‘My Name is Khan’ and I am not a Terrorist: Intersections of Counter Terrorism Measures and the International Framework for Refugee Protection

This paper is structured as follows: Part II traces the development of international instruments on the definition of terrorism, terrorist activities and “incitement to terrorism.” Part III first explores the normative framework of exclusion under the 1951 Convention and how the RSD procedure has undergone a notional shift, with exclusion considerations becoming more central. The section will then look at the provisions of Article 1F of the 1951 Convention, which contain the exclusion clauses and also discuss incorporation of terrorism exception to the asylum law framework in the United States. Part IV concludes with the proposition that the dangers of expansive interpretation of nebulous terms such as terrorism, terrorist activity, and “material support to terrorism” far outweigh the benefits that could be derived from pursuing such a policy

Integrin-α5 Coordinates Assembly of Posterior Cranial Placodes in Zebrafish and Enhances Fgf-Dependent Regulation of Otic/Epibranchial Cells

Vertebrate sensory organs develop in part from cranial placodes, a series of ectodermal thickenings that coalesce from a common domain of preplacodal ectoderm. Mechanisms coordinating morphogenesis and differentiation of discrete placodes are still poorly understood. We have investigated whether placodal assembly in zebrafish requires Integrin- α5 (itga5), an extracellular matrix receptor initially expressed throughout the preplacodal ectoderm. Morpholino knockdown of itga5 had no detectable effect on anterior placodes (pituitary, nasal and lens), but posterior placodes developed abnormally, resulting in disorganization of trigeminal and epibranchial ganglia and reduction of the otic vesicle. Cell motion analysis in GFP-transgenic embryos showed that cell migration in itga5 morphants was highly erratic and unfocused, impairing convergence and blocking successive recruitment of new cells into these placodes. Further studies revealed genetic interactions between itga5 and Fgf signaling. First, itga5 morphants showed changes in gene expression mimicking modest reduction in Fgf signaling. Second, itga5 morphants showed elevated apoptosis in the otic/epibranchial domain, which was rescued by misexpression of Fgf8. Third, knockdown of the Fgf effector erm had no effect by itself but strongly enhanced defects in itga5 morphants. Finally, proper regulation of itga5 requires dlx3b/4b and pax8, which are themselves regulated by Fgf. These findings support a model in which itga5 coordinates cell migration into posterior placodes and augments Fgf signaling required for patterning of these tissues and cell survival in otic/epibranchial placodes

Developmental Mechanisms Regulating Specification of Preplacodal Ectoderm and its Morphogenesis into Sensory Placodes in Zebrafish

Preplacodal ectoderm (PPE) is a contigous horse-shoe shaped domain that enwraps the anterior neural plate towards the end of gastrulation and eventally resolves into a number of focal epithelial thickenings called placodes. These placodes together with Neural Crest (NC), contributes to the peripheral nervous system in vertebrates. PPE and NC arise at the neural-non neural interface by distinct mechanisms during development. However, a general idea in the field was that a Bmp signaling gradient specifies different ectodermal fates: high Bmp levels specify epidermis, intermediate levels PPE and NC and no Bmp signaling is required for neural fate specification. We showed that while NC responds to intermediate levels of Bmp signals, PPE is specified by a distinct mechanism that involves a two step model for PPE specification. In the first step, Bmp is positively required to activate four competence factors, tfap2a, tfap2c, foxi1 and gata3 throughout the ventral ectoderm and renders this domain competent to respond to inductive factors. In the second step, inductive factors Fgf and Bmp antagonists act to completely block all Bmp signaling to specify PPE at neural-non neural interface. These Bmp-activated competence factors do not need Bmp for subsequent maintenance because they positively cross-regulate and autoregulate each other’s expression forming a gene regulatory network. This network is sufficient to rescue both PPE and NC in the complete absence of Bmp. The subsequent resolution of PPE into discerte placodal thickenings was hypothesized to involve localized migration of placodal progenitors and one of the molecules that could play an important role during cell migration was extracellular matrix binding molecule, integrin alpha 5 (itga5) because it was expressed at the right time and place. Knockdown of itga5 results in disorganised trigeminal, epibranchial ganglia and smaller otic placodes. Tracing the cell trajectories of placodal progenitors revealed that cells failed to migrate directionally. Additionally, we observed elevated levels of cell death in itga5 morphants which could be rescued by overexpression of Fgf ligands suggesting that Itga5 and Fgf pathways cooperate during placodal development. All together, this dissertation reveals novel genetic mechanisms that regulate placodal development from late-blastula to mid-somitogenesis stages

A gene network that coordinates preplacodal competence and neural crest specification in zebrafish

AbstractPreplacodal ectoderm (PPE) and neural crest (NC) are specified at the interface of neural and nonneural ectoderm and together contribute to the peripheral nervous system in all vertebrates. Bmp activates early steps for both fates during late blastula stage. Low Bmp activates expression of transcription factors Tfap2a and Tfap2c in the lateral neural plate, thereby specifying neural crest fate. Elevated Bmp establishes preplacodal competence throughout the ventral ectoderm by coinducing Tfap2a, Tfap2c, Foxi1 and Gata3. PPE specification occurs later at the end of gastrulation and requires complete attenuation of Bmp, yet expression of PPE competence factors continues well past gastrulation. Here we show that competence factors positively regulate each other's expression during gastrulation, forming a self-sustaining network that operates independently of Bmp. Misexpression of Tfap2a in embryos blocked for Bmp from late blastula stage can restore development of both PPE and NC. However, Tfap2a alone is not sufficient to activate any other competence factors nor does it rescue individual placodes. On the other hand, misexpression of any two competence factors in Bmp-blocked embryos can activate the entire transcription factor network and support the development of NC, PPE and some individual placodes. We also show that while these factors are partially redundant with respect to PPE specification, they later provide non-redundant functions needed for development of specific placodes. Thus, we have identified a gene regulatory network that coordinates development of NC, PPE and individual placodes in zebrafish

Digital analysis of the placement of the tibial tuberosity

Background:The tibial tubersosity is a roughened prominence that serves as the attachment site for the ligamentum patellae and typically varies in size and shape. The objective was to determine the vertical and horizontal position of the tibial tuberosity (TT) and determine the side and the gender differences in 170 adult dry tibias.Methods: 170 randomly collected tibiae of unknown sex were analysed to evaluate the position and the gender differences in the tibia. Horizontal position was assessed using 2 digital photographs of the upper end of the tibia, one being end on view and the other frontal view. The picture thus taken was transferred to the computer and analysed using adobe photoshop version 5.0 software.Results: There was a significant difference (p value = 0.013) in the horizontal position of TT in end on view. The horizontal position of TT (frontal view) was more laterally placed on the right side than the left which was statistically significant (p value= 0.017, nonparametric test). The horizontal position of TT (end on view) was more laterally placed on the left side than right which was not statistically significant. There was no difference in the vertical position of TT.Conclusion: From the results, it can be inferred that, the TT is placed more laterally and occupies approximately 6% of the total length of the tibia in all 170 bones.

Cholesterol lowering and antioxidant potential of probiotic bacteria isolated from locally fermented milk product kalarei

Probiotics due to their multifaceted health promoting attributes have gained immense research impetus in recent years. The current study reports the hypocholesterolemic potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from indigenous sources. LAB may use several mechanisms for lowering serum cholesterol level viz. cholesterol assimilation, bile salt deconjugation, and cholesterol adsorption on cell surface of live, resting and dead probiotic cells. Cholesterol lowering is generally a strain dependent phenomenon, and different LAB isolates exhibited varying level of hypocholesterolemic effects. Among the LAB isolates, K2 i.e. Enterococcus faecalis K2 showed the highest in vitro cholesterol lowering ability (82.32%), and strong bile salt deconjugation potential, and released about 128.43 µM/mL of cholic acid upon bile salt deconjugation. Furthermore, cholesterol removal by live, resting and dead E. faecalis K2 probiotic cells was shown to the extent of 72.46, 44.93, and 45.88%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy displayed appreciable adherence of cholesterol on to the cellular surfaces of E. faecalis K2 cells. The antioxidant potential of the cell free cultural fluid of LAB isolates was quite variable. LAB isolate E. faecalis K2 showed appreciable DPPH radical scavenging activity (37.36%), hydroxyl radical scavenging ability (26.35%), and superoxide radical scavenging ability (42.67%). Most of the LAB probiotic isolates were susceptible to conventionally used antibiotics, and lacked biogenic amine producing ability and haemolytic activity. The probiotic isolate E. faecalis K2 may have potential for application for management of hypercholesterolemia related coronary heart diseases, however, after thorough in vivo investigation

Cholesterol lowering and antioxidant potential of probiotic bacteria isolated from locally fermented milk product kalarei

363-372Probiotics due to their multifaceted health promoting attributes have gained immense research impetus in recent years. The current study reports the hypocholesterolemic potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from indigenous sources. LAB may use several mechanisms for lowering serum cholesterol level viz. cholesterol assimilation, bile salt deconjugation, and cholesterol adsorption on cell surface of live, resting and dead probiotic cells. Cholesterol lowering is generally a strain dependent phenomenon, and different LAB isolates exhibited varying level of hypocholesterolemic effects. Among the LAB isolates, K2 i.e. Enterococcus faecalis K2 showed the highest in vitro cholesterol lowering ability (82.32%), and strong bile salt deconjugation potential, and released about 128.43 µM/mL of cholic acid upon bile salt deconjugation. Furthermore, cholesterol removal by live, resting and dead E. faecalis K2 probiotic cells was shown to the extent of 72.46, 44.93, and 45.88%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy displayed appreciable adherence of cholesterol on to the cellular surfaces of E. faecalis K2 cells. The antioxidant potential of the cell free cultural fluid of LAB isolates was quite variable. LAB isolate E. faecalis K2 showed appreciable DPPH radical scavenging activity (37.36%), hydroxyl radical scavenging ability (26.35%), and superoxide radical scavenging ability (42.67%). Most of the LAB probiotic isolates were susceptible to conventionally used antibiotics, and lacked biogenic amine producing ability and haemolytic activity. The probiotic isolate E. faecalis K2 may have potential for application for management of hypercholesterolemia related coronary heart diseases, however, after thorough in vivo investigation

Cholesterol lowering and antioxidant potential of probiotic bacteria isolated from locally fermented milk product kalarei

363-372Probiotics due to their multifaceted health promoting attributes have gained immense research impetus in recent years. The current study reports the hypocholesterolemic potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from indigenous sources. LAB may use several mechanisms for lowering serum cholesterol level viz. cholesterol assimilation, bile salt deconjugation, and cholesterol adsorption on cell surface of live, resting and dead probiotic cells. Cholesterol lowering is generally a strain dependent phenomenon, and different LAB isolates exhibited varying level of hypocholesterolemic effects. Among the LAB isolates, K2 i.e. Enterococcus faecalis K2 showed the highest in vitro cholesterol lowering ability (82.32%), and strong bile salt deconjugation potential, and released about 128.43 µM/mL of cholic acid upon bile salt deconjugation. Furthermore, cholesterol removal by live, resting and dead E. faecalis K2 probiotic cells was shown to the extent of 72.46, 44.93, and 45.88%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy displayed appreciable adherence of cholesterol on to the cellular surfaces of E. faecalis K2 cells. The antioxidant potential of the cell free cultural fluid of LAB isolates was quite variable. LAB isolate E. faecalis K2 showed appreciable DPPH radical scavenging activity (37.36%), hydroxyl radical scavenging ability (26.35%), and superoxide radical scavenging ability (42.67%). Most of the LAB probiotic isolates were susceptible to conventionally used antibiotics, and lacked biogenic amine producing ability and haemolytic activity. The probiotic isolate E. faecalis K2 may have potential for application for management of hypercholesterolemia related coronary heart diseases, however, after thorough in vivo investigation

Feto-maternal outcomes following caesarean section: a prospective comparative study at tertiary care centre in North-Western Rajasthan

Background: Caesarean section (CS) is employed when vaginal delivery is not feasible or hazardous to the mother and/or her baby. The procedure, however, is not without risk. We determined the fetomaternal outcomes of CS conducted at P.B.M Tertiary hospital situated in the North-Western region of Rajasthan.Methods: This is a Hospital based prospective comparative study of all CSs performed for various indications at the Dept. of Gynaecology and Obst., S.P. Medical College and P.B.M Hospital, Bikaner, India, from August 01, 2016, to July 31, 2017. All patients who had CS at any time within the 24 h period were noted and followed up until discharge. The sociodemographic data, types of CS, indications, and feto-maternal outcomes were documented in a proforma. Statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS version 24.Results: There were 16386 deliveries out of which 4456 (27.1%) were by LSCS. The age range of the group A was 21-25 years while in group B it was 26-30 years. The mean age group A was 22.4, and group B it was 27.9 years. Total 6572 primigravida patients delivered and 32.1% had LSCS. Total 9814 multigravida patients delivered and 12.6% had primary LSCS. In group A, 119(79.3%) LSCS were elective as compared to group B where only 19(12.7%) were elective and this difference was found statistically highly significant (p<0.001). Indication of LSCS is different in both the groups. Fetal distress was most common indication in group A (53.3%) while in group B most common indication was APH (35.9%). Perinatal mortality/morbidity was significantly higher in group B (7.3%) as compared to group A (2.7%).Conclusions: The CS rate in this study was 27.1%. Although primary caesarean section in multipara constitutes only a small percentage of total deliveries and caesarean, they are associated with high maternal and perinatal morbidity. The reason for these complications is many. Beside obstetrical causes, factors like lack of antenatal care, low socioeconomic status, anaemia, malnutrition and illiteracy also play a major role obstructed labor and previous CS among Maternal and perinatal complications were more frequent with emergency CS and in the referred cases

Multi-level Scalable Textual-Graphical Password Authentication Scheme for Web based Applications

Nowadays, user authentication is one of the important topics in information security. Authentication is necessary in multi-user systems. User name and password are used to authenticate a user. Text-based strong password scheme can provide security to a certain degree. Users tend to pick short passwords or passwords that are easy to remember, which makes the passwords vulnerable for attackers to break. Furthermore, textual password is vulnerable to shoulder-surfing, hidden camera and spy-ware attacks. Graphical authentication has been proposed as a possible alternative solution to text-based authentication, motivated particularly by the fact that humans can remember images better than text. However, they are mostly vulnerable to shoulder surfing. In this paper, we propose a Multi-level Scalable Textual-Graphical Password Authentication Scheme for web based applications. This scheme integrates both graphical and textual password schemes, and provides multi-level authentication scheme as compared to previously proposed single level scheme. In this scheme multi-level authentication is obtained by making use of SMS service, hence provides more secure service. This scheme shows significant potential bridging the gap between conventional textual password and graphical password. Further enhancements of this scheme are proposed and briefly discussed