Kids and teenagers with pervasive developmental disorders, including Aspergers, often are seen by pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, child psychiatrists, and other professionals as having a variety of behavioral and emotional disturbances (1–3). Aggression and self-injury are among the most common problematic behaviors that come to the attention of clinicians. In some of these kids and teenagers, these disturbing behaviors are symptoms of a comorbid psychiatric condition. However, many clinicians continue to view them as part of the underlying developmental disorder. In consideration of the long-term disability associated with the pervasive developmental disorders and the absence of specific pharmacological treatments for the core deficits of this disorder, it is of paramount importance to recognize and treat comorbid psychiatric conditions in these kids, which can substantially improve functioning (2, 3).
This report summarizes a clinical case conference presented at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Mass. The presentation was used to inform clinicians about the occurrence of psychiatric disorders among developmentally disabled kids, with an emphasis on those with pervasive developmental disorders. It also serves as an illustration of how aggression and self-injury can be symptoms of comorbid psychiatric disorders and underscores the necessity of proper diagnostic formulation in these kids. For this youngster, the proper diagnosis was not recognized for years. Once he was diagnosed with comorbid bipolar disorder, appropriate treatment led to a decrease in problematic behaviors, an improvement in quality of life for the youngster, and a decrease in family burden.
Michael (not his real name) first came to the McLean outpatient department at the age of 13.5 years. He had just been discharged from inpatient hospitalization and required ongoing outpatient pharmacologic management. His mother stated that he had been diagnosed with Aspergers and despite numerous placements in therapeutic schools, hospitalizations, and medication trials, he continued to be violent and aggressive. None of the medications that he had tried had been effective, except thioridazine. Michael had been treated with thioridazine, 125 mg/day, for an extended period. Both parents, who were well educated, felt that their son did not simply have Aspergers, and they wanted to know what other diagnoses could be made. In addition, Michael's parents were concerned about his current medication regimen because he had recently developed an unusual tongue movement, which was most prominent when he missed a dose of thioridazine.
At the initial evaluation, Michael had ongoing sleep disturbances, obsessions, sadness, irritability, and racing thoughts. He spoke in a loud, anxious manner. He washed all the clothes in the house in a frenzied and intense manner late into the night, even if the items were clean. Michael obsessed about a girlfriend who he reported was enrolled at a local public high school, although the girlfriend did not, in fact, exist. Michael also felt that God could transfer thoughts from one person to another and that God and other people could read his mind. Michael stated that something was "haywire" and that he felt like he was "unraveling." He could not follow his own thoughts and felt disorganized. Michael also stated that he felt he could see his dead uncle. He admitted to biting himself when he was upset.
His mother said that Michael had become more aggressive over the past few months. Without provocation, he had hit his younger siblings and struck out at people. In addition, his mother described him as being more perseverative than usual. He was extremely intrusive physically and engaged in some inappropriate touching. His mother stated that Michael's whole family was gravely affected by his behavior. His siblings were afraid of him. His mother, who was a graduate student at the time, had missed many classes, and his father often had to leave work early in order to help with Michael.
His parents described him as quite silly and anxious at age 2.5 years. At age 4, Michael had become aggressive and had engaged in bizarre talk using repetitive nonsensical words. Michael was first hospitalized when he was 8 years old. Psychological testing at that time showed that he had some looseness of association and some breaks with reality. Psychotherapy notes at that time stated that he had "manic-like behaviors."
Since the age of 8, he had undergone numerous evaluations. He had a history of being fidgety, having grandiose and racing thoughts, exhibiting disorganized behavior, and being aggressive. Michael showed mood lability and had discrete episodes of hypomania, evidenced by silliness, hypersexuality, poor sleep, and perseverative and pressured obsessive ritualistic behaviors, such as washing clothes all night. He had received numerous diagnoses in the past, including conduct disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), social learning disability, anxiety disorder, pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified, and Aspergers. The most consistent historical diagnosis given to Michael was pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified or Aspergers. However, none of the historical diagnoses had captured his symptom complex completely. One treating psychiatrist had entertained the possibility that Michael might have mood dysregulation and tried lithium to treat his symptoms, but no formal diagnosis of bipolar or affective disorder had been made.
The results of past neurologic evaluations, including an EEG and magnetic resonance imaging, had all been within normal limits. A test for fragile X syndrome had been negative. At 6 years old, Michael had psychological testing; his verbal IQ was 111, and his performance IQ was 97. He had difficulty grasping a pencil and was noted to have trouble placing pegs in a Peg-Board with only one hand. He had difficulty "reading" the emotional content in pictures in the Kid's Apperception Test (which contains drawings of familiar social situations, such as a father sitting in a chair with a boy next to him). Michael routinely had difficulty labeling the feelings shown in the pictures accurately and had difficulty perceiving the social interactions that were taking place. The examiner felt that his inability to identify the feelings of others was causing Michael to misperceive what was going on socially in his environment. In addition, Michael was highly anxious and inattentive and had difficulty with self-control. He was seen as managing his anxiety by trying to control social situations in an effort to counter some of the social rejection he faced. The examiner concluded that Michael had a "social learning disability." At numerous subsequent psychological evaluations, Michael was noted to have disorganized thinking.
He had been prescribed a number of medications over the years. He was initially given imipramine but developed a glazed look and stomach aches, so it was discontinued. He had tried four selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—fluoxetine, clomipramine, sertraline, and paroxetine—all of which led to an increase in sleep disturbances, agitation, aggression, and, at times, homicidal ideation. In addition, he was given a low dose of methylphenidate (10 mg/day), which increased his agitation. A trial of perphenazine, up to 9 mg/day, caused side effects but no improvement. The psychiatrist who suspected an underlying mood disorder tried lithium, up to 600 mg/day. Lithium decreased Michael's impulsivity and motor agitation; however, it was discontinued because it caused diarrhea.
Michael had been hospitalized just before his outpatient visit at McLean Hospital because of his worsening depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. He was sad, could not concentrate, and did not want to attend his new school. Michael was intermittently suicidal and preoccupied with skunks and washing all the clothes in the house. In addition, he began experimenting with electrical appliances, and just before his last hospitalization, he had stuck a knife in an electrical socket.
While in the hospital, he had to be placed in the quiet room frequently because of his aggressive, inappropriately intrusive, and oppositional behaviors. At times Michael had to be placed in six-point restraints because he slammed his body repeatedly against the door of the quiet room. He underwent a short trial of paroxetine during this stay to address his depression and obsessiveness, but he became increasingly irritable, sad, sleepless, and aggressive on this regimen. Michael was discharged from the facility with a diagnosis of Aspergers and "rule out intermittent explosive disorder." His medications included clonidine, 0.25 mg/day, and thioridazine, 125 mg/day.
At the time of his initial evaluation, Michael lived with his supportive family. His mother and father, married for 16 years, were both in their late 30s at the time. His three siblings were all younger than Michael. His father had experienced episodes of major depression, which responded to pharmacologic treatment. An uncle had been diagnosed with ADHD, and a maternal grandfather had alcoholism. There was no family history of anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), developmental disorders, psychosis, or bipolar disorder. There was also no family history of neurological disorders.
Michael's mother's pregnancy was uncomplicated and went to full term; his birth weight was 7 lb, 10 oz. His mother did not use alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medications during pregnancy. He was slightly jaundiced at birth but did not require phototherapy. His mother breast-fed him for 15 months, and he gained weight normally. His mother described Michael as an infant as calm and cuddly and liking to be held. His sleep patterns were irregular from an early age. As an infant, Michael seemed to visually track objects in his crib, even if there was nothing there. As a toddler, Michael had only fair eye contact. He never had stereotypic movements. Michael had a tendency to be preoccupied with objects, particularly mechanical things, at times to the exclusion of people.
Michael's parents noticed that Michael was different from other kids when he was 2 years of age. For example, although his speech development was timely, he tended to speak in a loud voice, with odd prosody. Although he was very bright and often had precocious speech, Michael spoke with pronominal reversals, repeated nonsensical words, and engaged in lengthy pedantic monologues regarding his circumscribed topics of interest. His motor development was timely. In addition, Michael had difficulty with fine motor skills and was noted at age 6 to have an awkward pencil grip while writing. He had little capacity for reciprocal interaction. Michael did not seem to have the capacity to understand other people's feelings and had little capacity to empathize with others. He had difficulty making friends because he was controlling and bossy and wanted all the other kids to engage in his activity of choice while adhering strictly to his rules. He also had difficulty sharing and taking turns in a socially appropriate manner. Michael often preferred to be in the company of adults and related to adults better than to his peers. He had an odd preservative way of seeking comfort during times of distress, during which he would intrusively ask questions repeatedly.
Over the years, his focus of interest shifted. For example, as a preschooler, he was preoccupied with his stuffed animals and needed to line them up in a certain way; as a preadolescent, he was preoccupied with trains and collected all the train schedules that he could acquire; and as an adolescent, he focused more on mechanical items, such as electrical sockets and washing machines, with an intense inquisitiveness as to how they worked. In addition, he was very good with numbers as a young child and was able to do multiplication at age 6. He had extreme difficulty adjusting to changes in his routine and was very rigid in his insistence on adhering to his daily schedule.
Upon initial examination in our clinic, Michael appeared well dressed, well groomed, and eager to converse. He made brief eye contact but more often he looked around the room with darting eyes. He was quite fidgety. His speech was somewhat pedantic in style, pressured, and loud. He described his mood as "fine." His affect was irritable and labile, ranging from anger to sadness. His thought content was notable for grandiosity; he thought that he had the capacity to understand everyone in the world. He asserted that he had a girlfriend (who did not exist). Michael believed that he could read other people's minds, that other people could take thoughts out of his head, and that other people could then turn his own thoughts against him. He felt that his younger siblings were intentionally trying to hurt him. He was not suicidal or homicidal at the time. His thought process was overly inclusive, perseverative, and, at times, circumstantial. There was no evidence for current auditory, visual, tactile, or olfactory hallucinations, although he stated that he had been conversing with a dead person just before his recent hospitalization. He did not have the capacity for reciprocal conversation. He also did not seem to understand that other people might have feelings separate from his.
Michael was given the following diagnoses: bipolar disorder (mixed, with psychotic features) and Aspergers, with features of OCD. Shortly after his initial outpatient evaluation, Michael was hospitalized at McLean because of ongoing agitation and unsafe behavior. His thioridazine and clonidine doses were slowly tapered, and he was given other medications, including valproate and propranolol. Both trials were of short duration and limited efficacy owing to side effects. Eventually, a combination of 1 mg b.i.d. of oral clonazepam, 2100 mg/day of lithium (1.0 mM), and 3 mg/day of risperidone led to a marked reduction in his behavioral symptoms. Over the next few months his mood normalized and his aggressive, extreme compulsive and disruptive behaviors stopped.
Michael has not been hospitalized for several years now. In the intervening years, his risperidone has been slowly tapered to 1.5 mg/day, and his lithium dose has remained at 2100 mg/day. He has continued to do well with his medication regimen, with minor adjustments for occasional episodes of mild hypomania. During these hypomanic periods, Michael's obsessiveness also increases, and it has become clear over the years that his obsessiveness cycles with his mood and is more of a manic preoccupation than the type of obsessiveness typically seen in kids with pervasive developmental disorders.
Michael currently attends a therapeutic day school that specializes in educating individuals with autistic spectrum disorders, where he receives psychotherapy, group therapy, behavioral and social pragmatic intervention, and vocational preparation. The professional staff at the school and at McLean Hospital are in regular contact regarding his progress.
His mother states that Michael is more responsible, he is helping appropriately around the house, he is trying to be a good big brother to his siblings, and he is an excellent driver. His siblings look up to him now and are not afraid of him. In addition, once Michael's condition was stable, his mother was able to finish her graduate program and went back to work.
Although Michael's impaired mood symptoms are currently under control, he continues to have difficulty in a number of areas: in peer relationships (he prefers the company of adults to peers), in his ongoing preservative way of seeking comfort when distressed, in his ongoing interest in circumscribed topics (although it is not as intense and pressured as when he is manic; Michael now has the capacity to be redirected from his obsessions), in his pedantic speech (although he is no longer pressured and disorganized), in the monotonous quality to his speech, in his ongoing difficulty understanding the feelings of others, in his awkward gross motor movements, and in his difficulty adjusting to change in his routine. Aside from these ongoing symptoms of underlying Aspergers, the only remaining issues are those that his mother feels are typically seen in adolescent boys, as he struggles to individuate from his parents. Michael was able to personally describe his other successes in an interview.
Also, I would like to share that despite walking out a couple of times, I now have a job as a cashier in a food grocery store. I had a job before this, but I quit in the middle of the day the first time. I had the job, then I called them later and said, "May I please come back?" and they said, "Sure," after a few days of thinking. I quit in the middle of the day a second time too and did not go back to that site. Now I have a different job at another food store; the old job was a food store job as well. At this job, I am the cashier making $6.40 an hour, for those that are interested.
I also want to say I am a very religious person, I'm very strong with God; I'm not going to get deeply into it, as it's not very appropriate at this time. I just want to say I am very religious; I always have been.
Also, I have had no accidents since I got my license, and that shows a lot of ability to drive well.
Regarding this high school program issue, I have my hard times in this high school program in regards to making friends, but in general I have done well over all, and I thank God and I thank all for your help.
Dr. Jackson: Now, tell me when you had this job and you quit it on two occasions. The first job at the first grocery store did not go well?
Michael: Actually work-wise, I did a good job. I'm very good at being polite to customers and helping them out, but I had this one day when something went wrong. I said, "Good-bye, I'm leaving," and I left without any notice.
Dr. Jackson: So, it sounds like you are really doing well with your new job.
Michael: I like it a lot.
Dr. Jackson: You said you had some problems with making friends at work and at school?
Michael: Friendships have never been completely easy for me, but at my house, I have a lot of neighborhood friends because the kids in my school are obviously like me in some ways. They are not going to be happy and cannot offer the perfect friendship.
Dr. Jackson: Could you tell me about some of your friends in your neighborhood?
Michael: Well, I have this one friend. He is more my brother's friend than mine, but he really helps me a lot because he said that I have a nice personality, and I do. I have a very nice personality. I'm very helpful and caring, every single day. For example, now I walk my dog to be helpful to the dog and to the family. Although, some days I might get off because I have something important, but most days I give my dog a very quick 3-mile walk.
Dr. Jackson: Do you have any hobbies?
Michael: I like to read the Bible, I like to go to church, I like to drive, and I like to work.
Dr. Jackson: How long have you been seeing Dr. Frazier?
This was weird, because I actually announced to my mom that I needed to go back in the hospital; she didn't say I had to go back, I announced it. She said, "Well, if you say so, let's go." So I went and that was my first time as an inpatient here and when I met Dr. Frazier.
I am too upset to think about that [the hospitalization]. But...do you want my honesty?
Michael: Well, the reason I wanted to go to the hospital was to visit all the people that I met the first time I was in the hospital.
Dr. Jackson: It also sounds like you were still having a difficult time.
Michael: I was still having a hard time, but I basically liked my first time in the hospital. About a month after I left the hospital, I said to myself, "I miss those people there...the staff. I would love to go back to see them." I knew that one way that was possible was to be hospitalized again, because you can't go back to visit. So, I went back—I said, "Mom I need the hospital again. I'm going nuts" (even though I was really fine, and I wasn't really that upset). I just thought I had to say something to convince her. I went back to the hospital, and I was only there for a day, then I was transferred here and started working with Dr. Frazier. That's how I'm with her. When I was hospitalized here, I just wouldn't stop running around.
Dr. Jackson: Do you remember what the hospital stay here was like?
Michael: Yes, I mean, like, I'm bipolar, and until I got on to this lithium, which protects me from it, I was really not doing well because sometimes, when I was really feeling low, I'd run into my mother and jump on her lap and start crying like my little brother. Once I met Dr. Frazier, she put me on lithium and I was fine, depression-wise. I still get depressed sometimes but not like before, and even when I am depressed...I can drive just fine.
Dr. Jackson: Mrs. [deleted], what changes have you observed since Michael was hospitalized 3 years ago?
Mrs. [deleted]: Before the hospitalization, we were at the end of our rope. Michael's problems were dominating the family, frightening his siblings. Safety issues were a constant concern. My husband and I were looking into a residential placement. Now, Michael is a different person—responsible, hardworking, and a conscientious big brother.
Aspergers is a developmental disorder that is on a diagnostic continuum with autism and falls under the category of pervasive developmental disorders. The American Psychiatric Association included this diagnosis in DSM-IV. The disorder is characterized by a paucity of empathy, naive and inappropriate interactions, a limited ability to form friendships with peers, pedantic and poorly intonated speech, egocentrism, poor nonverbal communication, intense absorption in circumscribed topics, and, at least in some patients, ill-coordinated movements. Although Aspergers is similar to autism in many respects, the distinguishing feature in individuals with the disorder is their relatively normal speech development. In addition, individuals with Aspergers are less likely to have stereotypical behaviors and tend to have normal intelligence. In fact, a delayed onset of language may be the only developmental variable that predicts diagnosis when kids with high-functioning autism and Aspergers are compared (4). The long-term outcome for individuals with Aspergers is generally more positive than for those with autism. For example, many individuals with Aspergers go on to college and start their own families. The disorder may have a later age at onset (>24 months) than autism. Before the publication of DSM-IV, Aspergers was often described as high-functioning form of pervasive developmental disorder and was coded as pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified.
Estimates of the prevalence rate for autism have varied somewhat over the past decade. Autism was thought to occur in 1 out of 2,000 kids and more recently has been estimated to occur in 1 out of 500 kids (1, 7). In a recent English survey of 15,500 kids (aged 2.5–6.5 years) (8), the prevalence rate for autism was found to be 16.8 per 10,000 kids and 45.8 per 10,000 kids for other pervasive developmental disorders.
The concordance rate for autism in monozygotic twins is 60%; the concordance rate for a broader autism phenotype is 90% (9, 10). In one study (11), the risk of recurrence for autism (i.e., the frequency of autism in subsequent siblings) was estimated at 6%–8%, or up to 200 times the risk in the general population. However, a more complicated analysis of the same data using a mixed-model method (i.e., a major gene model, a polygenic model, a sibling-effect model, and a mixed-model consisting of major-gene and shared-sibling effects) (12) estimated that the relative risk of recurrence of autism is only 4.5%, which is 65 times greater than the risk in the general population. The difference in concordance between monozygotic twins and dizygotic twins or first-degree relatives is consistent with the requirement for multiple interacting genes; a combination of three separate risk genes provides the most plausible model (13). Current genetic research in autistic spectrum disorders is directed at identifying genetic loci that may be associated with components of the disorder, such as social impairments, cognitive deficits, and obsessional traits (14).
As a component of autistic spectrum disorders, Aspergers has been estimated to occur in 8.4–10 of 10,000 kids in one study (1, 8). Aspergers may be highly heritable. For example, a recent familial aggregation study (15) demonstrated that in families of kids with pervasive developmental disorders (34 with two affected kids, 44 with one affected youngster, and 14 with an adopted youngster with pervasive developmental disorders), all components of the lesser variant of pervasive developmental disorders (or with traits like those in pervasive developmental disorders) were more common in biological relatives than nonbiological relatives, which confirmed the familial aggregation of the traits. Kids who had a greater risk of family members being affected were those with a higher level of functioning who came from families in which two kids were affected with pervasive developmental disorders (15). However, the genetics of Aspergers, in particular among the pervasive developmental disorders, have not been well studied. Future research needs to focus on the genetics specific to this disorder.
Several investigators have described kids with mood lability who satisfy many of the diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder in their prepubertal years (16–19). Kids with presumptive bipolar disorder exhibit mixed mood states, chronic irritability, rapid cycling, suicidality, and oppositionality. Kids with developmental disabilities have a two-to-six-times greater risk of experiencing comorbid psychiatric conditions than their developmentally normal peers (3, 20–22). The presence of comorbid affective disorders in these kids may more severely impair an individual with already limited cognitive functions and social skills (23). However, individuals with Aspergers and other developmental disabilities can suffer from treatable comorbid mood disorders for years, despite frequent medical assessments and developmental and psychiatric evaluations. The reasons for this delay in diagnosis of a comorbid mood disorder are complex and multiple. The symptoms of mood disorders can be masked by other symptoms or behaviors in the population with autistic spectrum disorders; for example, behaviors that are characteristic of or associated with autistic spectrum disorders (i.e., obsessiveness, stereotypies, hyperactivity, inattention, social intrusiveness, social withdrawal, aggression, and self-injurious behaviors) may become more pronounced, intense, or exaggerated during manic or depressive phases. The changes in these behaviors in individuals with both Asperger's and bipolar disorders are usually episodic and occur within the context of a mood state and are responsive to effective treatments for mood disorders. Individuals with autistic spectrum disorder or Aspergerss have a limited ability for abstract thinking, restricted or odd expression of emotions in their faces, voices, or words, and limited capacity to understand the mental states and feelings of themselves or others. Most individuals with autistic spectrum disorders are very sensitive to changes in their environment, and their moods and behaviors shift in response to these changes (24).
Although more research needs to be done to delineate the similarities and differences in mood states between individuals with Aspergers and developmentally normal individuals, Sovner (25) (and with Parry ) proposed some criteria as a starting point. Sovner noted that there are four specific domains of functioning in individuals with developmental disorders that can be further affected by a comorbid affective illness, making the task of diagnostic formulation difficult. These four domains are intellectual distortion, psychosocial masking, cognitive disintegration, and baseline exaggeration (25).
Rates of the prevalence of comorbid pervasive developmental disorders, specifically Asperger's and bipolar disorders, are difficult to ascertain as Aspergers is a relatively new diagnostic category that first appeared in DSM-IV, and the actual prevalence of pediatric bipolar disorder will be difficult to fully ascertain until the definition of bipolarity in kids is more fully agreed upon. However, in a population of kids evaluated by a pediatric psychopharmacology clinic, Wozniak and colleagues (27) reported that out of 727 kids, 52 met criteria for pervasive developmental disorders, 114 met criteria for mania, and 14 of 52 kids with pervasive developmental disorders met criteria for both pervasive developmental and bipolar disorders (which represented 2% of all referrals, 12% of the kids with bipolar disorder, and 27% of the kids with pervasive developmental disorders). Clearly, these data suggest that there was an overrepresentation of kids with pervasive developmental disorders in the overall group with bipolar disorder and an overrepresentation of kids with bipolar disorder in the group with pervasive developmental disorders. However, the study did not specifically represent individuals with Aspergers, and it is not clear how generalizable these data were to the group with general pervasive developmental disorders because they represented kids who were evaluated in a pediatric psychopharmacology clinic. To date, there is little known about the prevalence of mood disorders in a group of kids with Aspergers who were not specifically referred for treatment of serious behavioral problems.
There are a number of published case reports and studies that suggest an association between autistic spectrum disorders and bipolar disorder (27–31), although not all of these reports are explicit regarding the number of kids that actually had Aspergers because they predate DSM-IV. For example, Komoto and colleagues (28) described three autistic kids who also had an affective disorder and a positive family history of depression or bipolar disorder. Gillberg (29) described a patient with Aspergers and recurrent psychosis who had a family history of bipolar disorder. Lainhart and Folstein (24) reviewed all of the current published case reports regarding kids with autistic spectrum disorders and comorbid affective disorders (N=17). In a study of a group of patients with Aspergers who were followed into adolescence, Wing (30) found that nearly one-half of the patients developed affective disorders. In another study (31), kids with autistic spectrum disorders who had a family history of bipolar disorder were compared with kids with autistic spectrum disorders who had no a family history of bipolar disorder; clear differences in symptom profiles were seen in the two groups. The kids without a family history of bipolar disorder did not have marked cyclic variations in behavior, showed less florid agitation, fearfulness, and aggression, and were of lower functioning, whereas the kids with a family history of bipolar disorder showed extremes of affect, cyclicity, intense obsessive interests, neurovegetative disturbances, and regression after a period of normal or precocious development.
There is an accumulating body of literature that suggests that autism spectrum disorders may be associated with a family history of affective disorders (28–36); several of the studies indicate that there is a greater risk of bipolar disorder in family members of individuals with Aspergers, in particular. For example, a higher prevalence of affective disorders, especially bipolar affective disorder, was found in the families of about one-third of the individuals who were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (31, 32, 35). DeLong and Dwyer (33) found that relatives of probands with pervasive developmental disorders had a 4.2% prevalence of bipolar disorder (nearly five times greater than that expected in the general population) and that the prevalence was highest among relatives of probands with Aspergers (6.1% versus 3.3% for relatives of probands with autism). On the other hand, Gillberg (34) found rates of affective disorder in this group that were similar to those found in the general population. He found that four (17%) of 23 kids with Aspergers and three (13%) of 23 with autism had family histories of major affective disorders. On the other hand, Piven and colleagues (35) found that although major depression had a higher lifetime prevalence in the moms and dads of autistic probands (27%) than in the normal population, bipolar disorder did not. Finally, DeLong and Nohria (36) studied 40 kids with autistic spectrum disorder, 20 of whom had no identifiable neurological disorder that could account for their autism. A family history of affective disorders enriched by sevenfold the risk of autistic spectrum disorders in the group compared with those who did have an underlying neurological disorder, such as tuberous sclerosis or congenital rubella.
In 1978 Damasio and Maurer proposed a mesolimbic model of autism (37). More recently, Bachevalier (38) demonstrated deficits in social reciprocity and an increase in circumscribed behaviors in nonhuman primates who had had their amygdalo-hippocampal complexes lesioned during infancy. The amygdala is a critical component of the limbic or affective loop in the brain and has been implicated in both neuropathological and neuroimaging studies of Aspergers, autism, and bipolar disorder. The involvement of the amygdala and the limbic system and the apparent involvement of the right side of the brain in Aspergers suggest areas of overlap with bipolar disorder, which also has been described as involving dysfunction of the right hemisphere (39).
Unfortunately, despite the fact that there are medications that can help kids with mood disorders in the autistic spectrum, many kids are never diagnosed properly, nor do they come to the attention of mental health professionals. For example, in an epidemiological study (40), at least 41% of the kids who were developmentally disabled were affected by comorbid psychiatric disorders, but less than 10% of the kids with comorbid psychiatric disorders had seen a specialist.
There are numerous system biases and multiple issues that contribute to the lack of proper psychiatric diagnoses and treatment for kids with autistic spectrum disorders. These kids may suffer from two disorders, both carrying with them a societal prejudice. This prejudice partly influences medical professionals to the degree that psychiatric evaluation and treatment are often overlooked in these kids, which results in the phenomenon known as "diagnostic overshadowing," in which changes in mood and behavior are wrongly attributed to the individual's developmental disorder rather than to a comorbid psychiatric condition (23). Owing to the individual's poor communication and social skills, the expression of psychopathology (e.g., self-injurious behavior, aggression, and rocking) may be different from that of a cognitively and developmentally normal individual. Understanding the etiology of a disturbing behavior is extremely important.
The selection of medications for treating problematic behaviors requires careful observation of the youngster with an autistic spectrum disorder over a period of time, owing to the patient's limited ability to express problems verbally and poor insight. In general, targeting symptoms of a psychiatric disorder, and not of an individual behavior, should be the basis of treatment with psychopharmacologic agents. For example, the individual behavior of self-injury may be a symptom of numerous psychiatric disorders. Proper formulation needs to occur before treatment is initiated.
It is important to emphasize that there are a limited number of controlled trials regarding the use of psychopharmacological interventions in this population. Therefore, pharmacological intervention should be chosen judiciously, and patients should be closely monitored for symptom improvement and side effects. Given that these patients are often treated with psychotropic medications, there is a crucial need for systematic controlled trials to establish both the safety and efficacy of pharmacological agents in kids with Aspergers and with developmental disabilities in general.
Historically, kids with developmental disabilities have been reported to have a higher rate of dyskinesias (29.7%) when treated with neuroleptics (41). However, when 16 neuroleptic-naive autistic kids were assessed at baseline for stereotypies, mannerisms, and dyskinetic movements, 25% were found to have abnormal movements (42). In addition, the raters in this study were unable to distinguish these abnormal baseline movements from the dyskinesias that other autistic kids had developed during treatment with neuroleptics. Nonetheless, tardive dyskinesia is a concern to clinicians, especially when they are considering use of typical antipsychotics in this population. Therefore, the atypical agents, with their lower (but not yet fully determined) risk of tardive dyskinesia, offer much promise for the pharmacotherapy of these kids and other pediatric populations (43–45).
Thioridazine is a typical antipsychotic agent that has been used historically in child psychiatry with relative frequency. Like the atypical agents, thioridazine has lower acute extrapyramidal side effects and some serotonin 5-HT2 receptor antagonism, which has made it an attractive agent for use in youth. However, thioridazine has recently been given a "black box" warning because of its tendency to cause prolongation of the QT interval on ECGs.
Risperidone, when used in kids with autistic spectrum disorders, leads to significant reduction of repetitive behaviors, aggression, impulsivity, and some elements of social relatedness (43). The effectiveness of risperidone was evaluated in a retrospective chart review of the treatment of kids with bipolar disorder who did not have pervasive developmental disorders. In this study (45), risperidone was extremely helpful in decreasing mania, psychosis, and aggression. In addition, studies using other atypical agents for the treatment of childhood bipolar disorder are beginning to appear in the literature (44).
Although pharmacological studies of lithium are few among developmentally disabled individuals, case reports indicate that lithium can be quite helpful in the treatment of bipolar symptoms in kids with pervasive developmental disorders (28, 31, 46). In addition, DeLong and Dwyer (33) reported that four out of seven kids with Aspergers and comorbid bipolar disorder and a family history of bipolar disorder had a good response to lithium treatment (33).
Kids with Aspergers generally require ongoing multimodal intervention to achieve optimal functioning; psychotherapy, social skills training, speech and language intervention at times, occupational and physical therapy, vocational training, and psychopharmacologic intervention can treat the severely impairing symptoms of comorbid psychiatric disorders (1, 6). Coordination of services and communication between various providers is essential. Our patient, Michael, was ultimately placed in a special school for individuals with Aspergers that provided psychotherapy, social pragmatics, group therapy, and some vocational training.
Michael's story illustrates a number of important points regarding the comorbidity of bipolar and Aspergerss. From an early age, Michael clearly had characteristics that are seen in kids with Aspergers. Furthermore, the hallmarks of Aspergers remained with Michael, even after his comorbid bipolar disorder was appropriately treated. Although Michael was impaired by his developmental disorder, it is quite clear that the symptoms of Michael's bipolar disorder led to severe disruption of functioning. Michael had symptoms of an affective illness beginning at an early age. For him, delayed diagnosis and treatment led to 5.5 years of progressive dysfunction and a worsening of symptoms. His affective disorder exacerbated the underlying symptoms of Aspergers. For example, when he was manic, Michael became more intrusive and engaged in more socially inappropriate behaviors; his pedantic speech became more pressured, he engaged in lengthy monologues, and his obsessionality became intense. Once comorbid bipolar disorder was diagnosed and appropriate treatment occurred, Michael gradually began to recover and his self-injury, aggression, and intense pressured obsessiveness disappeared. Michael's father has a history of depression, which is consistent with the findings of a higher rate of affective illness in the first-degree relatives of kids with Aspergers.
Michael has a history of treatment with a typical antipsychotics, during which he developed oral dyskinesia. Some literature has suggested that kids with autistic spectrum disorders may have a slightly higher incidence of dyskinesias or withdrawal dyskinesias (41). Of note, Michael's tongue movements disappeared when he was switched to risperidone. In addition, Michael responded well to the combination of lithium and risperidone. Both medications (lithium and risperidone) have been described in the literature as being helpful and well tolerated in individuals with autistic spectrum disorders (31, 32, 43).
Educating pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, child psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals about the high prevalence of comorbid psychiatric conditions in individuals with autistic spectrum disorders is crucial so that these kids receive appropriate treatment. Appropriate treatment can greatly enhance a youngster's ability to optimize his or her developmental trajectory (6, 7), as shown in this case conference.
Finally, since kids with autistic spectrum disorders and other developmental disorders have historically been excluded from treatment trials, the existing psychopharmacological literature is sparse. More rigorous research is needed on the use of psychopharmacological agents in this population to assess more fully the risks and benefits of treatment for comorbid affective disorders and other psychiatric conditions.
ha, I am going to experiment my thought, your post get me some good ideas, it's really amazing, thanks.


text:
Rockstar Games Social Club X Benefits
There are several benefits of joining the Rockstar Games social club X. These include one-time bonuses, discounts on packs, and regularly updated rewards. To learn more, read the following article. It will give you an overview of these benefits. We'll also discuss how Twitch Prime can save you money on game purchases. But for now, it's just about getting the most out of the benefits.
Licensed Bounty Hunters
PC players can get a Bounty License for free when they connect their Social Club account to Twitch Prime. The game offers three roles: bounty hunter, smuggler, and ninja. You can take on one or all three roles at the same time. All three roles require that you have at least 15 Gold Bars to begin.
The Bounty Hunter role in Red Dead Online allows you to hunt dangerous criminals. You can obtain work by visiting bounty boards in locations such as train stations, post offices, and law offices. The Bounty Hunter License can be obtained for free by joining Twitch Prime. Twitch Prime members also get 15% extra Gold Bars for each Gold Bar purchase.
You can collect the Bounty Hunter License by visiting the Rhodes town. Once you complete the quest, you will be rewarded with a Collector's Bag. You can use this bag to obtain various special items, including the Bounty Hunter License. You can also buy the Bounty Hunter License by spending 15 Gold Bars at Cripps. This offer will be valid through Oct. 14.
Once you sign up for Rockstar Games' Social Club, you can get discounts and exclusive benefits on Red Dead Online and GTA Online. The Rockstar Games Social Club also provides discounts on other games, including Red Dead Online. The latest update added on September 10 features Frontier Pursuits, three new Specialist Roles, and a whole new set of activities. This is the perfect opportunity for you to get the latest updates on your favorite games.
See also Nandos Offers An NHS Discount
You can also purchase a Legendary Bounty Hunter in Red Dead Online. To purchase this item, you must have a minimum of 15 Gold Bars. This license will grant you access to a Bounty Hunter Specialist role, which requires the Bounty Hunter license. However, if you cannot afford this, you can still acquire a Bounty Hunter License through free roam missions.
One-time bonus
The Social Club x Twitch Prime one-time bonus is a one-time bonus that Rockstar games is offering to players who have signed up for the service. It can be claimed by signing up for the service and playing at least ten games every month. These benefits are only available to Twitch Prime members. The list of benefits is updated regularly as new benefits are added and the older ones are archived.
The Twitch Prime one-time bonus can be used to unlock exclusive loot for GTA Online and Red Dead Online. It also gives you a 15% bonus GTA$ on Shark Cash Card purchases and the Superior Ammo Bundle. The benefits are applied 24-48 hours after your next online gaming session and will only be activated for new members. To qualify for the one-time bonus, you must have signed up for Twitch Prime before July 19th.
If you're a Twitch Prime member, you can get up to $400,000 in free GTA$ every month. Twitch Prime members are also eligible for special offers and discounts on in-game items, such as vehicles and properties. By linking your Twitch Prime account to your Rockstar Social Club account, you'll automatically get discounts on different in-game items, like cars and properties. You can even get a free Sanctus when you sign up for Twitch Prime.
Besides the one-time bonus, other Rockstar Games Social Club perks include discounts on GTA Online and Red Dead Online. Prime Gaming rewards also include discounts on in-game loot, bonus XP, and in-game currencies. Whether you're looking for a discount or rewards, you'll be glad to know that the Rockstar Games Social Club is available for you to join.
See also Jane Scheduling For Clinics
Discounts on packs
The new partnership between Twitch Prime and Rockstar Games is set to provide subscribers with exclusive loot for Red Dead Online and GTA Online. In addition to this, Twitch Prime will offer weekly discounts on premium items in both titles. The first batch of these weekly discounts will be available to Twitch Prime members starting on July 19.
To get started, you must sign up for Twitch Prime and link your Rockstar Social Club account to Red Dead Online or Grand Theft Auto Online. Once you have done so, you can access all of the benefits. You can get a GTA$1,250,000 bonus, 15% bonus on Shark Cash Card purchases, and the Superior Ammo Bundle. Twitch Prime benefits are credited to your account 24 to 48 hours after your next online play session. This is valid for both Red Dead Online and GTA Online.
Once you have signed up, you can enjoy the benefits of a Rockstar Games Social Club. You can also link your Rockstar Games Social Club account with your Amazon Account. To do this, you can visit the Amazon page of Rockstar Games. Go to the "Links" section, then scroll down to "Other Links," and then click on the "Rockstar Games Social Club" link.
The Twitch Prime Gaming benefits for GTA Online are similar to those offered by Twitch Prime for Twitch. The Twitch Prime benefits include discounts on in-game items and weekly content updates. Another benefit is that Twitch Prime members can link their GTA Online account with Twitch Prime. They can also enjoy discounts on vehicles and free properties. This is an excellent way to make money from Twitch gaming.
See also What is the Color Oracle Test?
Regularly updated rewards
The Rockstar Games Social Club x Twitch Prime benefit will be regularly updated to reflect new game content. This includes new discounts and in-game money opportunities. In addition, new content is coming to Rockstar Games, such as Casino DLC and more vehicles and properties. To make it even better, members can also unlock exclusive rewards. These benefits are only available while you have Twitch Prime, so you may want to join before the end of the month.
The partnership between Rockstar Games and Twitch Prime will provide its members with exclusive discounts and rewards on Red Dead Online and GTA online. It will also provide exclusive Apex Legends skins for Twitch Prime members, along with in-game items for popular 2K sports games. The two companies will also host high-profile tournaments and other content for Twitch Prime members before and during Amazon Prime Day. Twitch will also run a twelve-hour live stream called "Twitch Sells Out" during Prime Day, featuring some of the world's biggest gaming personalities selling products on the site.
GTA Online Twitch Prime Gaming offers a wide range of discounts on cars, motorcycles, and more, while Rockstar Games partners with Twitch to offer free in-game money. Twitch Prime and Rockstar Games will offer these discounts for members of the Social Club. Once you join Twitch Prime, you will also gain exclusive access to Vespucci Canals Nightclub.
Another benefit of becoming a member of the Rockstar Games Social Club is that you can also earn more cash. Rockstar Games will provide $400,000 in cash each month to Prime Gaming members. Members can also claim free properties and exclusive Supercars. During each of these discounts, the Rockstar Social Club will match the Twitch Prime discount by 10%. It is a win-win situation for all players!
Hey Email – How to Send Emails From Email to Basecamp
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The Be Well app is a new loyalty program developed by Rexall. It's available on web browsers, iOS, and Android devices. It's designed to make medication management easier and offers special promotions. It also offers personalized alerts to remind you when you need to refill a prescription. This article will explain how it works and…
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Www NetMaths Net Connexion
If you want a high-quality internet service, consider the services offered by Www Netmaths Net Connexion. This service offers more than 10,000 math exercises to help students improve their math skills. Students can check their results in real time and can even take an online exam during the Covid-19 pandemic. Contact the company for more…
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When you want to join Sportsbet, you'll need to first create an account. You can do this by clicking on the "join now" button. This will take you to a registration form. You'll need to fill out your name and email address, and verify your identity. Once you have your account, you're all set to…
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How to Backup Firefox Bookmarks in Vista
How do I recover my Firefox book marks? Complying with actions will reveal you to recover book marks in Firefox: Click Beginning Most likely to Computer system Open "C" drive =>> Username Type" AppData." in address box on the extreme right side of C: Username (C: UsersnameAppData) Press Get in Dual click the Roaming folder…
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Gobiesox maeandricus är en fiskart som först beskrevs av Girard, 1858.  Gobiesox maeandricus ingår i släktet Gobiesox och familjen dubbelsugarfiskar. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Externa länkar

Dubbelsugarfiskar
maeandricus

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Events - Honeycomb & Co.
If you'd like to start the process of planning your wedding or event flowers with us, click here to fill our our Events Contact Form, and one of our designers will be in touch with you shortly.
Honeycomb & Co. is a full service wedding and event florist. We take great pride in creating fabulous wedding and event flowers for our brides and planners. Because we know each event is unique, we offer custom pricing and designs so that our customers get exactly what they're looking for. Our goal is always to wow; we want your florals to be a favorite part of your day, and we seek to make the planning up to your day as seamless as possible. Our heart goes into each and every arrangement we provide for our clients!
Contact us via email at shop@honeycombandcompany.com, or by phone at 720-503-8013, to set up a complimentary consultation with one of our designers. We'll sit down for about 30-45 minutes to discuss your vision, and afterwards, send you a custom proposal that outlines our designs and pricing. We are currently booking 2018 and 2019 dates, and we can't wait to hear from you!


text:
Tepic ist die Hauptstadt des Bundesstaates Nayarit in Mexiko sowie des Municipio Tepic. Die 274.100 Einwohner (Stand 1. Januar 2004) zählende und 1531 gegründete Stadt liegt auf vulkanischem Gebiet.

Die Stadt ist Sitz des römisch-katholischen Bistums Tepic und verfügt über Museum, Universität und Theater. Die im Umland erzeugten Produkte, wie Zuckerrohr, Baumwolle und Tabak werden meist in Tepic verarbeitet (z. B. Leinen, Zigarren).

Der kleine Flughafen Tepic wird hauptsächlich von der allgemeinen Luftfahrt-, Charter- und einigen kommerziellen Flügen genutzt.

Zu den Sehenswürdigkeiten gehören die Kathedrale Purísima Concepción und die Kirche Santa Cruz.

Geschichte
Im Frühjahr des Jahres 1540 brach in Tepic der Mixtón-Krieg aus und weitete sich als Rebellion gegen die spanische Kolonialmacht in andere Regionen Mexikos aus.

Söhne und Töchter
 Carlos Aguiar Retes (* 1950), Erzbischof von Mexiko-Stadt, Kardinal
 Gustavo Ayón (* 1985), Basketballspieler
 Marcelino Bernal (* 1962), Fußballspieler
 Nicolás Echevarría (* 1947), Filmregisseur
 Missael Espinoza (* 1965), Fußballspieler
 Raúl Isiordia (* 1952), Fußballspieler
 Luis E. Miramontes (1925–2004), Chemiker
 Amado Nervo (1870–1919), Schriftsteller, Journalist und Diplomat
 Rodolfo Nervo (1879–1936), Botschafter
 Juan Antonio Ocampo (* 1989), Fußballspieler
 Luis Olivas (* 2000), Fußballspieler
 Sergio Amaury Ponce (* 1981), Fußballspieler
 Ramón Ramírez (* 1969), Fußballspieler
 Antonio Rivas Mercado (1853–1927), Architekt und Bauingenieur
 Juan Alberto Rodríguez Ibarra (* 1969), Beachvolleyballspieler
 Miguel Zepeda (* 1976), Fußballspieler

Weblinks

 offizielle Webseite des Municipio Tepic

Ort in Nayarit

Hauptstadt eines mexikanischen Bundesstaates
Ort in Nordamerika


text:
Novos Espaços Urbanos - New Urban Spaces
A basic factor for fighting poverty in the rural areas in Mozambique (and many other african countries) is to strengthen the small and medium cities, as these cities are important fix-points for the large rural areas around them, and these cities are already in a leading role for growth and development. (compare: Susan Parnell, African Centre for Cities, University of Cape Town)
One of the most urgent and important work that has to be done within these cities today is to develop and improve the public basic infrastructure. (e.g. roads, access to clean water and energy / electricity, to name only a few important aspects)
According to this, it is one of the basic questions for the area of Urban Design and Urban Planning, how to plan the basic Infrastructure for small and medium cities in Mozambique? At a meeting of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in Chimoio in March 2011, it was also this question that has been discussed by the participants.
Mr. Rodolfo Cândido and Mr. Georg Jahnsen gave an overview about the experiences already made in this area in the Municipalities of Manica and Catandica. In addition to this Mr. Georg Jahnsen explained the main tasks in these cities today and some ideas and strategies for the medium and longterm future.
>>>See the slides of the full presentation (pdf 1MB)
Image top: Georg Jahnsen speaking to the "GIZ Munizipien AG" (Foto by Els Keunen).
Image below: Infrastructural Planning (Water) in Catandica, a small city in Mozambique.
Stadtgrenze / Limite do Município
Vias de Acesso - Zugänglichkeit der Stadt


This is an update to a story we reported earlier this week.
Mary Lou Byrd of the Washington Free Beacon reports.
Update, 4:30 p.m.: Hours after the publication of this story, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education issued a statement this afternoon announcing that the charges against the female student have been dropped.
Students at the University of Oregon began their fall semester on Monday amid controversy over conduct charges filed against a female student for making a joke.
The university is under fire for filing five charges against the student after she yelled "I hit it first" to a couple passing under her window during the summer semester. The student, who requested anonymity, said she did not know the couple and called out the phrase in jest, according to her account to the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education.
FIRE is now calling on the university to drop the charges and revise what it calls unconstitutional speech codes.
"It is remarkable that the university apparently didn't give a first thought to this student's First Amendment rights before throwing the book at her and allowing these unconstitutional charges to hang over her head for the entire summer," said Peter Bonilla, Director of FIRE's Individual Rights Defense Program, in a prepared statement yesterday.
Had this been a male student (the "perp"), they still would have tried to save face by calling it sexual harrassment.
Also – had this been a female student "perp" and the "victim" a male, this would have never gone anywhere.
Am sick to death of PC ideologues deciding guilt or innocence based purely on race and gender. They're vile.


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text:
import Cartesian3 from "./Cartesian3.js";
import Cartesian4 from "./Cartesian4.js";
import CullingVolume from "./CullingVolume.js";
import defaultValue from "./defaultValue.js";
import defined from "./defined.js";
import DeveloperError from "./DeveloperError.js";
import CesiumMath from "./Math.js";
import Matrix4 from "./Matrix4.js";

/**
 * The viewing frustum is defined by 6 planes.
 * Each plane is represented by a {@link Cartesian4} object, where the x, y, and z components
 * define the unit vector normal to the plane, and the w component is the distance of the
 * plane from the origin/camera position.
 *
 * @alias PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum
 * @constructor
 *
 * @param {Object} [options] An object with the following properties:
 * @param {Number} [options.left] The left clipping plane distance.
 * @param {Number} [options.right] The right clipping plane distance.
 * @param {Number} [options.top] The top clipping plane distance.
 * @param {Number} [options.bottom] The bottom clipping plane distance.
 * @param {Number} [options.near=1.0] The near clipping plane distance.
 * @param {Number} [options.far=500000000.0] The far clipping plane distance.
 *
 * @example
 * const frustum = new Cesium.PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum({
 *     left : -1.0,
 *     right : 1.0,
 *     top : 1.0,
 *     bottom : -1.0,
 *     near : 1.0,
 *     far : 100.0
 * });
 *
 * @see PerspectiveFrustum
 */
function PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum(options) {
  options = defaultValue(options, defaultValue.EMPTY_OBJECT);

  /**
   * Defines the left clipping plane.
   * @type {Number}
   * @default undefined
   */
  this.left = options.left;
  this._left = undefined;

  /**
   * Defines the right clipping plane.
   * @type {Number}
   * @default undefined
   */
  this.right = options.right;
  this._right = undefined;

  /**
   * Defines the top clipping plane.
   * @type {Number}
   * @default undefined
   */
  this.top = options.top;
  this._top = undefined;

  /**
   * Defines the bottom clipping plane.
   * @type {Number}
   * @default undefined
   */
  this.bottom = options.bottom;
  this._bottom = undefined;

  /**
   * The distance of the near plane.
   * @type {Number}
   * @default 1.0
   */
  this.near = defaultValue(options.near, 1.0);
  this._near = this.near;

  /**
   * The distance of the far plane.
   * @type {Number}
   * @default 500000000.0
   */
  this.far = defaultValue(options.far, 500000000.0);
  this._far = this.far;

  this._cullingVolume = new CullingVolume();
  this._perspectiveMatrix = new Matrix4();
  this._infinitePerspective = new Matrix4();
}

function update(frustum) {
  //>>includeStart('debug', pragmas.debug);
  if (
    !defined(frustum.right) ||
    !defined(frustum.left) ||
    !defined(frustum.top) ||
    !defined(frustum.bottom) ||
    !defined(frustum.near) ||
    !defined(frustum.far)
  ) {
    throw new DeveloperError(
      "right, left, top, bottom, near, or far parameters are not set."
    );
  }
  //>>includeEnd('debug');

  const t = frustum.top;
  const b = frustum.bottom;
  const r = frustum.right;
  const l = frustum.left;
  const n = frustum.near;
  const f = frustum.far;

  if (
    t !== frustum._top ||
    b !== frustum._bottom ||
    l !== frustum._left ||
    r !== frustum._right ||
    n !== frustum._near ||
    f !== frustum._far
  ) {
    //>>includeStart('debug', pragmas.debug);
    if (frustum.near <= 0 || frustum.near > frustum.far) {
      throw new DeveloperError(
        "near must be greater than zero and less than far."
      );
    }
    //>>includeEnd('debug');

    frustum._left = l;
    frustum._right = r;
    frustum._top = t;
    frustum._bottom = b;
    frustum._near = n;
    frustum._far = f;
    frustum._perspectiveMatrix = Matrix4.computePerspectiveOffCenter(
      l,
      r,
      b,
      t,
      n,
      f,
      frustum._perspectiveMatrix
    );
    frustum._infinitePerspective = Matrix4.computeInfinitePerspectiveOffCenter(
      l,
      r,
      b,
      t,
      n,
      frustum._infinitePerspective
    );
  }
}

Object.defineProperties(PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum.prototype, {
  /**
   * Gets the perspective projection matrix computed from the view frustum.
   * @memberof PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum.prototype
   * @type {Matrix4}
   * @readonly
   *
   * @see PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum#infiniteProjectionMatrix
   */
  projectionMatrix: {
    get: function () {
      update(this);
      return this._perspectiveMatrix;
    },
  },

  /**
   * Gets the perspective projection matrix computed from the view frustum with an infinite far plane.
   * @memberof PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum.prototype
   * @type {Matrix4}
   * @readonly
   *
   * @see PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum#projectionMatrix
   */
  infiniteProjectionMatrix: {
    get: function () {
      update(this);
      return this._infinitePerspective;
    },
  },
});

const getPlanesRight = new Cartesian3();
const getPlanesNearCenter = new Cartesian3();
const getPlanesFarCenter = new Cartesian3();
const getPlanesNormal = new Cartesian3();
/**
 * Creates a culling volume for this frustum.
 *
 * @param {Cartesian3} position The eye position.
 * @param {Cartesian3} direction The view direction.
 * @param {Cartesian3} up The up direction.
 * @returns {CullingVolume} A culling volume at the given position and orientation.
 *
 * @example
 * // Check if a bounding volume intersects the frustum.
 * const cullingVolume = frustum.computeCullingVolume(cameraPosition, cameraDirection, cameraUp);
 * const intersect = cullingVolume.computeVisibility(boundingVolume);
 */
PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum.prototype.computeCullingVolume = function (
  position,
  direction,
  up
) {
  //>>includeStart('debug', pragmas.debug);
  if (!defined(position)) {
    throw new DeveloperError("position is required.");
  }

  if (!defined(direction)) {
    throw new DeveloperError("direction is required.");
  }

  if (!defined(up)) {
    throw new DeveloperError("up is required.");
  }
  //>>includeEnd('debug');

  const planes = this._cullingVolume.planes;

  const t = this.top;
  const b = this.bottom;
  const r = this.right;
  const l = this.left;
  const n = this.near;
  const f = this.far;

  const right = Cartesian3.cross(direction, up, getPlanesRight);

  const nearCenter = getPlanesNearCenter;
  Cartesian3.multiplyByScalar(direction, n, nearCenter);
  Cartesian3.add(position, nearCenter, nearCenter);

  const farCenter = getPlanesFarCenter;
  Cartesian3.multiplyByScalar(direction, f, farCenter);
  Cartesian3.add(position, farCenter, farCenter);

  const normal = getPlanesNormal;

  //Left plane computation
  Cartesian3.multiplyByScalar(right, l, normal);
  Cartesian3.add(nearCenter, normal, normal);
  Cartesian3.subtract(normal, position, normal);
  Cartesian3.normalize(normal, normal);
  Cartesian3.cross(normal, up, normal);
  Cartesian3.normalize(normal, normal);

  let plane = planes[0];
  if (!defined(plane)) {
    plane = planes[0] = new Cartesian4();
  }
  plane.x = normal.x;
  plane.y = normal.y;
  plane.z = normal.z;
  plane.w = -Cartesian3.dot(normal, position);

  //Right plane computation
  Cartesian3.multiplyByScalar(right, r, normal);
  Cartesian3.add(nearCenter, normal, normal);
  Cartesian3.subtract(normal, position, normal);
  Cartesian3.cross(up, normal, normal);
  Cartesian3.normalize(normal, normal);

  plane = planes[1];
  if (!defined(plane)) {
    plane = planes[1] = new Cartesian4();
  }
  plane.x = normal.x;
  plane.y = normal.y;
  plane.z = normal.z;
  plane.w = -Cartesian3.dot(normal, position);

  //Bottom plane computation
  Cartesian3.multiplyByScalar(up, b, normal);
  Cartesian3.add(nearCenter, normal, normal);
  Cartesian3.subtract(normal, position, normal);
  Cartesian3.cross(right, normal, normal);
  Cartesian3.normalize(normal, normal);

  plane = planes[2];
  if (!defined(plane)) {
    plane = planes[2] = new Cartesian4();
  }
  plane.x = normal.x;
  plane.y = normal.y;
  plane.z = normal.z;
  plane.w = -Cartesian3.dot(normal, position);

  //Top plane computation
  Cartesian3.multiplyByScalar(up, t, normal);
  Cartesian3.add(nearCenter, normal, normal);
  Cartesian3.subtract(normal, position, normal);
  Cartesian3.cross(normal, right, normal);
  Cartesian3.normalize(normal, normal);

  plane = planes[3];
  if (!defined(plane)) {
    plane = planes[3] = new Cartesian4();
  }
  plane.x = normal.x;
  plane.y = normal.y;
  plane.z = normal.z;
  plane.w = -Cartesian3.dot(normal, position);

  //Near plane computation
  plane = planes[4];
  if (!defined(plane)) {
    plane = planes[4] = new Cartesian4();
  }
  plane.x = direction.x;
  plane.y = direction.y;
  plane.z = direction.z;
  plane.w = -Cartesian3.dot(direction, nearCenter);

  //Far plane computation
  Cartesian3.negate(direction, normal);

  plane = planes[5];
  if (!defined(plane)) {
    plane = planes[5] = new Cartesian4();
  }
  plane.x = normal.x;
  plane.y = normal.y;
  plane.z = normal.z;
  plane.w = -Cartesian3.dot(normal, farCenter);

  return this._cullingVolume;
};

/**
 * Returns the pixel's width and height in meters.
 *
 * @param {Number} drawingBufferWidth The width of the drawing buffer.
 * @param {Number} drawingBufferHeight The height of the drawing buffer.
 * @param {Number} distance The distance to the near plane in meters.
 * @param {Number} pixelRatio The scaling factor from pixel space to coordinate space.
 * @param {Cartesian2} result The object onto which to store the result.
 * @returns {Cartesian2} The modified result parameter or a new instance of {@link Cartesian2} with the pixel's width and height in the x and y properties, respectively.
 *
 * @exception {DeveloperError} drawingBufferWidth must be greater than zero.
 * @exception {DeveloperError} drawingBufferHeight must be greater than zero.
 * @exception {DeveloperError} pixelRatio must be greater than zero.
 *
 * @example
 * // Example 1
 * // Get the width and height of a pixel.
 * const pixelSize = camera.frustum.getPixelDimensions(scene.drawingBufferWidth, scene.drawingBufferHeight, 1.0, scene.pixelRatio, new Cesium.Cartesian2());
 *
 * @example
 * // Example 2
 * // Get the width and height of a pixel if the near plane was set to 'distance'.
 * // For example, get the size of a pixel of an image on a billboard.
 * const position = camera.position;
 * const direction = camera.direction;
 * const toCenter = Cesium.Cartesian3.subtract(primitive.boundingVolume.center, position, new Cesium.Cartesian3());      // vector from camera to a primitive
 * const toCenterProj = Cesium.Cartesian3.multiplyByScalar(direction, Cesium.Cartesian3.dot(direction, toCenter), new Cesium.Cartesian3()); // project vector onto camera direction vector
 * const distance = Cesium.Cartesian3.magnitude(toCenterProj);
 * const pixelSize = camera.frustum.getPixelDimensions(scene.drawingBufferWidth, scene.drawingBufferHeight, distance, scene.pixelRatio, new Cesium.Cartesian2());
 */
PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum.prototype.getPixelDimensions = function (
  drawingBufferWidth,
  drawingBufferHeight,
  distance,
  pixelRatio,
  result
) {
  update(this);

  //>>includeStart('debug', pragmas.debug);
  if (!defined(drawingBufferWidth) || !defined(drawingBufferHeight)) {
    throw new DeveloperError(
      "Both drawingBufferWidth and drawingBufferHeight are required."
    );
  }
  if (drawingBufferWidth <= 0) {
    throw new DeveloperError("drawingBufferWidth must be greater than zero.");
  }
  if (drawingBufferHeight <= 0) {
    throw new DeveloperError("drawingBufferHeight must be greater than zero.");
  }
  if (!defined(distance)) {
    throw new DeveloperError("distance is required.");
  }
  if (!defined(pixelRatio)) {
    throw new DeveloperError("pixelRatio is required");
  }
  if (pixelRatio <= 0) {
    throw new DeveloperError("pixelRatio must be greater than zero.");
  }
  if (!defined(result)) {
    throw new DeveloperError("A result object is required.");
  }
  //>>includeEnd('debug');

  const inverseNear = 1.0 / this.near;
  let tanTheta = this.top * inverseNear;
  const pixelHeight =
    (2.0 * pixelRatio * distance * tanTheta) / drawingBufferHeight;
  tanTheta = this.right * inverseNear;
  const pixelWidth =
    (2.0 * pixelRatio * distance * tanTheta) / drawingBufferWidth;

  result.x = pixelWidth;
  result.y = pixelHeight;
  return result;
};

/**
 * Returns a duplicate of a PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum instance.
 *
 * @param {PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum} [result] The object onto which to store the result.
 * @returns {PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum} The modified result parameter or a new PerspectiveFrustum instance if one was not provided.
 */
PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum.prototype.clone = function (result) {
  if (!defined(result)) {
    result = new PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum();
  }

  result.right = this.right;
  result.left = this.left;
  result.top = this.top;
  result.bottom = this.bottom;
  result.near = this.near;
  result.far = this.far;

  // force update of clone to compute matrices
  result._left = undefined;
  result._right = undefined;
  result._top = undefined;
  result._bottom = undefined;
  result._near = undefined;
  result._far = undefined;

  return result;
};

/**
 * Compares the provided PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum componentwise and returns
 * true if they are equal, false otherwise.
 *
 * @param {PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum} [other] The right hand side PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum.
 * @returns {Boolean} true if they are equal, false otherwise.
 */
PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum.prototype.equals = function (other) {
  return (
    defined(other) &&
    other instanceof PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum &&
    this.right === other.right &&
    this.left === other.left &&
    this.top === other.top &&
    this.bottom === other.bottom &&
    this.near === other.near &&
    this.far === other.far
  );
};

/**
 * Compares the provided PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum componentwise and returns
 * true if they pass an absolute or relative tolerance test,
 * false otherwise.
 *
 * @param {PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum} other The right hand side PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum.
 * @param {Number} relativeEpsilon The relative epsilon tolerance to use for equality testing.
 * @param {Number} [absoluteEpsilon=relativeEpsilon] The absolute epsilon tolerance to use for equality testing.
 * @returns {Boolean} true if this and other are within the provided epsilon, false otherwise.
 */
PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum.prototype.equalsEpsilon = function (
  other,
  relativeEpsilon,
  absoluteEpsilon
) {
  return (
    other === this ||
    (defined(other) &&
      other instanceof PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum &&
      CesiumMath.equalsEpsilon(
        this.right,
        other.right,
        relativeEpsilon,
        absoluteEpsilon
      ) &&
      CesiumMath.equalsEpsilon(
        this.left,
        other.left,
        relativeEpsilon,
        absoluteEpsilon
      ) &&
      CesiumMath.equalsEpsilon(
        this.top,
        other.top,
        relativeEpsilon,
        absoluteEpsilon
      ) &&
      CesiumMath.equalsEpsilon(
        this.bottom,
        other.bottom,
        relativeEpsilon,
        absoluteEpsilon
      ) &&
      CesiumMath.equalsEpsilon(
        this.near,
        other.near,
        relativeEpsilon,
        absoluteEpsilon
      ) &&
      CesiumMath.equalsEpsilon(
        this.far,
        other.far,
        relativeEpsilon,
        absoluteEpsilon
      ))
  );
};
export default PerspectiveOffCenterFrustum;

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


NFL Snooze News: will be about anything NFL related that isn't directly Viking or NFC North related. however, a thread about a particular player we may have current interest in, such as Jared Allen or Asante Samuel, is still acceptable to stand on its own.
i'll ask members to show a lot of patience with each other until/if this becomes routine, particularly with new guys.
should these two new topics drop off the page, then it will be very difficult for members to recognize they should be using them, but we'll give it a try.
So things like coaching hirings/firings or the NFL going back to London for instance?
Al Davis has never made any sense to me. A new coach bringing in a new system is obviously going to take time to adjust and get his personel in, but rotating coaches in and out like he does, he is going to end up screwing the team up for a longer period of time then just sitting through a losing season or two and letting a coach put his system in place.
Agreed on Davis. As much as I'm arguing with Enrage on his thread about continuity, I can't see any way a team can be good if they have new coaches every year or two. It isn't just about that, but it is surely partly about that.
As for London, it is a good marketing move for the NFL. I heard PA state on the radio that he's heard the trip isn't much fun for anyone, but hey, it is a job after all and that is a business trip.
In other NFL news, what is going on in DC?
Another situation where the owner has too much time on his hands and too little clue. When a team makes the playoffs and the coach leaves, promote from within in order to keep the team from changing as much. But Snyder is going to want to make his mark on the team again, like signing old free agents to huge contracts isn't enough.
Rumors are that Pete Carrol is in town, and that Snyder will also be meeting with Steve Marriucci(sp).
My theory, still, is that Davis is suffering from the early onsets of Altimers are is getting Calaghan, Turner, Shell, and Kiffin mumbled together as one coach.
"I quit smoking to give emphazima a break and to allow diabetes to catch up."
now begging to Parcells. who has always had a record of using bright, decisive qb's.
I saw that quote of Daunte's yesterday. Nice analysis, VD.
So what are you trying to say about Daunte Culpepper then?
That he's dumb. C'm on Steve!
It's not like Daunte was a rhodes scholar. He had a reputation for not being able to pick things up very fast. When you act as your own agent, and then only communcate through email? Something's missing.
what others have said about Daunte, that i agree with, is that he is not overly bright, nor has made good decisions for his career.
what i am saying, is that he has also had the misfortune of never having a male authority figure in front of him that he could really learn much from or use as a role model to better himself.
not that that excuses his behavior and decisions, but if he wasn't very, very wealthy, we'd be watching a real tragedy here.
It's not like Daunte was a rhode scholar. He had a reputation for not being able to pick things up very fast. When you act as your own agent, and then only communcate through email? Something's missing.
Daunte Culpepper will always be my favorite QB of all time.
perhaps see Daunte as your favorite qb so far. but you have no idea who is out there, even literally not born yet, that may supplant him in your rankings and admiration.
The problem with the organization goes beyond Al Davis. No one else in the ownership group has had the cajones to stand up to Al Davis and the one that did ended up selling his portion to Al Davis, because he lost in a lawsuit to try to oust Al Davis, but none of the other partners would join the suit. Now Al Davis holds majority stake in the Raiders and no one can stop him from himself. Someone he trusts (if there is anyone out there) needs to intervene and tell him that if he truly loves the Raiders, he should step down, because right now he's only hurting them.


Baptisms should be scheduled at least one month in advance.
Confirmation is celebrated once a year in the Fall, or at the Easter Vigil.
If you are considering a Vocation to the Ordained or Religious life, please speak with Father Phillip directly!
Please notify the Parish Office if you are hospitalized for an extended period of time, and/or if you would like to receive the Sacraments while you are ill. The Sacrament of the Sick can be celebrated more then once in someone's lifetime, though it is traditionally reserved for grave situations.


Selex Galileo presented their newest offering on remote weapon station with a 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun.
The Defence Academy of the United Kingdom sponsors many defence related scholarly events every year. The Symposia at Shrivenham had its 22nd annual Small Arms event in August of 2008. The normal schedule was followed: three days of short lectures on various subjects interspersed with breaks in the trade show exhibit area to share coffee, snacks, luncheon and tea with the exhibitors. This format has worked quite well in the past allowing breaks from the lectures and close interaction with the exhibitors.
SADJ would like to encourage the small arms community to lend their support to the 23rd Small Arms & Cannon Symposium in August of 2009. Hope to see you there.


text:
package p022NamesScores;

import java.io.BufferedReader;
import java.io.FileReader;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.util.Arrays;

public class p022
{
  public static String[] letters = {"A", "B", "C", "D", "E", "F", "G", "H", "I",
    "J", "K", "L", "M", "N", "O", "P", "Q", "R", "S", "T", "U", "V", "W", "X",
    "Y", "Z"};
  /**
   * Using names.txt (right click and 'Save Link/Target As...'), a 46K text file
   * containing over five-thousand first names, begin by sorting it into
   * alphabetical order. Then working out the alphabetical value for each name,
   * multiply this value by its alphabetical position in the list to obtain a
   * name score.
   * For example, when the list is sorted into alphabetical order, COLIN, which
   * is worth 3 + 15 + 12 + 9 + 14 = 53, is the 938th name in the list. So,
   * COLIN would obtain a score of 938 x 53 = 49714.
   * What is the total of all the name scores in the file?
   * @author Christopher Zhang
   * @param args
   */
  public static void main(String[] args)
  {
    double start = System.currentTimeMillis();
    int totalSum = 0;
    try{
      String currentLine;
      BufferedReader reader = new BufferedReader(new FileReader("names.txt"));
      currentLine = reader.readLine();
      String[] names = currentLine.split(",");
      Arrays.sort(names);
      // Iterate name by name
      for (int i = 0; i < names.length; i++)
      {
        int nameSum = 0;
        // Iterate through the individual name's letters
        for (int j = 1; j < names[i].length() - 1; j++)
        {
          nameSum += calculateLetterScore(names[i].charAt(j));
        }
        nameSum = nameSum * (i + 1);
        totalSum += nameSum;
        reader.close();
      }
    }
    catch (IOException e)
    {
      e.printStackTrace();
    }
    System.out.println(totalSum);
    System.out.printf("\nRunning Time: %fms\n", System.currentTimeMillis() -
        start);
  }

  public static int calculateLetterScore(char c)
  {
    int returnVal = 0;
    boolean found = false;
    String s = Character.toString(c);
    for (int i = 0; i < letters.length && !found; i++)
    {
      if (s.equals(letters[i]))
      {
        returnVal = i + 1;
      }
    }
    return returnVal;
  }
}


As a shockwave of disclosures expands the Hunters Point scandal, more startling historical and scientific facts were revealed by Daniel Hirsch, former University of California Santa Cruz Program on Environmental and Nuclear Policy director on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018. A clutch of powerful federal, state and local politicians has been involved for decades in the remediation and redevelopment of Superfund sites Hunters Point and Treasure Island.
While most of San Francisco's furry friends have loving owners, those that do not are cared for at the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF SPCA). The SF SPCA is growing and expects to hire 175 veterinary assistants and veterinary technicians over the next five years. To build their workforce, they created a paid apprenticeship program and are now looking for people to apply for this unique opportunity to care for the city's animals.
Activists, business owners and community members argued that victims of the War on Drugs should be given consideration as the city of San Francisco develops licensing policy for its fledgling recreational marijuana industry at a community forum on Oct. 21. The forum, which was held at the historic Bayview Opera House Ruth Williams Memorial Theater and called by San Francisco Supervisor Malia Cohen, was designed to engage community members in discussion regarding the cannabis industry.
My name is Felita Sample. My mysterious illnesses and my daughter LaKrista's strange afflictions developed after we moved from San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood to Treasure Island. Imagine never-ending nausea and daily dizziness. You can't tolerate the thought of food. You override this loathing and force yourself to eat. You soon find that anything edible, including water, triggers dry heaves that wrack your chest and abdomen.
City College of San Francisco today announced that its accreditation was reaffirmed for seven years by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). "This is a great day for City College, for San Francisco and for the California community college system," said Rafael Mandelman, president of the City College Board of Trustees. "So many people at the college have done such incredible work to achieve this result. San Franciscans should be very proud." Before ACCJC threatened its accreditation, City College was renowned as the nation's largest community college, with 95,000 students.
City College is the heart of San Francisco. Proposition W will allow us to re-grow our school to its full capacity and empower those who are most in need. In times like these, when the cost of living continues to rise, students shouldn't be forced to choose between textbooks and food, or between tuition and rent. Join me this Nov. 8 in voting for Proposition W. Let's make City College free again, and empower our school, our city and our community.
A "space mountain," "a behemoth," "a colossus," "a palace for Jabba The Hut" and "a half-baked baked Alaska" – that's how columnists have described George Lucas' $400 million 300,000-square-foot Museum of Narrative Art, a collection of Americana and Hollywood memorabilia. On May 16, 2016, San Francisco Supervisor, Aaron Peskin, appeared on CBS Bay Area talk show "Matier in the Morning," where he reintroduced Treasure Island as a site for the project.
On May 12, 2016, Black gardener Byron Gill, who works for the City of San Francisco, was informed that a San Francisco Superior Court jury rejected his retaliation claim against his employer, SF Recreation and Park. Gill, represented by attorney Gregory P. Brock, described the matter in his closing arguments as "death by a thousand cuts." He painted a picture of employer retaliation and harassment.
Artist Eugene White hails from southwestern Arkansas but has worked quietly in his studio and gallery along the 21-Hayes line for over 50 years. Lately, he's had some overdue attention as one of the few remaining Black artists to live and work in San Francisco: He's featured in an installation at the newly redesigned Buchanan Mall, where he's honored with a portrait and a listening station delivering his untold story.


I bought the HS-WS200+ last year and it used it for a few months and it worked great until one day I noticed that I lost the ability to control it remotely. Upon inspecting I realized that my switch has started acting oddly mechanically. Where I used to be able to just click the paddle once to turn on lights and once to turn off, I now have to hold the paddle down for about 2 seconds to make it work. I was able to remove it from my z-wave network but can no longer add it. I attempted a factory reset on it but to no avail. Weird thing is that I added a secondary controller to my homeseer primary controller and when I send a command to turn all lights on or off it actually controls the switch, which leads me to believe its still attached to my homeseer controller somehow even though I removed it and its no longer in my list of devices. Any suggestions?
How did you remove it from HomeSeer? If you didn't remove it from your Z-Wave controller using the Remove/Exclude a node option of your Z-Wave controller it will still exist in your Z-Wave controller.
When you added that secondary controller, was it before you took out the switch? If so (and I assume it was), you then need to "refresh" the secondary controller with the new ZWave network map. Since the secondary controller still has the old map, it will still do things to that node (switch). You also need to do the "refresh" after you add the new, replacement switch.
I found that most of my zwave devices that start to fail usually do not fail entirely, just sporadically (and the sporadically gets worse as time goes on).


Glyka Nera, a beach which is found 75km south of Chania and 4km west of Hora Sfakion. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of south Crete and it is well hidden between the massive mountains of Sfakia. In 2003, the London Times had ranked it in the 20 most beautiful beaches of Europe. It is named after the water springs that spout next and in the sea, and as a result the water there remains cold even in the summer.
The beach has pebbles with typical deep blue water. The only way for someone to reach it is by boat. Although the beach is deserted, there is a canteen on a rock at the west side of the beach which sells food, soft drinks and rents sunbeds. There are also lots of tamarisks at the beach, under which you will find some shade.


While out jogging or walking your dog, another dog approaches in an aggressive manner, teeth bared, snarling. Does Florida law give you the right to stand your ground and use deadly force to protect yourself and your dog?
Most people are surprised to learn that nowhere in Florida law does our statutes give authority to use force of any kind against an animal if being attacked. Instead, Floridians must rely on case law and the animal cruelty statute. Our law prohibits the killing of an animal unnecessarily. The relevant part of the animal cruelty law states a person who unnecessarily mutilates or kills any animal commits animal cruelty, a misdemeanor of the first degree which is punishable by up to a year in jail.
The actor reasonably believed a danger or an emergency existed which was not intentionally caused by the actor him or herself.
The danger or emergency threatened significant harm to himself, herself, or a third person.
The actor had no reasonable means to avoid the danger or emergency except by committing the crime.
The crime charged must have been committed out of a necessity to avoid the danger or emergency.
The harm that the actor avoided must outweigh the harm caused by committing the crime.
Unfortunately, even though Florida law specifically tells us we can stand our ground against attacks from another human, it is silent on animal attacks, leaving the fate of those who defend themselves against animal attacks in the hands of a jury, who must decide if the defender's actions were necessary under the circumstances.
Further, the cases show us that the force used can only be so much as is necessary to stop the attack. If you shoot a pitbull attacking and one shot stops the attack, as the animal turns to flee, you cannot shoot again or your actions may be considered unnecessary and, therefore, in violation of the animal-cruelty statute.


text:
Celebrating Earth Day with Disney
Did you know that Earth Day, the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, and Disney's Animal Kingdom all share the same anniversary date, April 22?
Take a timeshare vacation to Walt Disney World to see how all three have a lot in common – with a shared mission to inspire people to make the world a better place for all its inhabitants.
The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF) was established in 1995 on Earth Day, and since then, it has awarded more than $20 million to programs in 112 countries.
The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund and The Walt Disney Company Foundation have contributed more than:
$5.6 million to protect birds
$2 million to conserve primates, including chimpanzees and gorillas
$1.4 million to study lions, tigers, leopards and other cats
$1.2 million to research and protect elephants
$1.1 million to conserve sea turtles
$1 million to protect rhinos
Disney's Animal Kingdom opened in 1998 and is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. Here are a few of the details of what's planned for the park's anniversary with the Earth Day Party for the Planet:
1. In "Africa" children learn how to identify animals by observing tracks and other clues.
2. In "Asia" families find out how choosing "green" products can make a big difference for wildlife and nature.
3. At Rafiki's Planet Watch, families discover fun ways to spend time in nature and participate in activities inspired by the Disneynature films African Cats, Chimpanzee, and Wings of Life.
4. Guests also can talk with cast members who work on conservation projects around the world. Families can visit with specialists from Elemental Nursery and Just Plumerias, who will be on hand to feature their beautiful plants and topiaries, along with special guest appearances.
5. There will be face painting with a variety of animal images and the opportunity to pose for a fun portrait.
Plan a timeshare vacation to Disney's Animal Kingdom any time during the year, where you'll learn about wildlife conservation, and even have an opportunity to get up close and personal to many of our planets most amazing, and endangered, animals.
Check out timeshare rentals at Disney resorts, including the Villas at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
You will also find many budget-friendly Greater Orlando timeshare rentals available.
Categorized in: Disney Resorts, Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Earth Day 2013, timeshare rentals, timeshare vacation, Villas at Disney's Animal Kingdom


Find out if you are registered to vote, get information on your polling location, and see your sample ballot.
On Election Day, voters will need to show proof of identity at the polling precinct.
If a voter does not have picture identification, they will need to sign an affidavit at the polling precinct on Election Day prior to voting.


When creators Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morriset first launched the pilot episode of Sesame Street in 1969, they did so with the admirable goal of educating children through television. Now, after over four decades of imbuing young minds with the power of concepts like phonics and mathematics, the Muppet-based child television series is making headlines for its decision to engage a new subject: incarceration. Recently, the longtime PBS program introduced a new character, Alex, whose father is in prison. He is part of a new online interactive series aimed at reaching children dealing with issues such as bullying, sibling rivalry, and parental incarceration. So once again, Big Bird and company are teaching our society an important lesson, and this time it is that our incarceration problem has accumulated to the point where we can no longer ignore it.
Attesting to the growing urgency of criminal justice reform is the recently surfaced story of Herman Wallace. The 71-year-old New Orleans native made headlines last week after dying from liver cancer three days after his re-entry back into society, after being held in the Louisiana State Penitentiary, a.k.a. "Angola Prison," for 42 years. Wallace, after having already landed behind bars for armed robbery, was prosecuted for the murder of a security guard, convicted, and placed in solitary confinement for almost half a century. While the facts and verdict of Wallace's case are murky and beyond the scope of this article, what is most salient to us now is what Wallace's story represents, which is the growing narrative of people in the United States, particularly people of color, serving as fixtures within the criminal justice system.
Just how much has this incarceration narrative grown? The current picture of prison occupancy is not just concerning but alarming. In 2011, 2.25 million people filled spaces within American prisons. Out of every 100,000 Americans, 716 were imprisoned, as compared to only 250 during 1970 when Sesame Street was still undergoing its pilot season and Herman Wallace was a free man. Now, our prisons sit at 99% occupancy, filled mostly by individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes. In fact, the state of California, which has the largest prison population in the country, made headlines back in 2011 after the Supreme Court ordered the Golden State to reduce its prison population on the grounds that the prisons violated the Eight Amendment's ban on cruel and unusual punishment. So, our prisons clearly have gotten out of hand.
The racial gap for prisoners rests at the heart of the prison expansion problem. According to the most recent study from the Pew Research Center, black men were five times more likely to be imprisoned in 1960, but they were more than six times more likely to be filling jail cells in 2010. Out of every 100,000 white U.S. residents, 262 white men were imprisoned in 1960 and over o1,000 sat under duress in 2010. For black men, almost 1,200 out of every 100,000 found themselves in prisons in 1960 while over 4,000 were confined in 2010. While the fact that these numbers increased so tremendously for either racial group highlights a major issue, the accelerated rate at which black men are imprisoned should trouble us all.
Why is imprisonment such a big deal? Especially when it comes to nonviolent offenders, the issue is the message that incarceration leaves about our society. It says that certain people are expendable, that they can be placed on the periphery of our communities, and that we are all better off if these certain people are confined to spaces away from us. And even if it is important to "maintain order," is taking people's freedoms and stripping away people's opportunities to live life — our most precious gift — the best way to do so?
If nothing else, we must realize that it is time to put pressure on our elected officials to further reduce the size of our prisons. We must do this because prisons are not on the margins but in the center of our lives because. The idea of criminality affects how we see one another and the ways in which we value or devalue life. Herman Wallace may have been confined to rural Louisiana, but the implications of his story and experience stretch everywhere from Main Street to Sesame Street.