevant examples the important methodological characteristics of cluster randomized designs as they may be applied in orthodontics and to explain the problems that may arise if clustered observations are erroneously treated and analysed as independent (non-clustered).

SCN4B-encoded sodium channel beta4 subunit in congenital long-QT syndrome.

BACKGROUND Congenital long-QT syndrome (LQTS) is potentially lethal secondary to malignant ventricular arrhythmias and is caused predominantly by mutations in genes that encode cardiac ion channels. Nearly 25% of patients remain without a genetic diagnosis, and genes that encode cardiac channel regulatory proteins represent attractive candidates. Voltage-gated sodium channels have a pore-forming alpha-subunit associated with 1 or more auxiliary beta-subunits. Four different beta-subunits have been described. All are detectable in cardiac tissue, but none have yet been linked to any heritable arrhythmia syndrome. METHODS AND RESULTS We present a case of a 21-month-old Mexican-mestizo female with intermittent 2:1 atrioventricular block and a corrected QT interval of 712 ms. Comprehensive open reading frame/splice mutational analysis of the 9 established LQTS-susceptibility genes proved negative, and complete mutational analysis of the 4 Na(vbeta)-subunits revealed a L179F (C535T) missense mutation in SCN4B that cosegregated properly throughout a 3-generation pedigree and was absent in 800 reference alleles. After this discovery, SCN4B was analyzed in 262 genotype-negative LQTS patients (96% white), but no further mutations were found. L179F was engineered by site-directed mutagenesis and heterologously expressed in HEK293 cells that contained the stably expressed SCN5A-encoded sodium channel alpha-subunit (hNa(V)1.5). Compared with the wild-type, L179F-beta4 caused an 8-fold (compared with SCN5A alone) and 3-fold (compared with SCN5A + WT-beta4) increase in late sodium current consistent with the molecular/electrophysiological phenotype previously shown for LQTS-associated mutations. CONCLUSIONS We provide the seminal report of SCN4B-encoded Na(vbeta)4 as a novel LQT3-susceptibility gene.

Investigation of the inhibitory effects of the benzodiazepine derivative, 5-BDBD on P2X4 purinergic receptors by two complementary methods

BACKGROUND/AIMS ATP-gated P2X4 purinergic receptors (P2X4Rs) are cation channels with important roles in diverse cell types. To date, lack of specific inhibitors has hampered investigations on P2X4Rs. Recently, the benzodiazepine derivative, 5-BDBD has been proposed to selectively inhibit P2X4Rs. However, limited evidences are currently available on its inhibitory properties. Thus, we aimed to characterize the inhibitory effects of 5-BDBD on recombinant human P2X4Rs. METHODS We investigated ATP-induced intracellular Ca(2+) signals and whole cell ion currents in HEK 293 cells that were either transiently or stably transfected with hP2X4Rs. RESULTS Our data show that ATP (< 1 μM) stimulates P2X4R-mediated Ca(2+) influx while endogenously expressed P2Y receptors are not activated to any significant extent. Both 5-BDBD and TNP-ATP inhibit ATP-induced Ca(2+) signals and inward ion currents in a concentration-dependent manner. Application of two different concentrations of 5-BDBD causes a rightward shift in ATP dose-response curve. Since the magnitude of maximal stimulation does not change, these data suggest that 5-BDBD may competitively inhibit the P2X4Rs. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that application of submicromolar ATP concentrations allows reliable assessment of recombinant P2XR functions in HEK 293 cells. Furthermore, 5-BDBD and TNP-ATP have similar inhibitory potencies on the P2X4Rs although their mechanisms of actions are different.

Proteasome inhibitor (MG132) rescues Nav1.5 protein content and the cardiac sodium current in dystrophin-deficient mdx (5cv) mice

The cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel, Nav1.5, plays a central role in cardiac excitability and impulse propagation and associates with the dystrophin multiprotein complex at the lateral membrane of cardiomyocytes. It was previously shown that Nav1.5 protein content and the sodium current (l Na) were both decreased in cardiomyocytes of dystrophin-deficient mdx (5cv) mice. In this study, wild-type and mdx (5cv) mice were treated for 7 days with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 (10 μg/Kg/24 h) using implanted osmotic mini pumps. MG132 rescued both the total amount of Nav1.5 protein and l Na but, unlike in previous studies, de novo expression of dystrophin was not observed in skeletal or cardiac muscle. This study suggests that the reduced expression of Nav1.5 in dystrophin-deficient cells is dependent on proteasomal degradation.