cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The hybrid tree: an index structure for high dimensional feature spaces

Feature-based similarity searching is emerging as an important search paradigm in database systems. The technique used is to map the data items as points into a high-dimensional feature space which is indexed using a multidimensional data structure. Similarity searching then corresponds to a range search over the data structure. Although several data structures have been proposed for feature indexing, none of them is known to scale beyond 10-15 dimensional spaces. This paper introduces the hybrid tree-a multidimensional data structure for indexing high-dimensional feature spaces. Unlike other multidimensional data structures, the hybrid tree cannot be classified as either a pure data partitioning (DP) index structure (such as the R-tree, SS-tree or SR-tree) or a pure space partitioning (SP) one (such as the KDB-tree or hB-tree); rather it combines the positive aspects of the two types of index structures into a single data structure to achieve a search performance which is more scalable to high dimensionalities than either of the above techniques. Furthermore, unlike many data structures (e.g. distance-based index structures like the SS-tree and SR-tree), the hybrid tree can support queries based on arbitrary distance functions. Our experiments on "real" high-dimensional large-size feature databases demonstrate that the hybrid tree scales well to high dimensionality and large database sizes. It significantly outperforms both purely DP-based and SP-based index mechanisms as well as linear scans at all dimensionalities for large-sized databases.
The Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products Promotes Pancreatic Carcinogenesis and Accumulation of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) has an aggressive natural history and is resistant to therapy. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a pattern recognition receptor for many damage-associated molecular pattern molecules. RAGE is overexpressed in both human and murine models of PDA as well as most advanced epithelial neoplasms. The immunosuppressive nature of the PDA microenvironment is facilitated, in part, by the accumulation of regulatory immune cell infiltrates such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). To study the role of RAGE expression in the setting of mutant Ras-promoted pancreatic carcinogenesis (KC), a triple-transgenic model of spontaneous murine PDA in a RAGE-null background (KCR) was generated. KCR mice had markedly delayed pancreatic carcinogenesis and a significant diminution of MDSCs compared with KC mice at comparable time points postweaning. Although RAGE was not required for the development or suppressor activity of MDSCs, its absence was associated with temporally limited pancreatic neoplasia and altered phenotype and function of the myeloid cells. In lieu of MDSCs, KCR animals at comparable time points exhibited mature CD11b+Gr1−F4/80+ cells that were not immunosuppressive in vitro. KCR mice also maintained a significantly less suppressive milieu evidenced by marked decreases in CCL22 in relation to CXCL10 and diminished serum levels of IL-6.
Jupiter Data Analysis Program

It is recognized that the data that exist from the Voyager encounters with Jupiter constitute a national resource, and that it is necessary to conduct a program whereby Voyager and non-Voyager program scientists have an opportunity to analyze the data fully and to obtain additional or alternate interpretations of the data. This is the purpose of a recent announcement by the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) to support ‘data analysis’ of the results of the Voyager encounter with Jupiter. The closest approach dates at Jupiter were March 5,1979, for Voyager 1 and July 9, 1979, for Voyager 2. During the 100 plus days of each encounter period, a substantial volume of data was acquired in each of the principal investigation domains: the planet Jupiter itself, the satellites, and the Jovian magnetosphere. The 11 instrument-related investigations are listed in the table shown.
Propofol-ketamine versus propofol-fentanyl for outpatient laparoscopy: comparison of postoperative nausea, emesis, analgesia, and recovery.

Abstract Study objective To compare postoperative nausea, emesis, analgesia, and recovery between propofol-ketamine and propofol-fentanyl in outpatient laparoscopic tubal ligations with general anesthesia. Study design Prospective, randomized, blinded study. Setting Tertiary-care women's hospital. Patients 120 ASA physical status I and II ambulatory patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic tubal ligation. Interventions Patients were randomized to two groups to receive either ketamine (1-1.5 mg/kg) or fentanyl (3-5 μg/kg). Measurements Measured variables included total dose of ketamine, fentanyl, propofol, and operating time. Vital signs, pain visual analog scale scores (VAS), nausea VAS, presence of emesis, treatment for nausea and vomiting, pruritus, sedation, and presence of dreaming were recorded on postanesthesia care unit (PACU) admission, PACU discharge, stepdown unit admission, and hospital discharge. Results are expressed as means ± SD or medians and analyzed using t -test, Chi-square, or Mann-Whitney (p Main results No differences were noted with respect to propofol dose, operating times, pain or nausea VAS scores, emesis, treatment for nausea and vomiting, pruritus, and sedation on PACU admission, PACU discharge, stepdown unit admission, and hospital discharge. The ketamine group had a higher heart rate, required more pain medication, and had a higher frequency of dreaming on PACU admission than the fentanyl group. These differences became insignificant on PACU discharge. Conclusions For outpatient laparoscopic tubal ligations with general anesthesia, propofol-ketamine does not improve postoperative nausea, emesis, analgesia or recovery compared with the propofol-fentanyl combination.
RHEOLOGICAL, MELTING AND MICROSTRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF CHEDDAR AND MOZZARELLA CHEESES AFFECTED BY DIFFERENT FREEZING METHODS

Three cheeses were treated by (1) blast, (2) precooling plus blast, (3) liquid nitrogen and (4) precooling plus liquid nitrogen freezing methods. Mozzarella I and Cheddar cheeses treated by all methods had lower shear strength than their controls, excepting Mozzarella I treated by (1) was similar to its control. Mozzarella II treated by (1) and (2) had higher shear strength than its control but by (3) and (4) it had less. The failure stresses of Cheddar and Mozzarella I cheeses treated by (1) and (2) were significantly lower than their controls, while treated Mozzarella II had opposite results. Mozzarella I treated by (2) had meltability similar to its control and by (1) had lower meltability. Mozzarella II meltability was significantly reduced by (1) and (2). Stretchability was greatly improved using both methods for Mozzarella I but not for Mozzarella II. Cryo-stage Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed that the microstructural differences caused by (1) and (2) were apparent in Cheddar and Mozzarella II but not in Mozzarella I.
Macrophage Function and Its Impact on Atherosclerotic Lesion Composition, Progression, and Stability The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

The role of the macrophage is of fundamental interest in understanding atherosclerotic lesion development and thrombogenicity. After differentiation from blood peripheral monocytes, intimal macrophages incorporate modified lipoproteins through the scavenger receptor pathway.1 This transforms the macrophage into a lipid-rich foam cell which is a hallmark feature of atherosclerosis and leads to lesion expansion. Macrophage activation results in the excretion of proinflammatory and cytotoxic substances,2 including peroxynitrite, an early inducer of atherosclerosis through the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway.3 Further, the accumulation of free cholesterol or uptake of oxidized LDL induces macrophage apoptosis.4 Cytokine release from macrophages augments the inflammatory response and increases lesion size. Cytotoxic substances, including peroxynitrite and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, released by the macrophage results in cell death of lesion-resident endothelial and smooth muscle cells, thereby disrupting vessel structure. Macrophages can also alter the extracellular matrix of the vessel by releasing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), thereby leading to lesion breakdown and predisposing the lesion to fissure or rupture.5 These aspects of the macrophage in atherosclerotic lesion biology drive the progression of the disease and lead to the decomposition of the arterial wall into atheroma, the ugly gruel remaining after foam cell decomposition. See accompanying articles on pages 1421 and 1429 The macrophage may also have good effects within the blood vessel wall. Macrophages remove debris through the process of phagocytosis.6 One aspect of macrophage phagocytosis, namely efferocytosis, is a process that prevents secondary necrosis and inflammation by removing apoptotic bodies before their decomposition.7 Efferocytosis has been shown to be mediated by 3 tyrosine kinase receptors, Axl, Tyro3, and Mer receptor tyrosine kinase (Mertk) in cells of hematopoietic lineage.8 Mertk is the primary mediator of efferocytosis in macrophages.9 Despite the presence of all 3 receptors on macrophages, Mertk has a …
Bordetella Bsp22 forms a filamentous type III secretion system tip complex and is immunoprotective in vitro and in vivo

Type III secretion system (T3SS) tip complexes serve as adaptors that bridge the T3SS needle and the pore-forming translocation apparatus. In this report we demonstrate that Bsp22, the most abundantly secreted substrate of the Bordetella T3SS, self-polymerizes to form the Bordetella bronchiseptica tip complex. Bsp22 is required for both T3SS-mediated cytotoxicity against eukaryotic cells and haemoglobin release from erythrocytes. Bacterial two-hybrid analysis and protein pull-down assays demonstrated the ability of Bsp22 to associate with itself and to bind BopD, a component of the Bordetella translocation pore. Immunoblot and cross-linking analysis of secreted proteins or purified Bsp22 showed extensive multimerization which was shown by transmission electron microscopy to lead to the formation of variable length flexible filaments. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed Bsp22 filaments on the surface of bacterial cells. Given its required role in secretion and cell-surface exposure, we tested the protective effects of antibodies against Bsp22 in vitro and in vivo. Polyclonal antisera against Bsp22 fully protected epithelial cells from T3SS-dependent killing and immunization with Bsp22 protected mice against Bordetella infection. Of the approximately 30 genes which encode the Bordetella T3SS apparatus, bsp22 is the only one without characterized orthologues in other well-characterized T3SS loci. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis indicated that Bsp22 defines a new subfamily of T3SS tip complex proteins. Given its immunogenic and immunoprotective properties and high degree of conservation among Bordetella species, Bsp22 and its homologues may prove useful for diagnostics and next-generation subunit vaccines.
Robust Signal Detection Under Model Uncertainty

In detecting a deterministic signal in the presence of Gaussian noise, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve determined by a linear detector with slope maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and with varying threshold characterizes limits of detection performance. In this note, we consider the problem of detecting a signal in the presence of uncertainty in the signal itself and the noise covariance. We show that the classical result can be generalized to robust signal detection with a convex uncertainty model: the ROC curve determined by a linear detector with slope maximizing the worst-case SNR gives limits of detection performance in the worst-case sense. The worst-case SNR maximization problem can be solved using convex optimization, so robust ROC analysis is tractable.
Effect of the calcium buffer EGTA on the "hump" component of charge movement in skeletal muscle.

Three manifestations of excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling were measured in cut skeletal muscle fibers of the frog, voltage clamped in a double Vaseline gap: intramembrane charge movements, myoplasmic Ca2+ transients, and changes in optical transparency. Pulsing patterns in the presence of high [EGTA] intracellularly, shown by Garcia et al. (1989. J. Gen. Physiol. 94:973-986) to deplete Ca2+ in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, were found to change the above manifestations. With an intracellular solution containing 15 mM EGTA and 0 Ca, 10-15 pulses (100 ms) to -20 mV at a frequency of 2 min-1 reduced the "hump" component of charge movement current. This effect was reversible by 5 min of rest. The same effect was obtained in 62.5 mM EGTA and 0 Ca by pulsing at 0.2 min-1. This effect was reversible by adding calcium to the EGTA solution, for a nominal [Ca2+]i of 200 nM, and was prevented by adding calcium to the EGTA solution before pulsing. The suppression of the hump was accompanied by elimination of the optical manifestations of E-C coupling. The current suppressed was found by subtraction and had the following properties: delayed onset, a peak at a variable interval (10-20 ms) into the pulse, a negative phase (inward current) after the peak, and a variable OFF transient that could be multi-phasic and carried less charge than the ON transient. In the previous paper (Csernoch et al., 1991. J. Gen. Physiol. 97:845-884) it was shown that several interventions suppress a similar component of charge movement current, identified with the "hump" or Q gamma current (I gamma). Based on the similarity to that component, the charge movement suppressed by the depletion protocols can also be identified with I gamma. The fact that I gamma is suppressed by Ca2+ depletion and the kinetic properties of the charge suppressed is inconsistent with the existence of separate sets of voltage sensors underlying the two components of charge movement, Q beta and Q gamma. This is explicable if Q gamma is a consequence of calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
High field transport properties of 2D and nanoribbon graphene FETs

The unique electronic properties of graphene have ignited active research in the past few years. Though in theory its electronic structure and transport properties are well known the applicability as channel replacement material in conventional CMOS technology is still an open question. High mobility [1] and high current carrying capacity [2] makes graphene very attractive but on the other hand low I ON /I OFF ratio and the lack of sufficient saturation are yet unsolved drawbacks. In the past we were able to drive back‐gated 2D graphene transistors to saturation regime [2]. Now we present the realization of these properties in double‐ gated graphene nanoribbon field effect transistors (GNR FETs). We were able to achieve I ON /I OFF ratio of 103 using either top‐ or back‐gates and we analyzed the high field characteristics of such devices.
Effects of moving acclimation cages before release of cultured fish: alternate release strategies for a juvenile winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus stock enhancement effort

Biomass of winter £ounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus, a target species of both recreational and commercial ¢sheries, is at an all-time low (Northeast Fisheries Science Center 2008), and due to new unprecedented regulations, the largest of the three stocks is closed to all ¢shing activities in federal waters (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Activities 2009).Winter £ounder population recovery could be expedited by stock enhancement (Waters 1996; Le Francois, Lemieux & Blier 2002), and experimental stocking studies have been conducted since 1996 in New Hampshire. The goal of past projects has not been to initiate large-scale releases. Instead, ‘responsible approach’ (Blankenship & Leber 1995) has been applied to develop the processes needed to successfully enhance winter £ounder by answering key questions in the event that large-scale stocking efforts occur. Much of the research has focused on optimal release strategies for juvenile winter £ounder. In many stock enhancement programmes, initial survival rates of newly released cultured ¢sh are low (Pitman & Gutreuter 1993; Stottrup & Sparrevohn 2007; Sudo, Kajihara & Fujii 2008). These may be due, in part, to stress responses in hatchery-reared ¢sh causing departures from behavioural norms which result in a higher probability of mortality (Schreck, Olla & Davis1997). Developing release strategies that minimize stress responses and reduce post-release mortality is essential to any enhancement eiort and can be done with a combination of hatchery and ¢eld techniques. One such technique is using acclimation cages in situ. For many ¢sh species, acclimation cages improve post-release survival, growth, and site ¢delity (Koshiishi, Itano & Hirota 1991; Jonssonn, Brannas & Lundqvist1999; Kuwada, Masuda, Shiozawa, Kogane, Imaizumi & Tsukamoto 2000; Brennan, Darcy & Leber 2006; Sparrevohn & Stottrup 2007). For juvenile winter £ounder, predation by green crabs Carcinus maenas is of special concern (Fairchild & Howell 2000;Taylor 2005). Acclimation cages have been used at the release site under the assumption that these cages reduce immediate post-release mortality. Cultured £ounder, stocked into these cages for 48 h, adjust to the release site, hone their burial skills, begin pigment change, recover from the stress of transport to the release site and maintain high site ¢delity post release (Fairchild & Howell 2004; Sulikowski, Fairchild, Rennels, Howell & Tsang 2005, 2006; Fairchild, Rennels & Howell 2009). However, the cages also can be detrimental byattracting predators to the release site. In a recent study, Fairchild, Rennels and Howell (2008) compared green crab density when cages were absent, present but empty Aquaculture Research, 2009, 1^5 doi:10.1111/j.1365-2109.2009.02343.x
Optimal Control Strategies for Disinfection of Bacterial Populations with Persister and Susceptible Dynamics

It is increasingly clear that bacteria manage to evade killing by antibiotics and antimicrobials in a variety of ways, including mutation, phenotypic variations, and formation of biofilms. With recent advances in understanding the dynamics of the tolerance mechanisms, there have been subsequent advances in understanding how to manipulate the bacterial environments to eradicate the bacteria. This study focuses on using mathematical techniques to find the optimal disinfection strategy to eliminate the bacteria while managing the load of antibiotic that is applied. In this model, the bacterial population is separated into those that are tolerant to the antibiotic and those that are susceptible to disinfection. There are transitions between the two populations whose rates depend on the chemical environment. Our results extend previous mathematical studies to include more realistic methods of applying the disinfectant. The goal is to provide experimentally testable predictions that have been lacking in previous mathematical studies. In particular, we provide the optimal disinfection protocol under a variety of assumptions within the model that can be used to validate or invalidate our simplifying assumptions and the experimental hypotheses that we used to develop the model. We find that constant dosing is not the optimal method for disinfection. Rather, cycling between application and withdrawal of the antibiotic yields the fastest killing of the bacteria.
Detection and estimation of generalized chirps using time-frequency representations

We propose techniques for the detection and parameter estimation of generalized chirps in the presence of noise. Generalized chirps are nonstationary signals characterized by group delays with specific dispersion law characteristics. Special cases of generalized chirps include linear chirps, and hyperbolic chirps that are Doppler-invariant signals. We optimally detect generalized chirps using generalized timeshift covariant quadratic time-frequency representations (QTFRs) such as hyperbolic QTFRs used for detecting hyperbolic chirps. We also propose the parameter estimation of generalized chirps, and specialize our simulation results to hyperbolic chirps. We combine phase unwrapping with linear regression of the phase data at high signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) to produce very simple and unbiased estimators that attain the Cramer-Rao lower bounds on variance. Maximum likelihood estimation performs well at low SNRs, but at the cost, of high computational complexity. >
Ocelot home range, overlap and density: comparing radio telemetry with camera trapping

Because ocelots Leopardus pardalis and other solitary carnivores are elusive and hard to study, little is known about their density and population status. In the past few years, camera trapping and mark–recapture statistics have been used to estimate the density of a number of felids. Although camera trapping is now providing baseline data for managers and conservationists alike, recent doubts have been raised concerning the accuracy of the standard camera trapping procedure. We used radio telemetry to gain new information on ocelot home-range size and spatial organization in Central America, and compared the radius of our average ocelot home range with the standard camera trapping buffer. We compared the resulting density estimates to assess the current camera trapping methodology’s ability to estimate animal density. Five adult ocelots (two male and three female) were tracked to determine an average ocelot home range of 26.09 km2 (95% fixed kernel) and 18.91 km2 (100% minimum convex polygon), with males demonstrating larger ranges than females. All ocelots had larger home ranges in the dry season. Male–male home-range overlap averaged 9% while female–female overlap averaged 21%. Males shared 56% of their range with a primary female and 16%with a second and third female, while females shared 58% of their home range with a primary male and 3% with a secondary male. Density estimates based on the average home-range radius (11.24–12.45 ocelots per 100km2) were less than those determined from standard camera trapping methods (25.88 ocelots per 100km2), but similar to those determined using twice the camera trapping buffer to estimate density (12.61 ocelots per 100 km2). Our results suggest that a standard camera trapping protocol may overestimate ocelot density. Accurate representation of animal densities and standardization of density estimation techniques are paramount for comparative analyses across sites and are vital for felid conservation.
Basic System Errors

The specifications for a biometric authentication system will usually include requirements like maximum allowable error rates. There are a number of biometric error types, expressed as error rates or error percentages, that need to be understood before a solution is designed and before a particular biometric is selected. Some of these errors are inherent with biometric authentication being just a kind of pattern recognition application; other errors are more specifically related to biometric authentication systems. What is clear is that any biometric authentication system will make mistakes, and that the true value of the various error rates for a matcher cannot be computed or theoretically established; it is only possible to obtain statistical estimates of the errors using test databases of biometric samples.
Error-related brain activity dissociates hoarding disorder from obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Background Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is associated with an abnormally large error-related negativity (ERN), an electrophysiological measure of error monitoring in response to performance errors, but it is unclear if hoarding disorder (HD) also shows this abnormality. This study aimed to determine whether the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying error monitoring are similarly compromised in HD and OCD. Method We used a visual flanker task to assess ERN in response to performance errors in 14 individuals with HD, 27 with OCD, 10 with HD+OCD, and 45 healthy controls (HC). Age-corrected performance and ERN amplitudes were examined using analyses of variance and planned pairwise group comparisons. Results A main effect of hoarding on ERN (p = 0.031) was observed, indicating ERN amplitudes were attenuated in HD relative to non-HD subjects. A group × age interaction effect on ERN was also evident. In HD-positive subjects, ERN amplitude deficits were significantly greater in younger individuals (r = -0.479, p = 0.018), whereas there were no significant ERN changes with increasing age in OCD and HC participants. Conclusions The reduced ERN in HD relative to OCD and HC provides evidence that HD is neurobiologically distinct from OCD, and suggests that deficient error monitoring may be a core pathophysiological feature of HD. This effect was particularly prominent in younger HD participants, further suggesting that deficient error monitoring manifests most strongly early in the illness course and/or in individuals with a relatively early illness onset.
Optical Studies on Ionic Channels in Intact Vertebrate Nerve Terminals

Optical techniques for the detection of transmembrane electrical events have found a variety of applications over the past decade because they offer certain advantages over more conventional measurements. Because the membranes of interest are not mechanically violated, the methods may be relatively noninvasive. Spatial resolution is limited only by microscope optics and noise considerations; it is possible to measure changes in membrane potential from regions of a cell having linear dimensions on the order of 1 μm. Temporal resolution is limited by the response time of the probes and by the bandwidth imposed on the measurement, again by noise considerations, and response times faster than any known membrane time constant may be achieved. Because mechanical access is not required, unusual latitude is possible in the choice of preparation, and voltage changes may be monitored in membranes that are otherwise inaccessible. Finally, since no recording electrodes are employed, and the measurement is actually made at a distance from the preparation—in the image plane of an optical apparatus—it is possible to record changes in potential simultaneously from a large number of discrete sites.
Modelling insurgent attack dynamics across geographic scales and in cyberspace

We discuss the emergence of common mathematical patterns governing the timing and severity of insurgent and terrorist attacks, across geographic scales and including cyberspace. We present mathematical models that provide a generative explanation of these patterns. Despite wide variations in the underlying settings and circumstances, the ubiquity of these patterns suggests there is a common way in which groups of humans fight each other. Our empirical findings follow from the analysis of myriad state-of-the-art datasets with resolution at the level of individual attacks, while our mathematical modelling involves numerical and analytical solutions of fission–fusion dynamics together with progress curve analysis.
Theoretical Investigation of Fluorinated and Hydrocenated Diamond Filks

To investigate some of the fundamental differences between halogen and hydrogen assisted diamond film growth we have performed several calculations related to the diamond surface. The models used in these investigations include ten-layer periodic slabs of free standing fluorinated diamond films as well as isolated clusters [C 21 F 6 H 20 ]. For purposes of comparison, we have also performed calculations on models of the hydrogenated surface. The calculations are performed within the density-functional framework using LCAO and LAPW computational methods. We have considered two geometries of a monofluoride surface. The first surface, best described as an ideal l×l surface with a monolayer of ionically bonded fluorines, exhibits a metallic density of states in contrast to a 2×l reconstructed surface with chemically bonded fluorines that is found to be insulating. We compare theoretical carbon core level shifts with experimental values and discuss growth models based on these surface calculations.
CT-defined phenotype of pulmonary artery stenoses in Alagille syndrome

Alagille syndrome is a rare disorder commonly associated with pulmonary artery stenosis. Studies exist discussing the cardiovascular sequela but no consistent phenotype, or pattern of pulmonary artery stenosis, has been described. The objective of this study was to characterize the distribution and severity of pulmonary artery stenosis in patients with Alagille syndrome based on computed tomography angiography. A retrospective chart review identified patients with Alagille syndrome who had undergone CT angiography. Pulmonary trunk (MPA), left main pulmonary artery (LPA) and right main pulmonary artery (RPA) diameters in Alagille patients were compared with those from matched control subjects. Stenoses at lobar and segmental pulmonary arteries were categorized as: Grade 1 ( 66% stenosis). Involvement among the different lung regions was then compared. Fifteen patients ages 6 months to 17 years were identified; one had surgical augmentation of the central pulmonary arteries and was excluded from the central (main, right and left) pulmonary artery analysis. The proximal LPA and RPA, but not the MPA, were significantly smaller than those of the control subjects (P<0.01). The proximal LPA was significantly smaller than the proximal RPA (P<0.01) in the Alagille group (0.55 LPA:RPA ratio). Within the Alagille group, 75% of the lobar and segmental branches showed mild or no stenoses (Grade 1), 17% showed moderate stenosis (Grade 2) and 8% showed severe stenosis (Grade 3). While not statistically significant, the right lung demonstrated a greater percentage of Grades 2 and 3 stenoses (28%, right vs. 20% left, P=0.1). The right middle and lingula lobes of both lungs showed more Grade 2 and 3 stenoses (33% upper/middle vs. 18% lower, P<0.01). We describe a common pattern pulmonary artery stenosis in Alagille patients consisting of severe proximal LPA stenosis, heavy involvement of the lobar and segmental branches (more often right than left), and a greater involvement of the upper lobes. Knowledge of this phenotypic pattern can help in the diagnosis of Alagille syndrome in patients presenting with pulmonary artery stenosis.
Smoking Situation of High School Students in Luan and Its Inducement Analysis

Objective To investigate the prevalence of smoking and related factors among middle school students so as to provide basis for controlling student smoking. Methods Investigation was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire. Results The total rate of smoking was 19.37% among middle school students. The rate for senior grade 1 to 3 was 4.50%, 13.03% and 58.42% respectively. There was significant difference of the rate among different grades. Curiouty (75.76%), chasing fashion (61.21%), learning stress (47.27%), social demand (26.06%), and leisure (20.00%) were all important smoking-reasons among middle school students.Conclusions The rate of smoking was high among middle school students. Comprehensive interventions should be implemented.
Regulation of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone-Dependent Glucose Dehydrogenase Activity in the Model Rhizosphere-Dwelling Bacterium Pseudomonas putida KT2440

ABSTRACT Soil-dwelling microbes solubilize mineral phosphates by secreting gluconic acid, which is produced from glucose by a periplasmic glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) that requires pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) as a redox coenzyme. While GDH-dependent phosphate solubilization has been observed in numerous bacteria, little is known concerning the mechanism by which this process is regulated. Here we use the model rhizosphere-dwelling bacterium Pseudomonas putida KT2440 to explore GDH activity and PQQ synthesis, as well as gene expression of the GDH-encoding gene (gcd) and PQQ biosynthesis genes (pqq operon) while under different growth conditions. We also use reverse transcription-PCR to identify transcripts from the pqq operon to more accurately map the operon structure. GDH specific activity and PQQ levels vary according to growth condition, with the highest levels of both occurring when glucose is used as the sole carbon source and under conditions of low soluble phosphate. Under these conditions, however, PQQ levels limit in vitro phosphate solubilization. GDH specific activity data correlate well with gcd gene expression data, and the levels of expression of the pqqF and pqqB genes mirror the levels of PQQ synthesized, suggesting that one or both of these genes may serve to modulate PQQ levels according to the growth conditions. The pqq gene cluster (pqqFABCDEG) encodes at least two independent transcripts, and expression of the pqqF gene appears to be under the control of an independent promoter and terminator. IMPORTANCE Plant growth promotion can be enhanced by soil- and rhizosphere-dwelling bacteria by a number of different methods. One method is by promoting nutrient acquisition from soil. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient that plants obtain through soil, but in many cases it is locked up in forms that are not available for plant uptake. Bacteria such as the model bacterium Pseudomonas putida KT2440 can solubilize insoluble soil phosphates by secreting gluconic acid. This chemical is produced from glucose by the activity of the bacterial enzyme glucose dehydrogenase, which requires a coenzyme called PQQ. Here we have studied how the glucose dehydrogenase enzyme and the PQQ coenzyme are regulated according to differences in bacterial growth conditions. We determined that glucose dehydrogenase activity and PQQ production are optimal under conditions when the bacterium is grown with glucose as the sole carbon source and under conditions of low soluble phosphate.
PRL-1 PTPase expression is developmentally regulated with tissue-specific patterns in epithelial tissues.

The mechanisms controlling tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins are important in the regulation of many cellular processes, including development and differentiation. Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) may be as important as protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) in these processes. PRL-1 is a distinct PTPase originally identified as an immediate-early gene in liver regeneration whose expression is associated with growth in some tissues but with differentiation in others. We now demonstrate that the PRL-1 protein is expressed during development in a number of digestive epithelial tissues. It is expressed at variable time points in the developing intestine, but its expression is limited to the developing villus enterocytes. In the gastric epithelium, PRL-1 expression in the adult is restricted to zymogen cells. PRL-1 is also expressed in the developing liver and esophagus and in the epithelia of the kidney and lung. In each of these contexts, the expression of PRL-1 is associated with terminal diffe...
Tinkering with successful synapse regeneration in the leech: adding insult to injury.

In the leech, synapse regeneration in adults and synapse formation during embryonic development can be studied in single, identifiable cells that make precise connections with their targets. Certain cellular components, such as synaptic targets and glia, were selectively destroyed to study how the regenerating axons locate their targets, what triggers axons to start growing and what stops them. The results showed that glia and targets play only a limited role in synapse regeneration and in axon degeneration. For example, contact with the synaptic target may inhibit sprouting and availability of targets may promote it. Comparative studies on axon growth and synapse formation by interneurones in embryos showed that regeneration does not simply recapitulate embryonic development. There are clearly separate constraints on the two processes. Axon survival is a different problem. Although isolated axon segments can survive for up to a year in the leech, temperature is a major factor in survival. Axon segments in a tropical leech that regenerates synapses well at 31 degrees C degenerated within 2–3 weeks at this elevated temperature, even when regeneration was prevented. In similar leeches at room temperature (22 degrees C), segments survived for months. Overall, results in the leech support the idea that degeneration as well as regeneration share fundamental mechanisms with other invertebrates and the vertebrates, including mammals. Perhaps long-lived axon segments and other features of the leech that speed or encourage functional regeneration can now be made to operate in repair of the mammalian nervous system.
A novel role for the nuclear localization signal in regulating hnRNP K protein stability in vivo

hnRNP K is a highly conserved nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein, which associates with RNAs through synergistic binding via its three KH domains. hnRNP K is required for proper nuclear export and translational control of its mRNA targets, and these processes are controlled by hnRNP K's movement between subcellular compartments. Whereas the nuclear export and localization of hnRNP K that is associated with mRNP complexes has been well studied, the trafficking of hnRNP K that is unbound to mRNA has yet to be elucidated. To that end, we expressed an EGFP-tagged RNA binding-defective form of hnRNP K in intact Xenopus embryos, and found it was rapidly degraded in vivo. Deleting hnRNP K's nuclear localization signal (NLS), which contains two prospective ubiquitination sites, rescued the protein from degradation. These data demonstrate a novel activity for the NLS of hnRNP K in regulating the protein's stability in vivo when it is unbound to nucleic acids.
Ocular Syphilis: a Clinical Review

While ocular syphilis is not a new phenomenon, recent increased rates of new diagnoses, especially in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons and men who have sex with men, have sparked a new interest in an old disease. This article will review the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of ocular syphilis, and provide guidance on management.
Faulkner, 9/11 and the Tragic View of History

Ten years after 9/11, this essay examines the continuing symbolic significance of the World Trade Center site in American public discourse, and suggests that William Faulkner's novel Absalom, Absalom! offers a the tragic view of history that today challenges Americans across the political spectrum to acknowledge their responsibility for the United States' actions in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks.
Agricultural Trade Between India and Pakistan: Status and Potential

The paper examines the trend and composition of agricultural trade between India and Pakistan and identifies opportunities for increasing bilateral trade. It examines the bilateral agriculture trade before and after the implementation of SAFTA. The study also analyzes the comparative advantage and complementarities in agricultural trade between the two countries. Despite the advantage of proximity, India and Pakistan did not trade much until the late 1990s. Bilateral trade started expanding in the new century and picked up momentum after SAFTA came into effect in 2006. Since then, agricultural exports from India to Pakistan have grown at a faster rate than export of non-agricultural products. Trade in most of the commodities show very large year-to-year variation and most of the trade took place to stabilize fluctuations in the domestic market. Both countries have a comparative advantage in the export of some commodities to each other. It is observed that despite implementation of SAFTA, existence of tariff and non-tariff barriers continue to restrict agricultural trade between the two countries.
Photo Guide: Determining the toe brachial pressure index.

SUMMARY: Perform this simple, noninvasive procedure for an accurate picture of lower extremity arterial perfusion in a patient with diabetes or peripheral arterial disease.
Effect of MRI on breast tissue expanders and recommendations for safe use

Introduction Ferromagnetic port-containing breast tissue expanders are currently labeled MRI-unsafe because of the presumption that magnets should not enter the machine. However, designating these devices as MRI-unsafe can lead to unnecessary procedures or suboptimal imaging choices. This study provides an ex vivo analysis of how breast tissue expanders behave when subjected to strong magnetic fields to determine which variables might affect clinical risk. Methods Three different brands of tissue expanders were evaluated in three MRI environments. Translational force was determined using the deflection angle method. Torque on empty, saline-filled, and air-filled expanders was evaluated on a 0-4 scale. Magnetic field was measured using a gaussmeter. The weight required to prevent displacement of the expanders was determined for both air- and saline-filled expanders. Temperature over time was measured using an alcohol thermometer. Results Magnetic field strength, deflection angle, and torque were the greatest in 3T MRI environments and varied by device manufacturer (Sientra > Mentor > Allergan). Saline-filled expanders required 240 mL and air-filled required 360 mL volume to make the torque undetectable, and the effect of torque could be mitigated with prone positioning. A weight of 120 g was required to prevent displacement of a saline-filled tissue expander and 870 g for an empty expander. There were no appreciable changes in temperature. Conclusions Previously described risks may be reduced by using a 1.5T MRI, device selection, filling expanders with saline, and prone positioning. MRI can be considered in patients with breast tissue expanders when appropriate peri-procedural choices have been made so that the benefits of undergoing MRI outweigh the risks.
Shear Spinning of Nickelbased Super-Alloy 718

Manufacturing of aerospace engine components by very high straining methods require knowledge of the material response to solution heat treatment. This paper presents evaluation of the shear-spinning forming process by experimenting, with different heat treatment temperatures and time at temperature, to increase knowledge of re-crystallisation of the strained grains. Spinning and shear-spinning has the potential to replace conventional sheet metal forming methods for small to medium volumes by reducing cost, increase flexibility, lower forming forces and reduced development time. The shear spinning performed resulted in an engineering strain of 176% in the axial direction and −55% in the sheet thickness direction. The hardness increased from HV1.0 kg228 to HV1.0 kg446. The heat treatment experiments showed that the lower end solution treatment is sufficient to reach full re-crystallisation in Alloy 718 even at a time as low as 20 min. Low to medium temperatures resulted in significant grain size reduction due to re-crystallisation. Using the higher end of the temperature range the original grain size and hardness could be re-established. Low solution temperature resulted in an increase of delta phase in the grain boundaries and inside the grains which was not found at the higher temperatures.
Radiative Proton Capture by Ni 58 , Ni 60 , and Co 59

Thin targets of ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{58}$, ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{60}$, and ${\mathrm{Co}}^{59}$ were bombarded with protons from 700 to 1900 kev. Seventeen radiative capture resonances were observed for ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{58}$; fifty-four resonances were observed for ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{60}$; and about 150 resonances were observed for ${\mathrm{Co}}^{59}$. Precise bombarding energies were determined for the nickel resonances, and are listed in tabular form. All resonances were narrower than 1 kev. The $\ensuremath{\int}\ensuremath{\sigma}(E)\mathrm{dE}$ was measured for each of the nickel resonances. The following $Q$ values were determined: ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{58}(p, \ensuremath{\gamma}){\mathrm{Cu}}^{59}$, 3.42\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 Mev; ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{60}(p, \ensuremath{\gamma}){\mathrm{Cu}}^{61}$, 4.81\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03 Mev. The following low-energy cascade gamma rays were observed: ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{58}$, 0.492\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.005, 0.908\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.020, 1.38\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03, 1.78\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02, 2.00\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04, and 2.32\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04 Mev; ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{60}$, 0.468\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.010, 0.96\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02, 1.30\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02, 1.38\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02, 1.63\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03, and 1.91\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03 Mev; ${\mathrm{Co}}^{59}$, 0.47\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02, 0.84\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02, 0.95\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02, 1.07\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02, 1.17\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02, 1.33\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02, 1.64\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03, and 1.77\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03 Mev. Branching ratios to all states below 2 Mev were measured from several of the intense resonances in the nickel isotopes. The branching ratio measurements indicated that the low-energy member of each cascade in the nickel reactions, except possibly the 1.30-Mev gamma ray from protons on ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{60}$, represented an excited state of the same energy; but indications for a 1.38-Mev state in ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{59}$ and a 1.63-Mev state in ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{61}$ were weak. Angular distribution measurements were made on some of the more intense resonances in the nickel isotopes, and unique spins were determined for those resonant states and for the first excited state of ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{59}$. For the states whose spins were measured, probable parity assignments have been made. Reduced proton widths have been determined for the resonances below a bombarding energy of 1300 kev. The matrix elements for the several $E1$ and $M1$ transitions are compared with previous tabulations. Several new experimental techniques are discussed.
EMP Coupling to a Straight Conductor Above Ground: Transmission Line Formulation Based on Electromagnetic Reciprocity

A simple model for coupling of an electromagnetic plane wave incident on a conductor above ground has been developed using reciprocity theory, providing some advantages as compared to the conventional transmission line approach. The model is developed using a semi-infinitely long single conductor above a lossy ground plane and connected by an arbitrary load impedance to a vertical grounding conductor. This configuration corresponds to the worst-case wave coupling, because it leads to a line induced current larger than in the cases of finite and multiconductor lines. A frequency-domain Thevenin equivalent model is developed to relate the incident wave amplitude to the voltage across a generic load, connected at any point on the vertical conductor. The application to the threat analysis of a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse impact on a power transmission line is discussed by considering the time-domain solution (via inverse Fourier transform) for an incident EMP fast-rise transient (E1) waveshape, following the standard IEC specifications. For typical high-voltage power line load impedances, it is shown that voltage magnitudes in the MV range can be induced across the line termination, in the case of a wave with a near-grazing incidence angle and with wave vector aligned along the horizontal conductor.
General Systems Issues in Child and Adolescent Consultation and Liaison Psychiatry

This article reviews the history and evolution of systems theory and its ongoing application to consultation-liaison psychiatry.