Processes with 'incomplete' sensitivity lists and their synthesis aspects

Synthesis tools only support a subset of VHDL. In this paper, we focus on the synthesis aspects of processes with an incomplete sensitivity list. In general, processes with a sensitivity list are used to describe combinational logic and clocked logic. The sensitivity list is called `complete' when all signals which are read from within that process are in the sensitivity list, otherwise it has an `incomplete' sensitivity list. Most, if not all, synthesis tools require that the processes used to describe combinational logic should have a `complete' sensitivity list, while for synchronous logic only the reset, if any, and clock signals should be in the sensitivity list. Beside these two applications of processes with sensitivity lists, there is a vague support for other incomplete sensitivity lists, sometimes resulting in latches in the circuit and sometimes resulting in logic that does not have the proper behaviour. This paper focuses on the synthesis aspects of processes with an incomplete sensitivity list, and presents a method to synthesise a subset of these processes. Also, the problem of synthesising processes with an incomplete sensitivity list is discusse

SPATION: Services Platforms and Applications for Transparent Information management in an in-hOme Network

The characteristics of PCs, huge storage capacity, tremendous processing power, and high flexibility are becoming available for consumer devices like set-top boxes, TVs, and VCRs. Interconnection of these devices and wireless communication with various portable devices will create a complex home system with the capacity to store many types of data and offer new ways of interacting with it. To offer the user high flexibility and ease of use, new solutions are required. Advanced retrieval methods are needed to support accessing data stored anywhere in the home system from any device. Meta-data obtained through analysis, services, and logging user behaviour is needed to support these functions. Transfer of data must be easy, and transfer and adaptation of accompanying meta-data must be transparent to the user. The combination of broadcast, storage, and internet will open the way to new types of applications and interactions with the home system. A large distributed storage space will be available in future home networks consisting of CE equipment, PCs and handheld devices. The objective of the project is to find innovative solutions for the movement, organization and retrieval of information in such a heterogeneous home system. Three major technical issues are under consideration: 1) New Meta-data computing methods are needed to support advanced retrieval methods. This means ways to solve how to generate meta-data by analysing the content, howto combine meta-data from various sources and how to transform meta-data for use by different devices; 2) New services providing meta-data, applications and UIs to make retrieval of information easier for non-IT-expert users; 3) Standards for inter-storage communication need to be extended in the area of handheld devices, meta-data storage and services

Sleep homeostasis in the European jackdaw (<i>Coloeus monedula</i>):Sleep deprivation increases NREM sleep time and EEG power while reducing hemispheric asymmetry

Introduction: Sleep is a wide-spread phenomenon that is thought to occur in all animals. Yet, the function of it remains an enigma. Conducting sleep experiments in different species may shed light on the evolution and functions of sleep. Therefore, we studied sleep architecture and sleep homeostatic responses to sleep deprivation in the European jackdaw (Coloeus monedula).Methods: A total of nine young adult birds were implanted with epidural electrodes and equipped with miniature data loggers for recording movement activity (accelerometery) and electroencephalogram (EEG). Individually-housed jackdaws were recorded under controlled conditions with a 12:12-h light-dark cycle.Results: During baseline, the birds spent on average 48.5% of the time asleep (39.8% non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and 8.7% rapid eye movement (REM) sleep). Most of the sleep occurred during the dark phase (dark phase: 75.3% NREM sleep and 17.2% REM sleep; light phase 4.3% NREM sleep and 0.1% REM sleep). After sleep deprivation of 4 and 8 h starting at lights off, the birds showed a dose-dependent increase in NREM sleep time. Also, NREM sleep EEG power in the 1.5–3 Hz frequency range, which is considered to be a marker of sleep homeostasis in mammals, was significantly increased for 1-2 h after both 4SD and 8SD. While there was little true unihemispheric sleep in the Jackdaws, there was a certain degree of hemispheric asymmetry in NREM sleep EEG power during baseline, which reduced after sleep deprivation in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusion: In conclusion, jackdaws display homeostatic regulation of NREM sleep and sleep pressure promotes coherence in EEG power

Seasonal variation in sleep homeostasis in migratory geese:A rebound of NREM sleep following sleep deprivation in summer but not in winter

Sleep is a behavioral and physiological state that is thought to serve important functions. Many animals go through phases in the annual cycle where sleep time might be limited, for example, during the migration and breeding phases. This leads to the question whether there are seasonal changes in sleep homeostasis. Using electroencephalogram (EEG) data loggers, we measured sleep in summer and winter in 13 barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis) under semi-natural conditions. During both seasons, we examined the homeostatic regulation of sleep by depriving the birds of sleep for 4 and 8 h after sunset. In winter, barnacle geese showed a clear diurnal rhythm in sleep and wakefulness. In summer, this rhythm was less pronounced, with sleep being spread out over the 24-h cycle. On average, the geese slept 1.5 h less per day in summer compared with winter. In both seasons, the amount of NREM sleep was additionally affected by the lunar cycle, with 2 h NREM sleep less during full moon compared to new moon. During summer, the geese responded to 4 and 8 h of sleep deprivation with a compensatory increase in NREM sleep time. In winter, this homeostatic response was absent. Overall, sleep deprivation only resulted in minor changes in the spectral composition of the sleep EEG. In conclusion, barnacle geese display season-dependent homeostatic regulation of sleep. These results demonstrate that sleep homeostasis is not a rigid phenomenon and suggest that some species may tolerate sleep loss under certain conditions or during certain periods of the year.ISSN:1550-9109ISSN:0161-810

Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma of the Ampulla of Vater:A Rare Histopathological Variant

Signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) of the ampulla of Vater is an extremely rare tumor. Our case describes a 45-year-old female presenting with jaundice and pruritus. Computed tomography, endoscopy, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed a tumor of the ampulla of Vater without distant metastasis. Histological biopsy confirmed a malignant tumor with SRCC characteristics and immunohistochemical staining revealed a mixed type profile (both intestinal and pancreatobiliary characteristics). A pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy was performed and the patient recovered without complications. Pathology results concluded a pT2N0 ampullary SRCC. SRCC of the ampulla of Vater is known to be highly malignant. After 13 months of follow-up, our patient showed no signs of recurrence