Near Perfect Hash Table for Image Databases

In image database systems, a perfect hash table can be used to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the image retrieval process. In our earlier work, we have proposed heuristic algorithms to compute the minimal perfect hash table from symbolic picture objects. The hash table thus computed cannot be modified easily, limiting its application to fixed databases like the ones on CD-ROMs. In this paper, we propose a new data structure to allow for insertion and deletion in the hash table. The new data structure, the near-perfect hash table, allows a limited number of collisions on some of the hash addresses. The near-perfect hash table provides the flexibility of a live database while keeping intact the retrieval efficiency of the perfect hash table

Outbreak of acute hepatitis C following the use of anti-hepatitis C virus--screened intravenous immunoglobulin therapy

BACKGROUND and AIMS: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been associated with intravenous (IV) immunoglobulin (Ig), and plasma donations used to prepare IV Ig are now screened to prevent transmission. Thirty-six patients from the United Kingdom received infusions from a batch of anti-HCV antibody-screened intravenous Ig (Gammagard; Baxter Healthcare Ltd., Thetford, Norfolk, England) that was associated with reports of acute hepatitis C outbreak in Europe. The aim of this study was to document the epidemiology of this outbreak. METHODS: Forty-six patients from the United Kingdom treated with Gammagard (34 exposed and 12 unexposed to the batch) returned epidemiological questionnaires. RESULTS: Eighty-two percent of the exposed patients (28 of 34) became positive for HCV RNA. Eighteen percent of the patients (6 of 34) who had infusions with this batch tested negative for HCV RNA, but 2 of the patients had abnormal liver function and subsequently seroconverted to anti-HCV antibody positive. Twenty-seven percent of the patients (9 of 34) developed jaundice, and 79% (27 of 34) had abnormal liver transferase levels. Virus isolates (n=21), including an isolate from the implicated batch, were genotype 1a and virtually identical by sequence analysis of the NS5 region, consistent with transmission from a single source. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatitis C infection can be transmitted by anti-HCV-screened IV Ig. Careful documentation of IV Ig batch numbers and regular biochemical monitoring is recommended for all IV Ig recipients

SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND ELECTROCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION OF NOVEL 17-MEMBERED DIOXADIAZA NAPTHALDEHYDE BASED MACROCYCLIC LIGAND AND ITS COMPLEXES OF Co (III), Ni (II) AND Cu (II) PERCHLORATE IONS

Objective: The objective of this research is to synthesis hitherto, novel unreported [17]-membered dioxadiaza napthaldehyde based macrocyclic ligand (L) and to synthesize its Co(III), Ni(II) and Cu(II) metal ion complexes.Methods: The synthesis of the ligand has been accomplished by two different synthetic routes each involving two stages. 2-Hydroxy-1-Napthaldehyde in the presence of potassium carbonate was treated with α,α'-dibromo-m-xylene to yield the dial derivative (I). The dial derivative (I) was further made to undergo Schiff base condensation with 1,2-diaminobenzene to yield the bright yellow macrocycle (L) in good yield. In the second method the Schiff base condensed product Napthaloph was synthesized and allowed to undergo Williamson's condensation with α,α'-dibromo-m-xylene to yield the ligand (L).Results: The ligand and its complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, electronic spectroscopy, IR, Conductivity measurements, EPR, magnetic susceptibility, 1H NMR and MS. The neutral seventeen membered tetradentate dioxadiaza ligand (L) readily complexes with Co(III), Ni(II) and Cu(II) perchlorate salts in 1:1 mole ratio to yield complexes of formulae [Co(L)X2]ClO4, [Ni(L)X2], [Cu(L)X]ClO4, (X = Cl-, Br-and NO3-). The complexes were also synthesized by the metal template method. The yield of the template procedure was found to be greater than the non-template method.Conclusion: A hitherto 2, 10-dioxa-21,29-diaza-heptacyclo-[29.4.2.1[4,8].0[1,32].0[11,20].0[14,19].0[23,28].0[32,37]]-tetraconta-4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39-octatecaene. The [17]-membered tetradentate dioxadiaza macrocycle (L) was found to accommodate Co3+, Ni2+, and Cu2+ions with ease due to the presence of flexible alkyl groups. Further studies with the inner-transition metal ions will be highly informative in understanding the coordinating capabilities of lanthanides and actinides.Â

Application of electron beam technology in improving sewage water quality: An advance technique

The use of electron beam to disinfect sewage water is gaining importance. The current problem on environmental health in relation to water pollution insists for the safe disposal of sewage water. In general, sewage water comprises of heterogeneous organic based chemicals as well as pathogens. EB (electron beam) treatment of the wastewater was found to be very effective in reducing the pathogens as well as organic load. EB dose of 1.5 kGy was sufficient for complete elimination of total coli forms. The experimental results elucidated that the reduction of biological oxygen demand (BOD) (30.38 and 51.7%) in both inlet and outlet sewage samples. Similarly, reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD) was observed (37.54 and 52.32%) both sewage samples with respect to increasing of irradiation doses (0.45 to 6 kGy). The present study demonstrated the potential of ionizing radiation for disinfection of sewage and to increase the water quality of the wastewater by decreasing BOD and COD. So, the irradiation sewage water can find its application either in agriculture for irrigation or in industry sector for cooling purpose or in both the sectors.Key words: Disinfection, electron beam accelerator, organic matter, sewage water quality

Vaping Associated Lung Injury Requiring Bilateral Lung Transplant in an Adolescent

Purpose: E-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI) is a newly recognized entity that is being reported with increasing frequency in the literature and mainstream press. The aim of this case report is to radiographically illustrate the fairly rapid progression of a severe case of EVALI that ultimately required a successful bilateral lung transplant, and to describe a unique histopathology correlation. Case Report: Our patient is a 16-year-old, previously healthy male with a two year history of vaping who presented to an outside hospital for dyspnea and nonproductive cough. He was initially treated with antibiotics for community acquired pneumonia. Initial contrast-enhanced CT of the chest demonstrated subtle bilateral but right lower lobe predominant centrilobular nodules, ground glass opacities (GGO) and mild septal thickening. Bronchial alveolar lavage, microbiology studies and autoimmune panel were negative for an infectious or autoimmune etiology. Repeat chest CT only five days later following clinical deterioration demonstrated a dramatic worsening of bilateral nodular airspace opacities, septal thickening, GGO and dependent diffuse consolidations. Pneumomediastinum and mild bronchiectasis were also present. Our patient’s condition continued to decline requiring intubation and subsequent ECMO support. He was transferred to our tertiary care center for bilateral lung transplant. Histopathology of the explanted lungs described predominant acute necrotizing and granulomatous bronchopneumonia with areas of organizing pneumonia. Discussion: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently considers EVALI a diagnosis of exclusion with a confirmed case requiring the use of an e-cigarette 90 days before symptom onset, pulmonary infiltrates on chest imaging, absence of pulmonary infection and no other plausible diagnoses. Various imaging patterns of EVALI have been reported including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, acute eosinophilic pneumonia and lipoid pneumonia, among others. This case demonstrates progression of a severe case of EVALI requiring bilateral lung transplant in an adolescent. Acute necrotizing and granulomatous bronchopneumonia were the predominant histologic features in our patient and have not previously been described in association with EVALI. It is important to consider EVALI in adolescents with a history of e-cigarette use who have a negative infectious and autoimmune work up presenting with severe respiratory symptoms and patterns of lung injury on chest imaging. As the popularity of these inhalational products evolves, radiologists must be informed of the emerging radiographic appearances of EVALI.https://scholarlycommons.henryford.com/merf2020caserpt/1101/thumbnail.jp

The recognition of structured elements by a conserved groove distant from domains associated with catalysis is an essential determinant of RNase E

RNase E is an endoribonuclease found in many bacteria, including important human pathogens. Within Escherichia coli, it has been shown to have a major role in both the maturation of all classes of RNA involved in translation and the initiation of mRNA degradation. Thus, knowledge of the major determinants of RNase E cleavage is central to our understanding and manipulation of bacterial gene expression. We show here that the binding of RNase E to structured RNA elements is crucial for the processing of tRNA, can activate catalysis and may be important in mRNA degradation. The recognition of structured elements by RNase E is mediated by a recently discovered groove that is distant from the domains associated with catalysis. The functioning of this groove is shown here to be essential for E. coli cell viability and may represent a key point of evolutionary divergence from the paralogous RNase G family, which we show lack amino acid residues conserved within the RNA-binding groove of members of the RNase E family. Overall, this work provides new insights into the recognition and cleavage of RNA by RNase E and provides further understanding of the basis of RNase E essentiality in E. coli