bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regenerative Medicine — Switching on the Body’s Own Repair Systems
Authors: Macdonald Fiona
Published: September 2007

The article discusses the body’s own repair systems. It touches on the ability of the body to regenerate and heal itself. It talks about the research done on this aspect of regenerative medicine.
CMM: Translating Singapore's Basic Research from Bench to Bedside
Authors: Center for Molecular Medicine
Published: September 2007

This article summarizes the center for Molecular Medicine's research programs including regenerative medicine, immunology, virology, Singapore Oncogenome program, epithelial biology and genetic medicine.
A New Clustering Method Based onGeneral Connectivity
Authors: Zhuang Wenjun , Lim Yong Ching , Samudra Ganesh , Yan Neng
Published: September 2007

In this paper, we present a novel concept of the general connectivity among cells. While conventional concept
considers direct connections only, the new concept considers both the direct and indirect connections among cells
leading to a model capturing a more precise relationship among cells. Based on the model, a new parallel clustering
approach is proposed and analyzed. Another new concept of the stable cluster is introduced to improve the
clustering result. In conjunction with the clustering process, an investigatory procedure which back tracks the
cluster development process to check if all clusters are stable is also developed. Initial test runs, using the new
clustering approach for placement, yield an encouraging 21.6% reduction on the number of feed‐throughs in a
complex ASIC design.
On the Minimum Density Interconnection TreeProblem
Authors: Alpert C. J. , Cong J. , Kahng A. B. , Robins G. , Sarrafzadeh M.
Published: September 2007

We discuss a new minimum density objective for spanning and Steiner tree constructions. This formulation is
motivated by the minimum‐area layout objective, which is best achieved through balancing the usage of horizontal
and vertical routing resources. We present two efficient heuristics for constructing low‐density spanning trees and
prove that their outputs are on average within small constants of optimal with respect to both tree cost and
density. Our proof techniques suggest a non‐uniform lower bound schema which can afford tighter estimates of
solution quality for a given problem instance. Furthermore, the minimum density objective can be transparently
combined with a number of previous interconnection objectives (e.g., minimizing tree radius or skew) without
affecting solution quality with respect to these previous metrics. Extensive simulation results suggest that applications
to VLSI global routing are promising.
An Efficient Automatic Test Pattern Generator forStuck‐Open Faults in CMOS Combinational Circuits
Authors: Lee Hyung K. , Ha Dong S.
Published: September 2007

In this paper, we describe a highly efficient automatic test pattern generator for stuck‐open (SOP) faults, called
SOPRANO, in CMOS combinational circuits. The key idea of SOPRANO is to convert a CMOS circuit into an
equivalent gate level circuit and SOP faults into the equivalent stuck‐at faults. Then SOPRANO derives test
patterns for SOP faults using a gate level test pattern generator. Several techniques to reduce the test set size
are introduced in SOPRANO. Experimental results performed on eight benchmark circuits show that SOPRANO
achieves high SOP fault coverage and short processing time.
A Quadratic Programming Approach to Estimatingthe Testability and Random or DeterministicCoverage of a VLSl Circuit
Authors: Farhat H. , From S.
Published: September 2007

The testability distribution of a VLSI circuit is modeled as a series of step functions over the interval [0, 1]. The
model generalizes previous related work on testability. Unlike previous work, however, we include estimates of
testability by random vectors. Quadratic programming methods are used to estimate the parameters of the
testability distribution from fault coverage data (random and deterministic) on a sample of faults. The estimated
testability is then used to predict the random and deterministic fault coverage distributions without the need to
employ test generation or fault simulations. The prediction of fault coverage distribution can answer important
questions about the “goodness” of a design from a testing point of view. Experimental results are given on the
large ISCAS‐85 and ISCAS‐89 circuits.
SEGMA: A Simulated Evolution Gate‐Matrix LayoutAlgorithm
Authors: Mao Chi-Yu , Hu Yu Hen
Published: September 2007

In this paper, we present a Simulated Evolution Gate Matrix layout Algorithm (SEGMA) for synthesizing CMOS
random logic modules. The gate‐matrix layout problem is solved as a one‐dimensional transistor gates placement
problem. Given a placement of all the transistor gates, simulated evolution offers a systematic method to improve
the quality of the layout that is measured by the number of tracks needed for the given netlist. This is accomplished
by identifying a subset of gates whose relative placements are deemed “poor quality” according to a heuristic
criterion. By rearranging the placement of these identified subsets of gates, it is hoped that a gate placement with
better quality, meaning fewer tracks, may emerge. Since this method enables the current “generation” of gate
placement to evolve into a more advanced one in a way similar to the biological evolution process, this method
is called simulated evolution. To apply simulated evolution to solve the gate‐matrix layout problem, we propose
a novel heuristic criterion, called randomized quality factor, which facilitates the judicious selection of the subset
of poor quality gates. Several carefully devised and tested strategies are also implemented. Extensive simulation
results indicate that SEGMA is producing very compact gate‐matrix layouts.
Execution of VHDL Models Using Parallel DiscreteEvent Simulation Algorithms
Authors: Ashenden Peter J. , Detmold Henry , McKeen Wayne S.
Published: September 2007

In this paper, we discuss the use of parallel discrete event simulation (PDES) algorithms for execution of hardware
models written in VHDL. We survey central event queue, conservative distributed and optimistic distributed
PDES algorithms, and discuss aspects of the semantics of VHDL and VHDL‐92 that affect the use of these
algorithms in a VHDL simulator. Next, we describe an experiment performed as part of the Vsim Project at the
University of Adelaide, in which a simulation kernel using the central event queue algorithm was developed. We
present measurements taken from this kernel simulating some benchmark models. It appears that this technique,
which is relatively simple to implement, is suitable for use on small scale multiprocessors (such as current desktop
multiprocessor workstations), simulating behavioral and register transfer level models. However, the degree of
useful parallelism achievable on gate level models with this technique appears to be limited.
Geometric Design Rule Check of VLSI Layouts in Mesh Connected Processors
Authors: Nandy S. K. , Panwar R. B.
Published: September 2007

Design Rule Checking is a compute‐intensive VLSI CAD tool. In this paper we propose a parallel algorithm to perform Design Rule Check (DRC) of Layout geometries in a VLSI layout. The algorithm assumes the parallel architecture to be a two‐dimensional mesh of processors. The algorithm is based on a linear quadtree representation of the layout. Through a complexity analysis it is shown that it is possible to achieve a linear speedup in DRC with respect to the number of processors.
General Decomposition and Its Use in Digital Circuit Synthesis
Authors: Jóźwiak Lech
Published: September 2007

Modem microelectronic technology.gives opportunities to build digital circuits of huge complexity and provides a wide
diversity of logic building blocks. Although logic designers have been building circuits for many years, they have realized
that advances in microelectronic technology are outstripping their abilities to make use of the created opportunities. In this
paper, we present the fundamentals of a logic design methodology which meets the requirements of today′s complex circuits
and modem building blocks. The methodology is based on the theory of general full‐decompositions which constitutes the
theory of digital circuit structures at the highest abstraction level. The paper explains the theory and shows how it can be
used for digital circuit synthesis. The decomposition methodology that is presented ensures “correctness by construction”
and enables very effective and efficient post‐factum validation. It makes possible extensive examination of the structural
features of the required information processing in relation to a given set of objectives and constraints.
Self Checking Design Technique for NumericalComputations
Authors: Vainstein F. S.
Published: September 2007

The objective of this paper is to develop an efficient method for testing of numerical
computations based on algebraic concepts such as transcendental degree of field
extensions.

A class of polynomially checkable functions is introduced, and for computation of the
functions from this class a new method for error detection/error correction is proposed.
This class of functions is shown to be large. The proposed method can also be extended to
testing of computations of functions which are not polynomially checkable.

The preliminary results show great potential of this approach. In particular the
proposed approach will lead to substantial reduction in hardware overhead required for
multiple error detection and correction, as compare to the check sum method and other
existing techniques.
Performance and Wirability Driven Layout for Row‐Based FPGAs
Authors: Nag Sudip , Roy Kaushik
Published: September 2007

In FPGAs the routing resources are fixed and their usage is constrained by the location
of antifuses. In addition, the antifuses affect the layout performance significantly,
depending on the technology. Hence, simplistic placement level assumptions turn out to
be grossly inadequate in predicting the timing and wirability behavior of a layout.
There is a need, therefore, for a layout technique which changes the layout at placement
level based on accurate post‐layout timing analysis and net wirability. In this paper we
consider such a wirability and performance driven layout flow for row‐based FPGAs.
Timing information from a post‐layout timing analyzer and wirability information
from global and channel routers are used by an incremental placer to effectively perturb
the placement. A large improvement (up to 29%) in timing, has been obtained
(compared to non‐iterative FPGA layout) for a set of industrial designs and benchmark
examples.
Impact Ionization and Hot‐Electron Injection DerivedConsistently from Boltzmann Transport
Authors: Hasler Paul , Andreou Andreas G. , Diorio Chris , Minch Bradley A. , Mead Carver A.
Published: September 2007

We develop a quantitative model of the impact‐ionizationand hot‐electron–injection
processes in MOS devices from first principles. We begin by modeling hot‐electron
transport in the drain‐to‐channel depletion region using the spatially varying Boltzmann
transport equation, and we analytically find a self consistent distribution function in a
two step process. From the electron distribution function, we calculate the probabilities
of impact ionization and hot‐electron injection as functions of channel current, drain
voltage, and floating‐gate voltage. We compare our analytical model results to
measurements in long‐channel devices. The model simultaneously fits both the hot‐electron‐
injection and impact‐ionization data. These analytical results yield an energydependent
impact‐ionization collision rate that is consistent with numerically calculated
collision rates reported in the literature.
Realistic Fault Modeling and Extraction of Multiple Bridging and Break Faults
Authors: Spiegel Gerald , Stroele Albrecht P.
Published: September 2007

Fault sets that accurately describe physical failures are required for efficient pattern
generation and fault coverage evaluation. The fault model presented in this paper
uniquely describes all structural changes in the transistor net list that can be caused by
spot defects, including bridging faults that connect more than two nets, break faults that
break a net into more than two parts, and compound faults. The developed analysis
method extracts the comprehensive set of realistic faults from the layout of CMOS ICs
and for each fault computes the probability of occurrence. The results obtained by the
tool REFLEX show that bridging faults connecting more than two nets account for a
significant portion of all faults and cannot be neglected.
Non‐linear Hybrid Cellular Automata as Pseudorandom Pattern Generators for VLSI Systems
Authors: Karafyllidis I. , Andreadis I. , Tsalides Ph. , Thanailakis A.
Published: September 2007

The concept of hybrid in space‐time Cellular Automata is introduced, for the first time,
in this paper, and it is suggested that non‐linear hybrid in space‐time Cellular Automata
can be used as pseudorandom pattern generators for VLSI systems, because they can
produce patterns with various densities of “1”, distributed at will in space and time. The
cycle lengths of non‐linear hybrid Cellular Automata can be estimated using Lyapunov
exponents.
Power Analysis of a 32‐bit Embedded Microcontroller
Authors: Tiwari Vivek , Lee Mike Tien-Chien
Published: September 2007

A new approach for power analysis of microprocessors has recently been proposed [14].
The idea is to look at the power consumption in a microprocessor from the point of view
of the actual software executing on the processor. The basic component of this approach
is a measurement based, instruction‐level power analysis technique. The technique
allows for the development of an instruction‐level power model for the given processor,
which can be used to evaluate software in terms of the power consumption, and for
exploring the optimization of software for lower power. This paper describes the
application of this technique for a comprehensive instruction‐level power analysis of a
commercial 32‐bit RISC‐based embedded microcontroller. The salient results of the
analysis and the basic instruction‐level power model are described. Interesting
observations and insights based on the results are also presented. Such an
instruction‐level power analysis can provide cues as to what optimizations in the
micro‐architecture design of the processor would lead to the most effective power
savings in actual software applications. Wherever the results indicate such optimizations,
they have been discussed. Furthermore, ideas for low power software design, as
suggested by the results, are described in this paper as well.
FPGA Partitioning with Complex Resource Constraints
Authors: Liu Huiqun , Zhu Kai , Wong D. F.
Published: September 2007

In this paper, we present an algorithm for circuit partitioning with complex resource
constraints in large FPGAs. Traditional partitioning methods estimate the capacity of
an FPGA device by counting the number of logic blocks, however this is not accurate
with the increasing diverse resource types in the new FPGA architectures. We first
propose a network flow based method to optimally check whether a circuit or a subcircuit
is feasible for a set of available heterogeneous resources. Then the feasibility
checking procedure is integrated in the FM‐based algorithm for circuit partitioning.
Incremental flow technique is employed for efficient implementation. Experimental
results on the MCNC benchmark circuits show that our partitioning algorithm not only
yields good results, but also is efficient. Our algorithm for partitioning with complex
resource constraints is applicable for both multiple FPGA designs (e.g., logic emulation
systems) and partitioning‐based placement algorithms for a single large hierarchical
FPGA (e.g., Actel′s ES6500 FPGA family).
An Edge‐endpoint‐based Configurable HardwareArchitecture for VLSI Layout Design Rule Checking
Authors: Luo Zhen , Martonosi Margaret , Ashar Pranav
Published: September 2007

Previous efforts to build hardware accelerators for VLSI layout Design Rule Checking
(DRC) were hobbled by the fact that it is often impractical to build a different rulechecking
ASIC each time design rules or fabrication processes change. In this paper, we
propose a configurable hardware approach to DRC. It can garner impressive speedups
over software approaches, while retaining the flexibility needed to change the rule checker
as rules or processes change.

Our work proposes an edge‐endpoints‐based method for performing Manhattan
geometry checking and a general scalable architecture for DRC. We then demonstrate
our approach by applying this architecture to a set of design rules for MOSIS
SCN4N_SUB process. We have implemented several design rule checks within a single
Xilinx XC4013 FPGA and demonstrated overall speedups in excess of 25X over software
methods. We have used a Compaq Pamette board to do the hardware prototyping and
have achieved a clock rate of 33 MHz.
Testing and Diagnosing Dynamic Reconfigurable FPGA
Authors: Wu Chi-Feng , Wu Cheng-Wen
Published: September 2007

Dynamic reconfigurable field‐programmable logic arrays (FPGAs) are receiving notable
attention because of their much shorter reconfiguration time as compared with
traditional FPGAs. The short reconfiguration time is vital to applications such as
reconfigurable computing and emulation. We show in this paper that testing and
diagnosis of the FPGA also can take advantage of its dynamic reconfigurability. We
first propose an efficient methodology for testing the interconnects of the FPGA, then
present several universal test and diagnosis approaches which cover all functional units
of the FPGA. Experimental results show that our approach significantly reduces the
testing time, without additional cost for diagnosis.
Optimal Detector Design for On‐line Testing of Linear Analog Systems
Authors: Simeu Emmanuel
Published: September 2007

The design of integrated fault detector for on‐line testing of linear analog systems is
discussed in this paper. The method consists in a concurrent processing of available the
node voltage signals to provide a residual on‐line, that carries information about the
faults. Contrary to the few previous works dealing with the particular case of state
variable analog systems, the method proposed here is useable without limitation for
a larger class of linear analog systems, even when the state variables are not available
as measurable voltages. For this purpose, an algorithm providing an extended state
space model for any linear analog system from its netlist description is developed
and implemented.
A Fine Grain Configurable Logic Block for Self‐checking FPGAs
Authors: Lala P. K. , Walker A.
Published: September 2007

This paper proposes a logic cell that can be used as a building block for Self‐checking
FPGAs. The proposed logic cell consists of two 2‐to‐1 multiplexers, three 4‐to‐1
multiplexers and a D flip‐flop. The cell has been designed using Differential Cascode
Voltage Switch Logic. It is self‐checking for all single transistor stuck‐on and stuck‐off
faults as well as stuck‐at faults at the inputs of each multiplexers and the D flip‐flop. The
multiplexers and the D flip‐flop provide either correct (complementary) output in the
absence of above‐mentioned faults; otherwise the outputs are identical.
Right Ventricular Mechanics and QRS Duration in Patients With Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Uebing Anselm , Gibson Derek G. , Babu-Narayan Sonya V. , Diller Gerhard P. , Dimopoulos Konstantinos , Goktekin Omer , Spence Mark S. , Andersen Kai , Henein Michael Y. , Gatzoulis Michael A. , Li Wei
Published: September 2007

Background—

Patients after repair of tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) frequently have right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and prolonged QRS duration (QRSd) and thus could be candidates for cardiac resynchronization therapy. We aimed to assess the relationship between QRSd and the timing of RV wall motion, including the RV outflow tract (RVOT), in these patients.

Methods and Results—

Sixty-seven repaired ToF patients (median age, 34 years; interquartile range, 24 to 43 years) and 35 age-matched control subjects were studied by echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (n=55 of 67 ToF patients). Time intervals of the RV cardiac cycle were measured from Doppler recordings. Long-axis M-mode recordings were acquired from the right ventricular (RV) free wall and RV outflow tract (RVOT), and the delay in onset of long-axis shortening was measured. ToF patients showed minor abnormalities of the RV cardiac cycle unrelated to QRSd. RV ejection time was prolonged and correspondingly filling time was reduced compared with control subjects (22.3±2.6 versus 20.0±2.9 s/min,
P
<0.0001; 29.0±3.8 versus 32.7±3.5 s/min,
P
<0.0001). Total isovolumic time was normal in ToF patients (8.7±4.0 versus 7.4±2.9 s/min;
P
=NS). QRSd correlated with the delay in RV free wall motion (
r
=0.55,
P
<0.0001) and more so with the delay in RVOT shortening (
r
=0.82,
P
<0.0001). QRSd also correlated with measures of RVOT abnormality such as long-axis RVOT excursion and akinetic area length (
r
=−0.46,
P
=0.004;
r
=0.33,
P
=0.01).

Conclusions—

QRSd in postoperative ToF patients reflects mainly abnormalities of the RVOT rather than the RV body itself. Thus, prevention and treatment of mechanical asynchrony and malignant arrhythmia should focus on the RV infundibulum. Indications for cardiac resynchronization therapy after ToF repair warrant further investigation.
Peter Donebauer, Richard Monkhouse and the Development of the EMS Spectron and the Videokalos Image Processor
Authors: Meigh-Andrews Chris
Published: September 2007

The author details the development of two early color video synthesizers, the EMS Spectron and the Videokalos Image Processor, and examines their influence on video-based art. The Spectron, developed by Richard Monkhouse for Electronic Music Studios, influenced both its creator and various artists in the development of video-based art and images. Artist Peter Donebauer collaborated with Monkhouse to produce the Videokalos, leading to several artworks and a series of live performances.
Looking Beneath the Surface: The Radial Spread of Ink in Water
Authors: Burge Pery
Published: September 2007

The author discusses her use of ink in water to create three-dimensional radial spreads (outward movements of liquid about a central point). The radial spreads form patterns as the ink moves across and in the water. The patterns have both scientific and aesthetic aspects and form the basis for speculation in both areas. They also provide an exciting new dimension to the artist's work relating to fluid flow: Unique patterns, often seen only by the eye of the camera, can be generated and preserved within one photograph or a photographic sequence.
Relationship of depression, disability, and family caregiver attitudes to the quality of life of Kuwaiti persons with multiple sclerosis: a controlled study
Authors: Alshubaili Asmahan F , Awadalla Abdel W , Ohaeri Jude U , Mabrouk Asser A
Published: September 2007

Background

Assessment of subjective quality of life (QOL) of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) could facilitate the detection of psychosocial aspects of disease that may otherwise go unrecognized. The objectives of the study were to (i) compare the QOL ratings of relapsing remitting (RRMS) and progressive (PMS) types of MS with those of a general population group and the impression of their family caregivers; and (ii) assess the association of demographic, clinical, treatment, depression, and caregiver variables with patients' QOL.

Methods

Consecutive clinic attendees at the national neurology hospital were assessed with the 26 -item WHOQOL Instrument, Beck's Depression Inventory and Expanded Disability Scale. Caregivers rated their impression of patients' QOL and attitudes to patients' illness.

Results

The 170 patients (60 m, 109 f) consisted of 145(85.3%) with RRMS and 25 with PMS, aged 32.4(SD 8.8), age at onset 27.1(7.7), EDSS score 2.9 (1.8), and 76% were employed. The patients were predominantly dissatisfied with their life circumstances. The RRMS group had higher QOL domain scores (P < 0.001), and lower depression(P > 0.05) and disability (P < 0.0001) scores than the PMS group. Patients had significantly lower QOL scores than the control group (P < 0.001). Caregiver impression was significantly correlated with patients' ratings. Depression was the commonest significant covariate of QOL domains. When we controlled for depression and disability scores, differences between the two MS groups became significant for only one (out of 6) QOL domains. Patients who were younger, better educated, employed, felt less sick and with lesser side effects, had higher QOL. The predictors of patients' overall QOL were disability score, caregiver impression of patients' QOL, and caregiver fear of having MS.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that MS patients in stable condition and with social support can hope to have better QOL, if clinicians pay attention to depression, disability, the impact of side effects of treatment and family caregiver anxieties about the illness. The findings call for a regular program of psychosocial intervention in the clinical setting, to address these issues and provide caregiver education and supports, in order to enhance the quality of care.
Induction of complement proteins in a mouse model for cerebral microvascular Aβ deposition
Authors: Fan Rong , DeFilippis Kelly , Van Nostrand William E
Published: September 2007

The deposition of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) in cerebral vasculature, known as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), is a common pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. In familial forms of CAA single mutations in the Aβ peptide have been linked to the increase of vascular Aβ deposits accompanied by a strong localized activation of glial cells and elevated expression of neuroinflammatory mediators including complement proteins. We have developed human amyloid-β precursor protein transgenic mice harboring two CAA Aβ mutations (Dutch E693Q and Iowa D694N) that mimic the prevalent cerebral microvascular Aβ deposition observed in those patients, and the Swedish mutations (K670N/M671L) to increase Aβ production. In these Tg-SwDI mice, we have reported predominant fibrillar Aβ along microvessels in the thalamic region and diffuse plaques in cortical region. Concurrently, activated microglia and reactive astrocytes have been detected primarily in association with fibrillar cerebral microvascular Aβ in this model. Here we show that three native complement components in classical and alternative complement pathways, C1q, C3, and C4, are elevated in Tg-SwDI mice in regions rich in fibrillar microvascular Aβ. Immunohistochemical staining of all three proteins was increased in thalamus, hippocampus, and subiculum, but not frontal cortex. Western blot analysis showed significant increases of all three proteins in the thalamic region (with hippocampus) as well as the cortical region, except C3 that was below detection level in cortex. Also, in the thalamic region (with hippocampus), C1q and C3 mRNAs were significantly up-regulated. These complement proteins appeared to be expressed largely by activated microglial cells associated with the fibrillar microvascular Aβ deposits. Our findings demonstrate that Tg-SwDI mice exhibit elevated complement protein expression in response to fibrillar vascular Aβ deposition that is observed in patients with familial CAA.
Expression and regulation of CCL18 in synovial fluid neutrophils of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Auer Judith , Bläss Markus , Schulze-Koops Hendrik , Russwurm Stefan , Nagel Thomas , Kalden Joachim R , Röllinghoff Martin , Beuscher Horst Ulrich
Published: September 2007

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by the recruitment of leukocytes and the accumulation of inflammatory mediators within the synovial compartment. Release of the chemokine CCL18 has been widely attributed to antigen-presenting cells, including macrophages and dendritic cells. This study investigates the production of CCL18 in polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), the predominant cell type recruited into synovial fluid (SF). Microarray analysis, semiquantitative and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction identified SF PMN from patients with RA as a novel source for CCL18 in diseased joints. Highly upregulated expression of other chemokine genes was observed for CCL3, CXCL8 and CXCL10, whereas CCL21 was downregulated. The chemokine receptor genes were differentially expressed, with upregulation of CXCR4, CCRL2 and CCR5 and downregulation of CXCR1 and CXCR2. In cell culture experiments, expression of CCL18 mRNA in blood PMN was induced by tumor necrosis factor α, whereas synthesis of CCL18 protein required additional stimulation with a combination of IL-10 and vitamin D3. In comparison, recruited SF PMN from patients with RA were sensitized for CCL18 production, because IL-10 alone was sufficient to induce CCL18 release. These results suggest a release of the T cell-attracting CCL18 by PMN when recruited to diseased joints. However, its production is tightly regulated at the levels of mRNA expression and protein synthesis.
Drawing the tree of eukaryotic life based on the analysis of 2,269 manually annotated myosins from 328 species
Authors: Odronitz Florian , Kollmar Martin
Published: September 2007

Background

The evolutionary history of organisms is expressed in phylogenetic trees. The most widely used phylogenetic trees describing the evolution of all organisms have been constructed based on single-gene phylogenies that, however, often produce conflicting results. Incongruence between phylogenetic trees can result from the violation of the orthology assumption and stochastic and systematic errors.

Results

Here, we have reconstructed the tree of eukaryotic life based on the analysis of 2,269 myosin motor domains from 328 organisms. All sequences were manually annotated and verified, and were grouped into 35 myosin classes, of which 16 have not been proposed previously. The resultant phylogenetic tree confirms some accepted relationships of major taxa and resolves disputed and preliminary classifications. We place the Viridiplantae after the separation of Euglenozoa, Alveolata, and Stramenopiles, we suggest a monophyletic origin of Entamoebidae, Acanthamoebidae, and Dictyosteliida, and provide evidence for the asynchronous evolution of the Mammalia and Fungi.

Conclusion

Our analysis of the myosins allowed combining phylogenetic information derived from class-specific trees with the information of myosin class evolution and distribution. This approach is expected to result in superior accuracy compared to single-gene or phylogenomic analyses because the orthology problem is resolved and a strong determinant not depending on any technical uncertainties is incorporated, the class distribution. Combining our analysis of the myosins with high quality analyses of other protein families, for example, that of the kinesins, could help in resolving still questionable dependencies at the origin of eukaryotic life.
Mental health information systems: problems and opportunities
Authors: Lelliott Paul
Published: September 2007

Medical and nursing staff in acute specialities spend up to 25% of their working lives collecting, analysing, using and communicating information (Audit Commission, 1995). It is likely that staff delivering mental health care, which often involves services and staff based in a number of locations and inter-agency collaboration, spend just as much of their time on these activities.
Forensic psychiatry for people with learning disability
Authors: Halstead S.
Published: September 2007

The forensic psychiatry of learning disability is a subspeciality which exists on the ‘borderlines’ between other areas. It takes in information from forensic psychiatry, learning disability, child and adolescent psychiatry, psychology, genetics and pharmacology to name but a few.
Training in psychiatry in Europe
Authors: Caldicott Fiona
Published: September 2007

It is appropriate to be writing about psychiatric training in Europe as the joint meeting between the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Association of European Psychiatrists is being planned for July 1996.
Consultants and leadership
Authors: Reed John , Hill Peter
Published: September 2007

One of the authors was asked recently why he was deliberately being ‘politically incorrect’ in writing about leadership in mental health services. Leadership, although considered essential to effective working by many professions and commercial organisations, has for years been very much out of favour in the NHS generally, among doctors in particular and, perhaps, among psychiatrists most of all. In part, the roots of such a prejudice lie in the tradition of consensus management which held sway throughout the first three decades of the NHS.
Commentary
Authors: Holt Geraldine
Published: September 2007

The concept of autism has widened from the typical, classic or nuclear autism of Kanner (1943), to include those with the ‘triad of social impairments’ (Wing & Gould, 1979); that is impaired social interaction, communication and imagination which is associated with narrow, stereotyped, repetitive patterns of behaviour. These features make up the ‘autistic spectrum disorders’ and include Kanner's and Asperger's syndromes (Box 1).
Guidelines for the management of acutely disturbed patients
Authors: Macpherson Rob , Anstee Bryan , Dix Roland
Published: September 2007

The treatment of acutely disturbed patients is a stressful area of psychiatric practice. Castleet al(1994) found that MRCPsych Part II trainees expressed a general dissatisfaction with training in the management of violence, and in our experience junior trainees are even less confident in the treatment of the disturbed patient. A survey by Cunnane (1994) found that no consensus exists among consultant psychiatrists on which drug treatment is most appropriate for the management of the aggressive, acutely disturbed psychotic patient. There was uncertainty as to optimal management, low expectation of quick results, unwillingness to express an opinion and the use of drug cocktails of dubious rationale.
What a general practitioner can expect from a consultant psychiatrist
Authors: Wright Alastair F.
Published: September 2007

There are many similarities in the experience and approach of general practitioners (GPs) and psychiatrists. GPs may spend some time in psychiatric posts before settling down as principals in their own practice, while some psychiatrists are members of both their own College and the Royal College of General Practitioners. Although there is great potential benefit for patients in this symbiotic relationship, GPs and psychiatrists work in different settings that require different techniques and time-scales. The professional work of both specialities has been profoundly affected by the National Health Service (NHS) reorganisation of the early 1990s. GPs have developed new relationships not only with psychiatric colleagues, but also with professionals of other disciplines such as psychologists, social workers and counsellors.
Toxicity of newer versus older antidepressants
Authors: Henry John A.
Published: September 2007

Of all the controversies over the different medications used in psychiatry, there is probably least dispute about the effectiveness of antidepressants in controlling depressive illness. However, the choice of which antidepressant to use is bedevilled by the spectre of potential toxicity from adverse effects, interactions and overdose. The unwanted effects may vary from mild and tolerable to potentially lethal. At one time it was relatively easy to become familiar with the problems surrounding the original two main groups of antidepressants – the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Recent years have seen the introduction of a number of newer drugs, with a wide range of chemical structures and differing pharmacological activities. They also have a new spectrum of adverse effects and interactions. It is worth reviewing the major differences between old and new antidepressants, and to identify the areas in which clinical caution must be exercised in order to avoid pitfalls and maximise clinical benefit.
Development of new antidepressants
Authors: Palazidou Eleni
Published: September 2007

The development of the first effective antidepressants in the late 1950s marked a turning point in the treatment of depressive illness. In 1957 the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) iproniazid was discovered by chance, while searching for new antituberculous drugs. One year later the tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) imipramine was introduced, having been developed originally as an antipsychotic. A number of other drugs were subsequently added to these two groups of antidepressants, which dominated the field for the next three decades.
Management of antisocial behaviour in childhood
Authors: Spender Quentin , Scott Stephen
Published: September 2007

Antisocial behaviour is the most common reason for referral to child mental health services. It is also a clinical problem of considerable importance, because there is a marked tendency for it to persist, and the long-term outcome includes antisocial personality disorder and criminality. Furthermore, effective treatments are now available, although not yet widely used in Britain.
Commentary: Aggression and impulsivity after head injury
Authors: Jacobson R. R.
Published: September 2007

The most taxing behavioural complications of severe head injury for relatives include irritability and aggression, as illustrated by J. B. Longitudinal studies show an increase over time in the frequency and severity of temper outbursts (Brookset al, 1986; Hallet al, 1994), which take the form of explosive or impulsive aggression. I will comment on the nature and treatment of impulsive aggression as illustrated in case J. B., emphasising the interaction of neurobiology with motivational, situational and personality factors.
Treatment of rape victims
Authors: Mezey Gillian C.
Published: September 2007

Sexual offences account for just under 1% of all notifiable offences and have been increasing over the past decade (Home Office, 1993). However, the official statistics on rape prevalence grossly underestimate the extent of the problem; many cases of non-consensual intercourse are not reported or prosecuted; about one-third of reported serious sexual offences are ‘no crimed’ by the police, and many rape offences are reduced to lesser charges through the practice of plea bargaining. Only a small minority of alleged rapists are eventually convicted and receive a custodial sentence (Gregory & Lees, 1996).
What general practitioner fundholders want to buy from a psychiatric service
Authors: Wright Christine
Published: September 2007

The Government White Paper ‘Working for Patients' (1989) incorporated the idea of general practitioners (GPs) managing funds in order to purchase health services for the patients under their care. The aim was for decisions about purchasing and providing health care to be taken as close to the patient as possible, by their own GP. It has meant that two forms of purchasing have grown side by side – health authority and GP fundholding. Subsequent policy changes have made fundholding accessible to more practices, and have extended the fundholders' areas of purchasing. More than 50% of the population in England are now covered by fundholding GPs. The proportion of GPs who are fundholders varies enormously geographically, with high levels in the West Midlands, Trent, South Thames, Oxford and Anglia regions, where the collective purchasing function of GP fundholders is now very considerable.
How our patients make us ill
Authors: Hale Robert
Published: September 2007

This paper will address the ways in which all of us as doctors respond to the impact of illness in patients. The constructs used are psychoanalytic and the experience comes from running a psychological service for doctors for the past seven years. In line with the Nuffield Hospitals Report (1996) it is a service funded by the Regional Postgraduate Medical Dean.
Using clinical guidelines
Authors: Marriott Sarah , Palmer Claire
Published: September 2007

Guidelines are statements which help people to decide what to do. Familiar examples include the Highway Code, or the ‘How to Prepare’ instructions on a jar of coffee. Traditionally, clinicians have sought knowledge from their senior colleagues, tutors and mentors, textbooks and published articles. They will continue to do so. However, there has been a recent surge of interest in guidelines on specific clinical topics. This has been driven by interest in unexplained variation in patterns of care, concern that some care is inappropriate, and the growing demand for routine, clinically effective practice. Because clinicians have limited time and resources, it can be helpful to summarise evidence for effectiveness where it is available and provide it in a concise format (see Box 1).
Cognitive therapy training for psychiatrists
Authors: Scott Jan , Moorhead Steven
Published: September 2007

Psychological therapies are a necessary component of any mental health service. Psychiatrists will require a working knowledge of different psychological approaches and many will wish to develop clinical skills to practice at least one model of psychotherapy. Historically, most psychiatry training schemes have offered exposure to psychodynamic psychotherapies, while training in other approaches has been less systematic. The expansion of research into brief psychological therapies and a wealth of recent publications on the subject have led to an increasing awareness of the benefits of training in other models of psychotherapy. The most widely practised and researched brief psychological intervention is cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). This paper will outline the principles behind providing training in CBT, and the barriers to successful implementation of a training programme.
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse: approaches to therapy
Authors: Crowe Michael , Dare Christopher
Published: September 2007

The experience of sexual abuse in childhood is very common (Jehu, 1988). The highest estimate from the USA (Wyatt & Peters, 1986) suggests that 42% of girls up to the age of 17 have experienced abuse, and the best estimate from Britain (Baker & Duncan, 1985) would give a prevalence of between 12 and 20%. Mullen et al (1993) found in a general population of women in New Zealand an overall prevalence of abuse before the age of 16 of 32%, with 20% reporting genital contact and 3% penetrative sex. In the American series half of those abused (21% of the respondents) reported that the abuse was by a family member: the figure for intra-familial abuse in the British series was 14% of those reporting abuse, and thus about 3–5% of all the women who responded. There may be many explanations for the large international variations, including differences in definition, sampling and other aspects of methodology, but it is also possible that abuse is indeed more common in some countries than others.
Medico-legal aspects of liaison psychiatry
Authors: Feldman Eleanor
Published: September 2007

This article considers the use of the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) and application of common law principles with respect to patients with behavioural disturbances in NHS general hospitals in England and Wales. Legal issues do not apply across national boundaries; in the UK there are two other Mental Health Acts currently in force: Scotland's (1984) and Northern Ireland's (1986).
Commentary
Authors: Whewell Peter
Published: September 2007

The study of trauma is inherently political. It is hard for psychiatrists to maintain an open mind, to respect and tolerate uncertainty and to maintain standards of scrutiny of scientific data when there are powerful political and emotional pressures to take up a polarised view of recovered memories of child sexual abuse. The two polarisations that have arisen are of recovered memories as invariably historically accurate versus recovered memories as invariably false and created by suggestion by clinicians. Current evidence suggests the psychiatrist should take up a cautious position somewhere between these two poles.
Needs of the families of people with schizophrenia
Authors: Leff Julian
Published: September 2007

Family therapy for schizophrenia began in the early 1950s, inspired by theories that located the cause of the illness in family dysfunction. The family pathology was seen as stemming from disturbed relationships (Fromm-Reichmann, 1948; Lidz et al, 1956; Laing & Esterson, 1964) and / or distorted communication (Bateson et al, 1956; Wynne & Singer, 1963).
Childhood diabetes: a practical guide for child psychiatrists
Authors: Worrall-Davies Anne
Published: September 2007

Diabetes mellitus in childhood is almost always insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). The UK prevalence is 1 in 600 children under 16 years of age (Metcalfe & Baum, 1991) and the incidence is 13.5 new cases per 100 000 children per year aged 15 years and under. One quarter of newly diagnosed cases in the UK are under the age of five years, half are aged between 10 and 14 years.
Integrated competence and the maturing doctor
Authors: MacDonald Rosemary
Published: September 2007

Competence should be “at the heart” of medical practice to ensure patient confidence in health care (Calman, 1996), but what is competence in relation to medical practice?
Relevance of the history of psychiatry to practising clinicians
Authors: Beveridge Allan
Published: September 2007

Do busy psychiatrists need to pay any attention to the history of their discipline? Surely clinicians should concentrate on keeping up-to-date with the latest developments in their field. Medical history may provide amusing anecdotes about practice in the past, but can it inform modern treatment? Such a response, although familiar, seems rather strange, coming from psychiatrists, who, after all, spend their clinical day, taking ‘histories'. By doing so, they seek to understand their patients' problems in the context of their life history. They try to make sense of the present by reference to the past, whether it be events in the patient's childhood, previous conflicts or the individual's genetic inheritance. Given such a perspective, it seems reasonable that psychiatrists might also take an interest in the history of their profession. By attending to the history of its development, its past disputes and its intellectual inheritance, the psychiatrist can reach a deeper understanding of the current state of psychiatry.