The Maximum Exposure Problem

Given a set of points P and axis-aligned rectangles R in the plane, a point p in P is called exposed if it lies outside all rectangles in R. In the max-exposure problem, given an integer parameter k, we want to delete k rectangles from R so as to maximize the number of exposed points. We show that the problem is NP-hard and assuming plausible complexity conjectures is also hard to approximate even when rectangles in R are translates of two fixed rectangles. However, if R only consists of translates of a single rectangle, we present a polynomial-time approximation scheme. For general rectangle range space, we present a simple O(k) bicriteria approximation algorithm; that is by deleting O(k^2) rectangles, we can expose at least Omega(1/k) of the optimal number of points

Scientific Temper and Superstitions: Debating the Twain in Our Daily Lives

Scientific Temper is one of the most important terms often debated upon in academic discourses in India. It has been reflected in policy initiatives starting from the Science Policy Resolution 1958 to Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, 2013. Fostering scientific temper is one of our Fundamental Duties enshrined in our Constitution. On the other hand, superstitious beliefs are deeply rooted in our society which we witness in everyday life. Time and again scholars have suggested promotion of scientific temper for ‘logical thinking and reasoning’. This paper argues how scientific temper can be an antidote for superstitious beliefs prevalent in our society. The critical issue discussed is not the extreme contradiction between scientific temper and superstitions, but whether or say to what extent can scientific temper influence reasoning to counter check superstitious beliefs

Transcriptional and Epigenetic Regulation of Human CD4+ T Helper Lineage Specification

Activated T helper (Th) cells have ability to differentiate into functionally distinct Th1, Th2 and Th17 subsets through a series of overlapping networks that include signaling and transcriptional control and the epigenetic mechanisms to direct immune responses. However, inappropriate execution in the differentiation process and abnormal function of these Th cells can lead to the development of several immune mediated diseases. Therefore, the thesis aimed at identifying genes and gene regulatory mechanisms responsible for Th17 differentiation and to study epigenetic changes associated with early stage of Th1/Th2 cell differentiation. Genome wide transcriptional profiling during early stages of human Th17 cell differentiation demonstrated differential regulation of several novel and currently known genes associated with Th17 differentiation. Selected candidate genes were further validated at protein level and their specificity for Th17 as compared to other T helper subsets was analyzed. Moreover, combination of RNA interference-mediated downregulation of gene expression, genome-wide transcriptome profiling and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by massive parallel sequencing (ChIP-seq), combined with computational data integration lead to the identification of direct and indirect target genes of STAT3, which is a pivotal upstream transcription factor for Th17 cell polarization. Results indicated that STAT3 directly regulates the expression of several genes that are known to play a role in activation, differentiation, proliferation, and survival of Th17 cells. These results provide a basis for constructing a network regulating gene expression during early human Th17 differentiation. Th1 and Th2 lineage specific enhancers were identified from genome-wide maps of histone modifications generated from the cells differentiating towards Th1 and Th2 lineages at 72h. Further analysis of lineage-specific enhancers revealed known and novel transcription factors that potentially control lineage-specific gene expression. Finally, we found an overlap of a subset of enhancers with SNPs associated with autoimmune diseases through GWASs suggesting a potential role for enhancer elements in the disease development. In conclusion, the results obtained have extended our knowledge of Th differentiation and provided new mechanistic insights into dysregulation of Th cell differentiation in human immune mediated diseases.Siirretty Doriast

Uma Parmeswaran’s Rootless but Green are the Boulevard Trees: A Cultural Perspective

Uma Parmeswaran was born in Madras, India in 1938 and was raised in Jabalpur. She did her graduation from Jabalpur University and post-graduation in English from Nagpur University. She was a Fulbright Scholar and did M. A. in Creative Writing from Indiana University. She did her Ph. D. in English from Michigan State University in 1972. Her research areas are Literature of Romantic period, Post-Colonial Literature, Gender Studies and South Asian Canadian Literature. She holds the prestigious position of the Regional Representative, National Council of the Writers Union of Canada. She started her career as newspaper reporter in India later she went to Canada. There she introduced various aspects on Indian culture not only to the Indo-Canadian youths of Winnipeg but also to the people of other countries. Her plays were published in Canada as well as in India.  She has tried to show many aspects of diasporic sensibilities. She has been taking keen interest in bringing forth Indian culture and heritage to the students of Winnipeg for the last many years. She has presented the cultural values of Indian diasporic families in her most of her plays. Though she lived in foreign countries yet she could not forget her own culture and tradition. Now she is regarded as one of the most prodigious authors who have written on the cultural aspects of diasporic families of India. She has written plays from the cultural standpoint. Her plays depict the plight of the people in economical and emotional situation of the immigrant families who migrated to Canada in the latter half of the 20th Century. She has presented the cultural the alienation, assimilation and marginality. The objective of this research paper is to analyze her plays from cultural perspectives of the families living in Canada and the problem of their life in adjusting themselves in a new environment

A RETROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF TREATMENT STRATEGIES FOR UNSTABLE INTERTROCHANTERIC FEMORAL FRACTURES IN THE ELDERLY: COMPARING PROXIMAL FEMORAL NAIL ANTI-ROTATION VERSUS PRIMARY HIP HEMIARTHROPLASTY.

Objectives The present investigation aims to contrast the outcomes of proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) and primary hemiarthroplasty for treating unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures in geriatric patients, focusing on functional outcomes, complication rates, and postoperative rehabilitation protocols. Methods The retrospective study, conducted at Pt. JLN Govt. Medical College, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, contrasted the outcomes of proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) and cemented hemiarthroplasty for unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures (IFFs). Patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Grades II and III, aged over 65 years, in addition to having AO types A2 and A3 fractures were included in this study. Surgical procedures involved PFNA device insertion or hemiarthroplasty, followed by standardized post-operative protocols. Results The comparative analysis between the PFNA group (n = 50) and the Primary Hemiarthroplasty of the Hip (PHH) group (n = 43) revealed significant differences in treatment outcomes. Notably, the PFNA group exhibited a higher Harris Hip score at the 12-month follow-up (90.26 vs. 82.4, p = 0.016), with a larger proportion achieving excellent outcomes (36 vs. 23). Moreover, secondary outcomes, including surgical time, intra-operative blood loss, post-operative hemoglobin levels, and duration of hospital stay, favored the PFNA group, showing statistically significant differences (p < 0.00001, except for perioperative blood transfusions, p = 0.00536). Conclusion The findings of the investigation implied that PFNA fixation gives rise to superior clinical outcomes when compared to PHH for unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures. This has been proven by the identification of better functional scores and reduced post-operative complications in the case of patients treated with PFNA. Recommendation The study recommends prioritizing PFNA fixation over primary hemiarthroplasty for unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures based on superior functional outcomes and fewer post-operative complications