The co-occurrence of autism and Williams syndrome: a case study report

This paper describes a longitudinal case study detailing the communication profile of one child with both Williams syndrome (WS) and autism. The participant was administered two standardized assessments of language and general cognitive abilities. His parents completed the Pre-Verbal Communication Schedule; and a sample of the child's spontaneous interaction was analyzed. The results show that this child presents with markedly delayed language and communication skills and that his communication profile is the opposite of the assumed 'typical' WS profile. The conclusion is that clinicians need to be aware of the co-occurrence of genetic disorders, such as WS and autism in order to facilitate accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Semantic-driven context-aware visual information indexing and retrieval: applied in the film post-production domain

A large volume of visual content is inaccessible until effective and efficient indexing and retrieval of such data is achieved. In this paper, we introduce the DREAM system, which is a knowledge-assisted semantic-driven context-aware visual information retrieval system applied in the film post production domain. We mainly focus on the automatic labelling and topic map related aspects of the framework. The use of the context- related collateral knowledge, represented by a novel probabilistic based visual keyword co-occurrence matrix, had been proven effective via the experiments conducted during system evaluation. The automatically generated semantic labels were fed into the Topic Map Engine which can automatically construct ontological networks using Topic Maps technology, which dramatically enhances the indexing and retrieval performance of the system towards an even higher semantic level.

A compositional framework for hardware/software co-design

We describe a compositional framework, together with its supporting toolset, for hardware/software co-design. Our framework is an integration of a formal approach within a traditional design flow. The formal approach is based on Interval Temporal Logic and its executable subset, Tempura. Refinement is the key element in our framework because it will derive from a single formal specification of the system the software and hardware parts of the implementation, while preserving all properties of the system specification. During refinement simulation is used to choose the appropriate refinement rules, which are applied automatically in the HOL system. The framework is illustrated with two case studies. The work presented is part of a UK collaborative research project between the Software Technology Research Laboratory at the De Montfort University and the Oxford University Computing Laboratory.

The surface geometry of carbonmonoxide and hydrogen co-adsorbed on Ni 111

A combination of photoelectron spectroscopy, temperature programmed desorption and low energy electron diffraction structure determinations have been applied to study the p(2 x 2) structures of pure hydrogen and co-adsorbed hydrogen and CO on Ni {111}. In agreement with earlier work atomic hydrogen is found to adsorb on fcc and hcp sites in the pure layer with H-Ni bond lengths of 1.74Angstrom. The substrate interlayer distances, d(12) = 2.05Angstrom and d(23) = 2.06Angstrom, are expanded with respect to clean Ni {111} with buckling of 0.04Angstrom in the first layer. In the co-adsorbed phase Co occupies hcp sites and only the hydrogen atoms on fcc sites remain on the surface. d(12) is even further expanded to 2.08Angstrom with buckling in the first and second layer of 0.06 and 0.02Angstrom, respectively. The C-O, C-Ni, and H-Ni bond lengths are within the range of values also found for the pure adsorbates.

Redox control of light-induced charge separation in a transition metal cluster: photochemistry of a methyl viologen-substituted [Os-3(CO)10(a-diimine)] cluster

Sub)picosecond transient absorption (TA) and time-resolved infrared (TRIR) spectra of the cluster [OS3(CO)(10-) (AcPy-MV)](2+) (the clication AcPy-MV = Acpy-MV2+ = [2-pyridylacetimine-N-(2-(1'-methyl-4,4'-bipyridine-1,1'-diium-1-yl) ethyl)] (PF6)(2)) (1(2+)) reveal that photoinduced electron transfer to the electron-accepting 4,4'-bipyridine-1,1'diium (MV2+) moiety competes with the fast relaxation of the initially populated sigmapi* excited state of the cluster to the ground state and/or cleavage of an Os-Os bond. The TA spectra of cluster 12 in acetone, obtained by irradiation into its lowest-energy absorption band, show the characteristic absorptions of the one-electron-reduced MV*(+) unit at 400 and 615 nm, in accordance with population of a charge-separated (CS) state in which a cluster-core electron has been transferred to the lowest pi* orbital of the remote MV2+ unit. This assignment is confirmed by picosecond TRIR spectra that show a large shift of the pilot highest-frequency nu(CO) band of 1(2+) by ca. +40 cm(-1), reflecting the photooxidation of the cluster core. The CS state is populated via fast (4.2 x 10(11) s(-1)) and efficient (88%) oxidative quenching of the optically populated sigmapi* excited state and decays biexponentially with lifetimes of 38 and 166 ps (1:2:1 ratio) with a complete regeneration of the parent cluster. About 12% of the cluster molecules in the sigmapi* excited state form long-lived open-core biradicals. In strongly coordinating acetonitrile, however, the cluster core-to-MV2+ electron transfer in cluster 12+ results in the irreversible formation of secondary photoproducts with a photooxidized cluster core. The photochemical behavior of the [Os-3(CO)(10)(alpha-diimine-MV)](2+) (donor-acceptor) dyad can be controlled by an externally applied electronic bias. Electrochemical one-electron reduction of the MV2+ moiety prior to the irradiation reduces its electron-accepting character to such an extent that the photoinduced electron transfer to MV*+ is no longer feasible. Instead, the irradiation of reduced cluster 1(.)+ results in the reversible formation of an open-core zwitterion, the ultimate photoproduct also observed upon irradiation of related nonsubstituted clusters [Os-3(CO)(10)(alpha-diimine)] in strongly coordinating solvents such as acetonitrile.

Redox-active polymers based on nonbridged metal−metal bonds. Electrochemical formation of [Os(bpy)(CO)(L)]n(bpy = 2,2‘-bipyridine; L = CO, MeCN) and of their reduced forms: a spectroelectrochemical study

IR, UV-vis, and EPR spectroelectrochemistry at variable temperatures and in different solvents were applied to investigate in situ the formation of electroactive molecular chains with a nonbridged Os-Os backbone, in particular, the polymer [Os-0(bpy)(CO)(2)](n), (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine), from a mononuclear Os(II) carbonyl precursor, [Os-II(bpy)(CO)(2)Cl-2]. The one-electron-reduced form, [Os-II(bpy(.-))(CO)(2)Cl-2](-), has been characterized spectroscopically at low temperatures. This radical anion is the key intermediate in the electrochemical propagation process responsible for the metal-metal bond formation. Unambiguous spectroscopic evidence has been gained also for the formation of [{Os-0(bpy(.-))(CO)(2)}(-)](n), the electron-rich electrocatalyst of CO2 reduction. The polymer species are fairly well soluble in butyronitrile, which is important for their potential utilization in nanoscience, for example, as conducting molecular wires. We have also shown that complete solubility is accomplished for the monocarbonyl-acetonitrile derivative of the polymer, [Os-0(bpy)(CO)(MeCN)(2)Cl](n).

Realistic mean field forward predictions for the integration of co-registered EEG/fMRI

Brain activity can be measured non-invasively with functional imaging techniques. Each pixel in such an image represents a neural mass of about 105 to 107 neurons. Mean field models (MFMs) approximate their activity by averaging out neural variability while retaining salient underlying features, like neurotransmitter kinetics. However, MFMs incorporating the regional variability, realistic geometry and connectivity of cortex have so far appeared intractable. This lack of biological realism has led to a focus on gross temporal features of the EEG. We address these impediments and showcase a "proof of principle" forward prediction of co-registered EEG/fMRI for a full-size human cortex in a realistic head model with anatomical connectivity, see figure 1. MFMs usually assume homogeneous neural masses, isotropic long-range connectivity and simplistic signal expression to allow rapid computation with partial differential equations. But these approximations are insufficient in particular for the high spatial resolution obtained with fMRI, since different cortical areas vary in their architectonic and dynamical properties, have complex connectivity, and can contribute non-trivially to the measured signal. Our code instead supports the local variation of model parameters and freely chosen connectivity for many thousand triangulation nodes spanning a cortical surface extracted from structural MRI. This allows the introduction of realistic anatomical and physiological parameters for cortical areas and their connectivity, including both intra- and inter-area connections. Proper cortical folding and conduction through a realistic head model is then added to obtain accurate signal expression for a comparison to experimental data. To showcase the synergy of these computational developments, we predict simultaneously EEG and fMRI BOLD responses by adding an established model for neurovascular coupling and convolving "Balloon-Windkessel" hemodynamics. We also incorporate regional connectivity extracted from the CoCoMac database [1]. Importantly, these extensions can be easily adapted according to future insights and data. Furthermore, while our own simulation is based on one specific MFM [2], the computational framework is general and can be applied to models favored by the user. Finally, we provide a brief outlook on improving the integration of multi-modal imaging data through iterative fits of a single underlying MFM in this realistic simulation framework.

CSR: the co-evolution of grocery multiples in the UK (2005-2010)

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate if CSR is balanced between firm and wider society interests. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative interpretive hermeneutic approach is used to analyse a variety of publically published secondary sources on the CSR of Tesco, Sainsburys, Morrisons and Co-operative in the UK grocery multiple sector (2005-2010). Findings – CSR strategic outcomes currently favour the firm more than society interests. A multilayered framework in the form of Social Responsibility of the Corporation (SRC) is designed and offered in support of balancing the business-society relationship more evenly. Research limitations/implications – This study is limited to firms originating from within the UK grocery multiple sector. Asda could not be included in the study as it does not publish CSR reports annually in the UK after becoming part of Walmart group. Practical implications – A framework for multi-level standardised definition of CSR in the form of SRC is offered. The inclusion of employees and members of the public on CSR/SRC boards is recommended to foster wider collaboration. The SRC framework promotes standardisation at global level while respecting diversity and firm heterogeneity at firm level. The findings may further contribute to GRI; UN Global Compact; WEF dialogues. Social implications – Recommendations are made to extend CSR board diversity for improved dialogue with communities. The SRC framework may be applied at global; national; industry and firm level. The framework can be applied internationally or locally. Future studies may offer quantitative attributes for balancing CSR/SRC. Originality/value – A globally unique and universally applicable framework for evaluating CSR activities is proposed. Future studies may extend the authors' framework to other industries, national environments or globally in the pursuit of balance between firm and society. Furthermore, firms may also adopt the framework to support CSR activities.

High-precision measurements of the co-polar correlation coefficient: non-Gaussian errors and retrieval of the dispersion parameter µ in rainfall

The co-polar correlation coefficient (ρhv) has many applications, including hydrometeor classification, ground clutter and melting layer identification, interpretation of ice microphysics and the retrieval of rain drop size distributions (DSDs). However, we currently lack the quantitative error estimates that are necessary if these applications are to be fully exploited. Previous error estimates of ρhv rely on knowledge of the unknown "true" ρhv and implicitly assume a Gaussian probability distribution function of ρhv samples. We show that frequency distributions of ρhv estimates are in fact highly negatively skewed. A new variable: L = -log10(1 - ρhv) is defined, which does have Gaussian error statistics, and a standard deviation depending only on the number of independent radar pulses. This is verified using observations of spherical drizzle drops, allowing, for the first time, the construction of rigorous confidence intervals in estimates of ρhv. In addition, we demonstrate how the imperfect co-location of the horizontal and vertical polarisation sample volumes may be accounted for. The possibility of using L to estimate the dispersion parameter (µ) in the gamma drop size distribution is investigated. We find that including drop oscillations is essential for this application, otherwise there could be biases in retrieved µ of up to ~8. Preliminary results in rainfall are presented. In a convective rain case study, our estimates show µ to be substantially larger than 0 (an exponential DSD). In this particular rain event, rain rate would be overestimated by up to 50% if a simple exponential DSD is assumed.

Dynamics of two planets in co-orbital motion

We study the stability regions and families of periodic orbits of two planets locked in a co-orbital configuration. We consider different ratios of planetary masses and orbital eccentricities; we also assume that both planets share the same orbital plane. Initially, we perform numerical simulations over a grid of osculating initial conditions to map the regions of stable/chaotic motion and identify equilibrium solutions. These results are later analysed in more detail using a semi-analytical model. Apart from the well-known quasi-satellite orbits and the classical equilibrium Lagrangian points L(4) and L(5), we also find a new regime of asymmetric periodic solutions. For low eccentricities these are located at (delta lambda, delta pi) = (+/- 60 degrees, -/+ 120 degrees), where delta lambda is the difference in mean longitudes and delta pi is the difference in longitudes of pericentre. The position of these anti-Lagrangian solutions changes with the mass ratio and the orbital eccentricities and are found for eccentricities as high as similar to 0.7. Finally, we also applied a slow mass variation to one of the planets and analysed its effect on an initially asymmetric periodic orbit. We found that the resonant solution is preserved as long as the mass variation is adiabatic, with practically no change in the equilibrium values of the angles.

Production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) P(3HB-co-3HV) with a broad range of 3HV content at high yields by Burkholderia sacchari IPT 189

The biosynthesis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) from sucrose and propionic acid by Burkholderia sacchari IPT 189 was studied using a two-stage bioreactor process. In the first stage, this bacterium was cultivated in a balanced culture medium until sucrose exhaustion. In the second stage, a solution containing sucrose and propionic acid as carbon source was fed to the bioreactor at various sucrose/propionic acid (s/p) ratios at a constant specific flow rate. Copolymers with 3HV content ranging from 40 down to 6.5 (mol%) were obtained with 3HV yield from propionic acid (Y-3HV/prop) increasing from 1.10 to 1.34 g g(-1). Copolymer productivity of 1 g l(-1) h(-1) was obtained with polymer biomass content rising up to 60% by increasing a specific flow rate at a constant s/p ratio. Increasing values of 3HV content were obtained by varying the s/p ratios. A simulation of production costs considering Y-3HV/prop obtained in the present work indicated that a reduction of up to 73% can be reached, approximating US$ 1.00 per kg which is closer to the value to produce P3HB from sucrose (US$ 0.75 per kg).

Disruption of the 2-methylcitric acid cycle and evaluation of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate biosynthesis suggest alternate catabolic pathways of propionate in Burkholderia sacchari

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the relevance of the 2-methylcitric acid cycle (2MCC) to the catabolism of propionate in Burkholderia sacchari. Two B. sacchari mutants unable to grow on propionate were obtained: one disrupted in acnM, and the other in acnM and prpC deleted. An operative 2MCC significantly reduces the bacterial ability to incorporate 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) into a biodegradable copolyester accumulated from carbohydrates plus propionate. The efficiency of the mutants in converting propionate to 3HV units (Y(3HV/prp)) increased from 0.09 g.g(-1) to 0.81-0.96 g.g(-1), indicating that acnM and prpC are both essential for growth on propionate. None of the mutations resulted in achievement of the maximum theoretical Y(3HV/prp) (1.35 g.g(-1)). When increasing concentrations of propionate were supplied, decreasing values of Y(3HV/prp) were observed. The results obtained corroborate the hypothesis of the presence of other propionate catabolic pathways in B. sacchari. The 2MCC would be the more operative pathway, but a second pathway, which remains to be elucidated, would assume more importance under propionate concentrations of 1 g.L(-1) or higher. The efficiency in converting propionate to 3HV units can be improved by decreasing the propionate concentrations, owing to the role of the 2MCC.

Global analytic regularity for structures of co-rank one

We consider real analytic involutive structures V, of co-rank one, defined on a real analytic paracompact orientable manifold M. To each such structure we associate certain connected subsets of M which we call the level sets of V. We prove that analytic regularity propagates along them. With a further assumption on the level sets of V we characterize the global analytic hypoellipticity of a differential operator naturally associated to V. As an application we study a case of tube structures.

Perpendicular exchange bias in IrMn/Pt/[Co/Pt](3) multilayers with cone magnetization

The perpendicular exchange bias and magnetic anisotropy were investigated in IrMn/Pt/[Co/Pt](3) multilayers through the analysis of in-plane and out-of-plane magnetization hysteresis loops. A phenomenological model was used to simulate the in-plane curves and the effective perpendicular anisotropies were obtained employing the area method. The canted state anisotropy was introduced by taking into account the first and second uniaxial anisotropy terms of the ferromagnet with the corresponding uniaxial anisotropy direction allowed to make a nonzero angle with the film`s normal. This angle, obtained from the fittings, was of approximately 15 degrees for IrMn/[Co/Pt](3) film and decreases with the introduction of Pt in the IrMn/Pt/[Co/Pt](3) system, indicating that the Pt interlayer leads to a predominant perpendicular anisotropy. A maximum of the out-of-plane anisotropy was found between 0.5 and 0.6 nm of Pt, whereas a maximum of the perpendicular exchange bias was found at 0.3 nm. These results are very similar to those obtained for IrMn/Cu/[Co/Pt](3) system; however, the decrease of the exchange bias with the spacer thickness is more abrupt and the enhacement of the perpendicular anisotropy is higher for the case of Cu spacer as compared with that of Pt spacer. The existence of a maximum in the perpendicular exchange bias as a function of the Pt layer thickness was attributed to the predominance of the enhancement of exchange bias due to more perpendicular Co moment orientation over the exponential decrease of the ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic exchange coupling and, consequently, of the exchange-bias field. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.