cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ZM336372, a novel raf-1 activating compound, suppresses cellular growth, induces cell-cycle inhibitors, and reduces hormone production in carcinoid tumor cells

Introduction. Neuroendocrine (NE) tumors such as carcinoids are highly metastatic neoplasms that produce numerous bioactive hormones resulting in significant symptomatology. We have previously demonstrated that activation of the raf-1/MEK/ERK signaling pathway can suppress cellular growth and hormone production in NE tumor cells in vitro. Thus, we were interested in developing pharmacologic methods to activate the raf-1 signaling pathway. In this study, we investigated a novel therapy for NE tumors based on pharmacologic raf-1 activation using the compound ZM336372. Methods. Pulmonary carcinoid H727 tumor cells were treated with ZM336372 (20–100 μM) or carrier (DMSO). Raf-1/MEK/ERK pathway activation, cellular bioactive hormone production, and levels of cell-cycle inhibitors were determined by Western Blot for phosphorylated MEK1/2, chromogranin A (CgA), and p21, and INK4c, respectively. Cellular growth was assessed by MTT assay. Results. H727 cells did not have any detectable phosphorylated MEK1/2 at baseline. Escalating doses of ZM336372 in H727 cells resulted in increasing raf-1 activation as measured by phosphorylation of MEK1/2. Importantly, treatment of H727 cells with ZM336372 led to a marked suppression of cellular proliferation and induction of the cell-cycle inhibitors p21 and INK4c. Furthermore, treatment with ZM336372 resulted in a progressive reduction of bioactive hormone production (CgA) by the tumor cells. Conclusions. ZM336372 is an effective pharmacologic activator of raf-1/MEK/ERK signaling in carcinoid tumor cells. Raf-1 pathway induction in NE tumor cells by ZM336372 suppressed cellular proliferation and reduced bioactive hormone production. Therefore, this novel signaling-based therapy may be a viable therapeutic and palliative treatment for patients with NE tumors.
When the Cup Runneth Over:Positive Spillover from Nonwork to Work

This study was conducted to investigate how family life, community service, and personal self-development and leisure activities of managers support and enhance their work life. Although work-nonwo...
A field investigation of participant and environment effects on pharmacist-patient communication in community pharmacies

The objective of this study was to identify participant and environment variables that affect pharmacist-patient communication, and test their effects in a range of community pharmacy practices. Data were collected through unobtrusive observation, patient interviews, and pharmacist interviews in 12 community pharmacies. Random samples of 30 patients who received a prescription from a participating pharmacist were selected at each of the 12 pharmacies, yielding a total sample size of 360 patients. Relationships for Pharmacist Counselor Role Orientation, Patient Counselee Role Orientation, Lack of Time, Patient Privacy, Prescription Transfer by the Pharmacist, and Importance of Information with Occurrence of Communication, were tested using logistic regression analysis. Relationships among the independent variables with Length and Content of Communication were tested using multiple regression analysis. Of the 360 patients who were observed and asked to participate in an interview, 304 (84%) provided usable responses. Significant relationships (P < 0.01) were found for Prescription Transfer by the Pharmacist and Importance of Information with Occurrence of Communication. Prescription Transfer by the Pharmacist was found to be a mediating variable for Counselor Role Orientation, Importance of Information, and Lack of Time with Occurrence of Communication. Multiple regression analysis results showed positive relationships for Importance of Information and Patient Counselee Role Orientation with Length and Content of Communication. The results can be used for improving communication between pharmacists and patients to foster appropriate medication use by patients.
Is medicine flat

Abstract The biomedical model, attempting to explain health and disease in terms of the physical sciences, tends to eliminate or ignore other aspects of sickness phenomena. Medicine and medical education have sought to assert the importance of the patient's subjectivity, including psychological makeup, social context, illness framework, beliefs, culture, and other forces. These offer an added dimension to the flat biomedical surface. The metaphor of flatness and dimensionality may help to conceptualize the role of patient experience in clinical care and in medical education.
Optimal fertilizer carryover and crop recycling policies for a tropical grain crop

The consequences of carryover for the optimal application of fertilizer are considered using dynamic programming. The conclusions are relevant for the further problem of deciding how many grain crops to harvest from grain sorghum plants grown in a tropical environment. Dynamic programming is also used for solving this problem for the Ord River Valley, and takes account of the interrelations between season and crop cycle number. Data were obtained from investigations conducted in the area.
Simulation of the spatial diffusion process

Abstract A description of the spatial diffusion process is a fundamental component of many introductory geography courses. Most instructors end the lecture prematurely because of the difficulty of processing diffusion models in a classroom context. Students, for example, rarely get to observe the model beyond the fourth or fifth generation, and the effects of barriers are even less likely to be included in the presentation. This paper presents an overview of the spatial diffusion process as implemented in a Turbo Pascal computer program, termed Epidemic. Listings of the program are included and programming strategy described. A description of the program's application in an instructional setting is included.
Fast numerical methods for total variation minimization in image reconstruction

We apply a total variation minimization technique for the deblurring of 2D images. This yields an integro-differential equation with a nonlinear elliptic partial differential operator. In this paper we discuss a numerical scheme for the efficient solution of this integro-differential equation. Results are presented for a doconvolusion problem arising in ground-based astronomical imaging.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Development of Fe-based shape memory alloys associated with face-centered cubic-hexagonal close-packed martensitic transformations: Part I. shape memory behavior

As part of a study on the newly developed Fe-based shape memory alloys associated with face-centered cubic-hexagonal close-packed (fcc-hcp) martensitic transformations, transfor-mation behavior is characterized utilizing a combination of electrical resistance, dilatometry, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The characteristics of thermally induced and strain-induced e martensitic transformations under the influence of antiferromagnetism are discussed based on the experimental results. The variations of shape memory properties with prestraining temperature are interpreted in terms of the transformation characteristics. It is shown that the e martensite can be readily strain-induced under the stabilization effect of the antiferromagnetism which strongly suppresses the thermally induced transformation. The strain-induced transfor-mation of e martensite is more preferred as a predominant deformation mechanism at low tem-peratures under a combined influence of the antiferromagnetism and other physical factors, whereas the irreversible deformation mode is more likely with prestrain at relatively high tem-peratures. The transformation characteristics can be significantly changed by alloying and mechanical /thermal treatments. This offers a possibility of developing new practical Fe-based shape memory alloys with a wide range of mechanical and physical properties.
A STREAMS-based communications subsystem in Turing Plus for protocol development

The Homogeneous Multiprocessor (HM) has a linear-array topology, with interprocessor communications achieved by the sharing of memory between nearest neighbours, by adjacent-processor signalling, and through a high-speed network (the H-Network). The operating system nucleus (the HM-Nucleus) for the HM contains a communications subsystem that provides low-overhead communications, both for user processes and for the rest of the HM-Nucleus, using the shared memory, the signalling capability, and the H-Network. The design for the communications subsystem provides uniformity of access to the three mechanisms by following the IEEE 802.2/802.3 LLC/MAC specifications. Flexibility of access is achieved by adopting the STREAMS facility from System V UNIX. A new implementation of STREAMS has been built using Turing Plus for both the programming and the simulation/testing, with no need to access the actual hardware until final test. Completion of the STREAMS framework has made it possible subsequently to code an 802.2 LLC module and an 802.3-based shared memory driver very quickly. The STREAMS framework has also made it feasible to cast some algorithms used by other parts of the HM-Nucleus as protocols, and implement them as STREAMS modules, resulting in considerable simplification in the design process. Since the framework was designed to be completely independent of the host processor, it provides a very general vehicle for protocol development.
Proximal Venous Outflow Obstruction in Patients With Upper Extremity Arteriovenous Dialysis Access

To evaluate the impact of central venous obstruction on upper extremity hemodialysis access failure, we retrospectively analyzed our recent experience in managing this problem. We reviewed 158 upper extremity hemodialysis access procedures performed in 122 patients during a 1-year period. Fourteen (11.5%) patients had central vein obstruction as the cause of severe arm swelling, graft thrombosis, or graft malfunction. All 14 patients had had bilateral temporary subclavian vein dialysis catheters and failed upper extremity arteriovenous access. Seventeen lesions were treated in 14 patients including eight subclavian vein occlusions, six subclavian vein stenoses, two internal jugular vein stenoses, and one superior vena cava stenosis. Twenty-one procedures were performed including 17 percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasties (PTAs) with stent placement in 13, two axillary to innominate vein bypasses, and two axillary to internal jugular vein bypasses. All patients had resolution of symptoms. Thirteen (76%) PTAs were initially successful but in four (24%) cases it was impossible to recanalize the vein. Eight (47%) PTAs provided functional hemodialysis access for 2 to 9 months, two (12%) restenosed at 3 and 10 months and were successfully redilated, two occluded at 2 and 4 months and were unable to be recanalized, and one failed immediately after a successful PTA. Four PTA failures were followed by venous bypass, which remained patent and provided functional access 7 to 13 months after surgery. Of nine stenotic venous lesions six (67%) were successfully dilated without restenosis, whereas of eight occluded veins only two (25%) were successfully treated without recurrence. Temporary central hemodialysis catheters produce a significant number of symptomatic central vein obstructions in patients with upper extremity arteriovenous access. PTA with stenting and venous bypass provides early success in most patients. Transcatheter therapy is less successful in treating complete venous occlusions when compared with stenotic lesions. All effort should focus on preventing this complication by avoiding the use of temporary subclavian vein hemodialysis catheters.
A Multiprocessor Architecture for Two-Dimensional Digital Filters

In this paper, a generic computational primitive is developed for the implementation of any arbitrary order one-dimensional or two-dimensional FIR or IIR digital filter. This computational primitive can form the basis for a single chip processor for one-dimensional and two-dimensional digital signal processing. A multiprocessor architecture for real-time implementation of spatial domain filters is developed with each processing unit in the network implementing the computational primitive. This multiprocessor system has a simple control scheme, a simple interconnection network, a very high efficiency, and low data transfers and storage requirements. Thus, it avoids the bottlenecks associated with traditional parallel computers and multiprocessor systems.
Morphological changes in canine trachea after freezing.

Abstract Cryonecrosis of normal bone is followed by repair of the defect by regeneration of bone from the periosteum and endosteum 2 . Similar results have been observed after freezing of malignant cells invading bone 4 . Since regeneration of bone and cartilage are similar, the possibility of regeneration of cartilage after destruction of a local area by freezing is suggested. Reconstructive problems make excision of some tracheal tumors hazardous or unacceptable. If freezing does not permanently impair the architecture of the trachea, it may offer a method of controlling or eradicating neoplasms which invade or arise from the trachea. Mongrel dogs each underwent an operation to allow the application of a cryoprobe to the external surface of the trachea. Sixty per cent of the circumference of three tracheal rings was frozen by repeated applications of the cryoprobe, each for a period of 5 min, to the anterior and lateral surfaces of the trachea. After freezing, two animals were sacrificed at each of several intervals varying from 5 min to 6 weeks. Necropsy examinations were performed on all animals. The mucosal response of trachea to freezing included gross evidence of ulceration within 6 hrs, histological evidence of beginning reepithelialization at 72 hrs, and complete healing after 2 weeks. Changes in connective tissue and vascular elements were apparent for 2 to 3 weeks after freezing. Cryonecrosis and subsequent repair of the tracheal cartilage lagged behind the sequential changes described for the mucosa and connective tissue. Although subtle changes in the staining characteristics of cartilage occurred within 6 hrs, absence of chondrocytes in the area of maximum freezing was not seen until 24 hrs. Fragmentation of cartilage did not occur until 72 hrs and was not maximal until 5 days. Healing of cartilage was first apparent after 2 weeks, and chondrocytes reappeared between 2 and 4 weeks after freezing. The most striking observation was the remarkable return of frozen cartilage to a near normal form and appearance. The progressive return from destruction of all layers to an essentially normal tracheal architecture suggested that the cryoprobe may be of value in the management of some tracheal tumors.
An extension of affected‐pedigree‐member analyses to triads of relatives

The affected third-degree relatives method ("cousins method"-CM) shares key features with the affected-sibling method, but it groups first cousins in triads, with the hope of requiring fewer individuals to be typed. The aim is to provide an efficient and computationally convenient method of genome screening, capitalizing on the vast number of highly informative markers mapped in recent years. The nonparametric CM statistic measures increased marker similarity, making no assumptions concerning how the disease is inherited; this can be advantageous when dealing with complex diseases for which the mode of inheritance is difficult to determine. This article presents a brief statistical development of the CM method and describes the results of applying the method to one replicate of the simulated extended family data set.
N-terminal amino acid sequences of the hemopexins from chicken, rat and rabbit

Summary The N-terminal amino acid sequences of the hemopexins purified from the plasma of rat, rabbit and chicken were compared with each other and with that of human hemopexin. Although the N-terminal sequences differ among these species, residues 2, 3 and 14 are identical in all four hemopexins. Ten of the first 28 residues are identical in all but the chicken protein. When introducing gaps into the sequence, a much greater homology is observed between the human and rat or rabbit hemopexins (60%) than when the sequences were compared directly (40%).
Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 deletion in mice prevents high-fat diet-induced fatty liver by reducing lipogenesis.

Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1) mediates intestinal absorption of dietary and biliary cholesterol. Ezetimibe, by inhibiting NPC1L1 function, is widely used to treat hypercholesterolemia in humans. Interestingly, ezetimibe treatment appears to attenuate hepatic steatosis in rodents and humans without a defined mechanism. Overconsumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) represents a major cause of metabolic disorders including fatty liver. To determine whether and how NPC1L1 deficiency prevents HFD-induced hepatic steatosis, in this study, we fed NPC1L1 knockout (L1-KO) mice and their wild-type (WT) controls an HFD, and found that 24 weeks of HFD feeding causes no fatty liver in L1-KO mice. Hepatic fatty acid synthesis and levels of mRNAs for lipogenic genes are substantially reduced but hepatic lipoprotein-triglyceride production, fatty acid oxidation, and triglyceride hydrolysis remain unaltered in L1-KO versus WT mice. Strikingly, L1-KO mice are completely protected against HFD-induced hyperinsulinemia under both fed and fasted states and during glucose challenge. Despite similar glucose tolerance, L1-KO relative WT mice are more insulin sensitive and in the overnight-fasted state display significantly lower plasma glucose concentrations. In conclusion, NPC1L1 deficiency in mice prevents HFD-induced fatty liver by reducing hepatic lipogenesis, at least in part, through attenuating HFD-induced insulin resistance, a state known to drive hepatic lipogenesis through elevated circulating insulin levels.
Anaerobic induction of genes involved in the biosynthesis of amino acids and thiamine, in Escherichia coli

A series of fusions to lacZ was isolated by the insertional inactivation of genes involved in the production of acid from glucose. Those which showed poor expression of lacZ aerobically, but increased production of β-galactosidase anaerobically were further examined. Many of these were auxotrophic. Fusions to genes involved in the biosynthesis of leucine, isoleucine/valine, tyrosine and thiamine were induced anaerobically 2–10-fold depending on the composition of the growth medium. Four fusion auxotrophs were mapped to known biosynthetic genes: WNK202 (thiamine; at 25 min near thiK), WNK203 (tyrosine; at 56.5 min in tyrA), WNK204 (leucine; at 2 min in leu) and WNK205 (isoleucine-valine; at 84.5 min in the ilvG cluster). The leu and ilv auxotrophs WNK204 and WNK205 overproduced a common membrane protein when grown aerobically but not anaerobically.
Allelopathic effects of interrupted fern on northern red, oak seedlings: amelioration by Suillus luteus L.: Fr.

The allelopathic effects of interrupted fern frond leachates on ectomycorrhizal (inoculated) and nonmycorrhizal (noninoculated) northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) seedlings were investigated. Container-grown northern red oak was inoculated with vegetative mycelium ofSuillus luteus L. Fr. following acorn germination. Noninoculated control seedlings were also maintained. Seedlings were grown in a glasshouse under full sunlight or shaded (25% of full sunlight) conditions. Leachate or deionized water solutions were applied to seedlings eleven times over a 91-day period to simulate a rainfall induced transfer of allelopathic chemicals from fern fronds to the soil. Fern frond leachates significantly reduced seedling survival, however, inoculated seedlings showed less mortality. Chromium concentrations of pooled lateral root or leaf tissue were comparatively higher in tissues exhibiting greater mortality. Root biomass was reduced by fern fern frond leachate applications. Seedling biomass was not significantly affected by fungal inoculation. Our results confirm previous documentation of the allelopathic potential of ferns, and suggest that ectomycorrhizal fungi may ameliorate allelopathic effects of ferns on northern red oak seedling survival and growth.
Occupational concentration in work establishments

The failure of sociological and economic models premised on individual decision-making to account for persistent patterns of occupational concentration by race and gender has been a matter of considerable recent interest and debate. One response to this debate has been to explore the impact of various organizational dimensions on the social division of labor as experienced by males and females and/or blacks and whites. The importance of the work place as a locus of occupational restrictions has been widely acknowledged, but empirical research on this topic has been limited by the availability of establishment-level data. This paper seeks to contribute to our understanding of occupational concentration by race and gender through analysis of 1980 EEOC data on business establishments. The first phase of analysis examines the importance of the work place for occupational concentration by race and gender and places the EEOC data within the context of the 1980 U.S. economy. The second phase of analysis explores the impact of several organizational characteristics on occupational concentration within work establishments.
Radiation curing of selected structural adhesives

Abstract Radiation curing of structural adhesives offers a number of potentially significant advantages over thermal curing for ease of processing, performance and energy conservation. This capability to effect cures at ambient temperatures and in quite short periods of time by exposing an uncured adhesively bonded assembly to a suitable source of ionizing radiation is particularly attractive. Experiments have been carried out to identify polymer systems for adhesive applications which can be cured via radiation and to optimize their performance when exposed to various environmental conditions including high temperature service. Data have been developed on the lap shear strength properties of a number of candidate structural adhesive systems such as polyesters, vinyl esters, acrylics and modified polyimides. Aluminum test specimens which were cured with electron beam radiation over a wide range of dosages, were employed for these studies. Preliminary conclusions are presented on the performance of these systems and recommendations are made for optimizing this technique for curing prototype assemblies with industrial electron beam accelerator equipment.
Creeping Signalgrass Versus Bahiagrass for Cow and Calf Grazing

Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) is the predominant pasture grass in Florida because it is well adapted to the extensive low-input cattle management typical of Florida's beef production. Creeping signalgrass [Urochloa humidicola (Rendle) Morrone & Zuloaga), syn. Brachiaria humidicola (Rendle) Schweick.] shares many of the desirable characteristics of bahiagrass, but no comparative grazing trials have been conducted. We measured calf body weight (BW) gains on signalgrass and bahiagrass from May to early August (weaning) and monitored cow BW changes from August through October over 4 yr. Calf BW at weaning averaged 250 kg on signalgrass and 235 kg on bahiagrass (P = 0.13), and calf average daily gain was 0.66 kg d -1 for signalgrass and 0.48 kg d -1 for bahiagrass (P = 0.07). Cows grazing signalgrass weighed more (P = 0.03) in October (564 kg) than cows on bahiagrass (513 kg) and had higher (P = 0.01) body condition scores (5.7 vs. 4.7, respectively)]. There was no difference between bahiagrass and signalgrass [8380 and 9580 kg dry matter (DM) ha -1 ] for forage accumulation from May through October, but forage mass was greater for signalgrass than bahiagrass from July to October. A problem with signalgrass was that 33% of annual forage DM accumulation occurred in a 28-d period beginning with the start of summer rain. Signalgrass had greater organic matter digestibility (545 g kg -1 ) than bahiagrass (476 g kg -1 ), but it always contained less crude protein (87 vs. 107 g kg -1 ). A freeze (-5°C) reduced signalgrass ground cover to ≈50% and delayed grazing in 1 of 4 yr. Forage production, nutritive value, and livestock gains on signalgrass equaled or exceeded those of bahiagrass, but poor cold tolerance, limited growth before May, and excessive growth in July are potential problems with signalgrass pasture production.
Review article: radiofrequency neurotomy for the treatment of sacroiliac joint syndrome

We review here the latest studies on efficacy of and techniques employed in radiofrequency neurotomy of the sacroiliac joint. Radiofrequency neurotomy has been shown to have limited evidence in treating sacroiliac joint syndrome. Variability in results has been attributed to individual nerve patterns, improper diagnosis, and selection of patients, as well as variability in the procedure itself. Future studies will be needed to focus on the type of radiofrequency neurotomy and positioning of electrodes to better evaluate efficacy.
Addressing the recommended research agenda instead of repeating prior arguments

Abstract Perhaps because of the long history of the debate, Ericsson (this issue) largely failed to address the main arguments in my proposed research agenda (Simonton, this issue). Instead, he focused on responding to earlier questions in that controversy. Consequently, the agenda was here translated into a series of specific empirical questions that capture the key features of the hypothesized structural model. Although this model is recursive, it is possible to test for non-recursive specifications if future research shows that it is necessary. Yet at present, it seems most reasonable to assume that both cognitive abilities and dispositional traits are antecedents to creative performance. Because the variables in both of these sets have substantial heredities, the causal basis remains for a genetic contribution to creative achievement.
Erosion of work-hardened copper, nickel, and 304 stainless steel

Abstract Solid-particle erosion of three face-centered-cubic metals was studied to determine the effects of prior work hardening, hardness, and ductility on erosion resistance. Erosion rates for the most ductile metal, copper, decreased with increased reduction by cold rolling. The rates for nickel and 304 stainless steel increased for large cold reduction. These increases were attributed to the effects of shear localization and the relatively lower strains to failure for the less ductile metals. The effects of cold rolling on erosion rates were more pronounced for impact at 15° than at 90°.
Cancer biology: Sleeping Beauty awakens.

Ancient jumping DNA found napping in fish has been revived and is being used to identify cancer genes in mice. But the benefits of this aptly named ‘Sleeping Beauty’ system could reach far beyond cancer. Two papers this week report the use of a potent new mammalian genetic tool for understanding solid tumour formation. Until now forward genetic screening for cancer genes has been possible only in the haematopoietic system or mammary gland, using murine leukaemia viruses or mammary tumour viruses. The new method extends forward screening to solid tumours using the Sleeping Beauty transposon (jumping gene). If Sleeping Beauty slots into a chromosome near a potential cancer gene, tumour formation occurs and the gene can be identified.
A Direct Interaction between Cdc42 and Vesicle-associated Membrane Protein 2 Regulates SNARE-dependent Insulin Exocytosis

In pancreatic beta cells, insulin granule exocytosis is regulated by SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor protein (SNAP) receptor) proteins, and this is coupled to cortical F-actin reorganization via the Rho family GTPase Cdc42 by an unknown mechanism. We investigated interactions among the target SNARE protein Syntaxin 1A and the vesicle-associated membrane SNARE protein (VAMP2) with Cdc42 and compared these structural interactions with their functional importance to glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in MIN6 beta cells. Subcellular fractionation analyses revealed a parallel redistribution of Cdc42 and VAMP2 from the granule fraction to the plasma membrane in response to glucose that temporally corresponded with the glucose-induced activation of Cdc42. Moreover, within these fractions Cdc42 and VAMP2 were found to co-immunoprecipitate under basal and glucose-stimulated conditions, suggesting that they moved as a complex. Furthermore, VAMP2 bound both GST-Cdc42-GTPgammaS and GST-Cdc42-GDP, indicating that the Cdc42-VAMP2 complex could form under both cytosolic GDP-bound Cdc42 and plasma membrane GTP-bound Cdc42 conformational conditions. In vitro binding analyses showed that VAMP2 bound directly to Cdc42 and that a heterotrimeric complex with Syntaxin 1A could also be formed. Deletion analyses of VAMP2 revealed that only the N-terminal 28 residues were required for Cdc42 binding. Expression of this 28-residue VAMP2 peptide in MIN6 beta cells resulted in the specific impairment of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, indicating a functional importance for the Cdc42-VAMP2 interaction. Taken together, these data suggest a mechanism whereby glucose activates Cdc42 to induce the targeting of intracellular Cdc42-VAMP2-insulin granule complexes to Syntaxin 1A at the plasma membrane.
Preoperative Smoking Cessation: The Role of the Primary Care Provider

Millions of cigarette smokers require surgery each year. Those who quit smoking may reduce their risk of respiratory, cardiovascular, and wound-related complications. Scheduling of surgery may present a unique opportunity to help smokers quit permanently. Primary care providers can play an important role in helping their patients scheduled for surgery quit smoking before their operation and maintain their abstinence after surgery. To do so effectively, physicians need to understand (1) the consequences of smoking in the perioperative period and how quitting can mitigate these problems, (2) how surgery can serve as a "teachable moment" to aid in smoking cessation, and (3) specific techniques that can be used to help their patients quit smoking, including brief counseling and pharmacotherapy.
Interleukin-1β Modulates Proinflammatory Cytokine Production in Human Epithelial Cells

Periodontitis is a chronic human inflammatory disease initiated and sustained by dental plaque microorganisms. A major contributing pathogen is Porphyromonas gingivalis, a gram-negative bacterium recognized by Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4, which are expressed by human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs). However, it is still unclear how these cells respond to P. gingivalis and initiate inflammatory and immune responses. We have reported previously that HGECs produce a wide range of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and IL-1beta. In this study, we show that IL-1beta has a special role in the modulation of other inflammatory cytokines in HGECs challenged with P. gingivalis. Our results show that the increased production of IL-1beta correlates with the cell surface expression of TLR4, and more specifically, TLR4-normal HGECs produce fourfold more IL-1beta than do TLR4-deficient HGECs after challenge. Moreover, blocking the IL-1beta receptor greatly reduces the production of "secondary" proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-8 or IL-6. Our data indicate that the induction of IL-1beta plays an important role in mediating the release of other proinflammatory cytokines from primary human epithelial cells following challenge with P. gingivalis, and this process may be an inflammatory enhancement mechanism adopted by epithelial cells.
A Prospective Outcomes Analysis of Palliative Procedures Performed for Malignant Intestinal Obstruction Due to Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

Objective. To obtain prospective outcomes data on patients (pts) undergoing palliative operative or endoscopic procedures for malignant bowel obstruction due to recurrent ovarian cancer. Methods.An institutional study was conducted from July 2002 to July 2003 to prospectively identify pts who underwent an operative or endoscopic procedure to palliate the symptoms of advanced cancer. This report focuses on pts with malignant bowel obstruction due to recurrent ovarian cancer. Procedures performed with an upper or lower gastrointestinal (GI) endoscope were considered “endoscopic.” All other cases were classified as “operative.” Following the procedure, the presence or absence of symptoms was determined and followed over time. All pts were followed until death. Results. Palliative interventions were performed on 74 gynecologic oncology pts during the study period, of which 26 (35%) were for malignant GI obstruction due to recurrent ovarian cancer. The site of obstruction was small bowel in 14 (54%) cases and large bowel in 12 (46%) cases. Palliative procedures were operative in 14 (54%) pts and endoscopic in the other 12 (46%). Overall, symptomatic improvement or resolution within 30 days was achieved in 23 (88%) of 26 of patients, with 1 (4%) postprocedure mortality. At
A theory of information with special application to search problems

Classical information theory concerns itself with communication through a noisy channel and how much one can infer about the channel input from a knowledge of the channel output. Because the channel is noisy the input and output are only related statistically and the rate of information transmission is a statistical concept with little meaning for the individual symbol used in transmission. Here we develop a more intuitive notion of information that is concerned with asking the right questions-that is, with finding those questions whose answer conveys the most information. We call this confirmatory information. In the first part of the paper we develop the general theory, show how it relates to classical information theory, and how in the special case of search problems it allows us to quantify the efficacy of information transmission regarding individual events. That is, confirmatory information measures how well a search for items having certain observable properties retrieves items having some unobserved property of interest. Thus confirmatory information facilitates a useful analysis of search problems and contrasts with classical information theory, which quantifies the efficiency of information transmission but is indifferent to the nature of the particular information being transmitted. The last part of the paper presents several examples where confirmatory information is used to quantify protein structural properties in a search setting. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Corneal Cell Survival in Adenovirus Type 19 Infection Requires Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase/Akt Activation

Adenovirus type 19 is a major cause of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, the only ocular adenoviral infection associated with prolonged corneal inflammation. In this study, we investigated the role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt and their downstream targets in adenovirus infection, and here we report the novel finding that adenovirus type 19 utilizes the PI3K/Akt pathway to maintain corneal fibroblast viability in acute infection. We demonstrate phosphorylation of GSK-3β and nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of NF-κB, both downstream targets of the PI3K/Akt pathway, in adenovirus-infected corneal fibroblasts in a PI3K-dependent manner. Inhibition of PI3K had no effect on early viral gene expression, suggesting normal viral internalization, but pretreatment with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 or overexpression of dominant negative Akt induced early cytopathic effect and caspase-mediated cell death in adenovirus-infected cells. Early cell death could be circumvented despite LY294002 by overexpression of constitutively active Akt. Furthermore, we show an interaction between cSrc and the p85 regulatory subunit of PI3K in infected cells through a phosphorylation-dependent mechanism. The results presented in this paper provide the first direct evidence that PI3K-mediated Akt activation in adenovirus-infected corneal cells may contribute to viral pathogenesis by the prolongation of cell viability.
Staufen2 functions in Staufen1-mediated mRNA decay by binding to itself and its paralog and promoting UPF1 helicase but not ATPase activity

Staufen (STAU)1-mediated mRNA decay (SMD) is a posttranscriptional regulatory mechanism in mammals that degrades mRNAs harboring a STAU1-binding site (SBS) in their 3'-untranslated regions (3' UTRs). We show that SMD involves not only STAU1 but also its paralog STAU2. STAU2, like STAU1, is a double-stranded RNA-binding protein that interacts directly with the ATP-dependent RNA helicase up-frameshift 1 (UPF1) to reduce the half-life of SMD targets that form an SBS by either intramolecular or intermolecular base-pairing. Compared with STAU1, STAU2 binds ~10-fold more UPF1 and ~two- to fivefold more of those SBS-containing mRNAs that were tested, and it comparably promotes UPF1 helicase activity, which is critical for SMD. STAU1- or STAU2-mediated augmentation of UPF1 helicase activity is not accompanied by enhanced ATP hydrolysis but does depend on ATP binding and a basal level of UPF1 ATPase activity. Studies of STAU2 demonstrate it changes the conformation of RNA-bound UPF1. These findings, and evidence for STAU1-STAU1, STAU2-STAU2, and STAU1-STAU2 formation in vitro and in cells, are consistent with results from tethering assays: the decrease in mRNA abundance brought about by tethering siRNA-resistant STAU2 or STAU1 to an mRNA 3' UTR is inhibited by downregulating the abundance of cellular STAU2, STAU1, or UPF1. It follows that the efficiency of SMD in different cell types reflects the cumulative abundance of STAU1 and STAU2. We propose that STAU paralogs contribute to SMD by "greasing the wheels" of RNA-bound UPF1 so as to enhance its unwinding capacity per molecule of ATP hydrolyzed.
Near minimum-time control of robotic manipulator with obstacles in the workspace

The authors consider the development of a near-minimum-time suboptimal controller for a robot manipulator to follow a prespecified path which is designed to avoid obstacles in the workspace. A dynamic model for the manipulator, which is simple to manipulate, is established using the average dynamics method of linearization. The model has the advantage of being continuously updated over the control time periods. This makes it suitable for high-speed or variable-payload applications. Bang-bang control theory in conjunction with synchronization of executing time for each joint is used to derive the suboptimal controller. Simulation results under different conditions of obstacles and loads indicate that the desired controller moves the manipulator around the obstacles in near minimum time with an acceptable level of accuracy. >
Ultrasonic chirplet signal decomposition for defect evaluation and pattern recognition

In this study, a quantitative method using chirplet signal decomposition (CSD) is presented for pattern recognition and defect characterization. The CSD algorithm is utilized to decompose the ultrasonic signal into a linear combination of chirplets, and efficiently estimate the echo parameters. These parameters can be correlated to the structure of defects. For experimental studies, planar and focused transducers with different center frequencies have been used for testing the embedded defects in specimen at normal or oblique refracted angles. It has been shown that the CSD successfully associates the estimated chirplets and their parameters as a quantitative method to characterize defects.
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on Iron and Cancer Risk—Letter

We read Fonseca-Nunes and colleagues' recent systematic review and meta-analysis on iron and cancer risk in the January 2014 issue ([1][1]). Although the subject is timely and of great public health interest, the authors have failed to synthesize available research into a coherent body of evidence
Uncertainty Analysis of Energy Release Rate Measurement for Room Fires

Fire performance quantification of room finishes and furnishings may be made in terms of energy release rate developed in a room volume during a fire. Energy release rate may be determined by the oxygen consumption method. Uncertainties of the oxygen consumption method and measurement instru ments were combined into a resultant uncertainty of the system. Experiments were conducted in the room compartment lined with noncombustible walls.
Transmembrane potential changes during stimulation in a bidomain model of the myocardium

The changes in the transmembrane potential in cardiac tissue due to a point source extracellular stimulus are studied to help clarify the underlying mechanisms of cardiac stimulation and defibrillation. The present calculations employ the bidomain model of the myocardium. The tissue is considered passive and under steady-state conditions. Membrane polarization throughout the tissue is determined by the relative degrees of anisotropy in the intracellular space (the collection of the interiors of all fibers, including myoplasm and intracellular junctions) and in the extracellular space (interstitium). The results show that the intracellular space has to have an anisotropy ratio twice (or more) that of the extracellular space in order that regions of suprathreshold depolarization appear in the tissue interior. >
Dynamics of plasmid transfer on surfaces.

Summary: A protocol was developed to study the dynamics of growth and plasmid transfer in surface populations of bacteria. This method allows for quantitative estimates of cell population densities over time, as well as microscopic observations of colony growth and interactions. Using this “surface slide system” (SSS), the dynamics of the plasmid R1 and its permanently derepressed mutant R1drd19 in surface cultures of Escherichia coli K12 was examined. In surface culture, the stationary-phase cell densities were constant over a wide range of initial cell density (= colony density) and comparable to those obtained in liquid culture. For high initial cell densities, where the cells formed a confluent layer at stationary phase, the kinetics of growth and plasmid transfer was similar to that obtained in liquid culture, and the relative yields of R1drd19 and R1 transconjugants were similar in the two habitats. In surface culture, however, R1drd19 transconjugant yield was profoundly affected, and R1 transfer to a lesser extent, by colony density. In contrast, liquid matings were virtually unaffected by initial cell density. The transfer advantage of the permanently derepressed over the repressed plasmid was much less apparent for lower colony densities. I propose a hypothesis for plasmid transfer between colonies that explains these observations as a consequence of the geometry of the surface habitat and the effect of transitory derepression of the synthesis of pili.
Evaluation of Oxygen Plasma and UV Ozone Methods for Cleaning of Occluded Areas in MEMS Devices

UV ozone and oxygen plasma treatments are two common procedures for cleaning silicon surfaces. The extent to which hidden surfaces of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are cleaned by these methods has not been well documented. To probe and compare the effectiveness of the two methods for cleaning occluded regions in MEMS, devices consisting of large movable flaps were fabricated to produce hidden surfaces whose occluded regions exceeded the aspect ratios that typically occur in MEMS devices. The gaps between the flap and the substrate in the custom flap devices were designed to be variable in extent. Their interior regions were initially coated with chemisorbed monolayers and then subjected to cleaning. Both techniques removed monolayers on exposed surfaces and both, to some extent, removed monolayers present on the occluded surfaces. Oxygen plasma was found to be a far more effective method for cleaning the occluded surfaces than the UV ozone method. However, in occlusions with exceptionally large aspect ratios of 1700 : 1, even oxygen plasma could not remove all traces of the chemisorbed monolayers.
Development of a MEMS-based Raman spectrometer

This paper discusses the development of a Raman spectrometer incorporated into a MEMS device for use in environmental monitoring against chemical and biological agents. The current design incorporates a 1525 nm laser diode as an optical pump source, and a tunable Fabry-Perot interferometer as the wavelength selection element.
A simplification of the JPDAM algorithm

The JPDAM (joint probabilistic data association for possibly merged measurements) algorithm has been developed to track targets in the same neighborhood in a cluttered environment, where the target-originated measurements could be unresolved (merged). The JPDAM algorithm evaluates for each measurement the probability that it originated from a single target, from two targets (i.e., it is a merged measurement), or from clutter. The original work used a relatively complicated expression for the probability density function (pdf) of a merged measurement. In this note, a simple approximation for the pdf of a merged measurement is derived. The results are easy to implement and can be used to significantly simplify the JPDAM algorithm. Some typographical errors from [2] are also corrected.
Open source software projects of the caBIG In Vivo Imaging Workspace Software special interest group.

The Cancer Bioinformatics Grid (caBIG™) program was created by the National Cancer Institute to facilitate sharing of IT infrastructure, data, and applications among the National Cancer Institute-sponsored cancer research centers. The program was launched in February 2004 and now links more than 50 cancer centers. In April 2005, the In Vivo Imaging Workspace was added to promote the use of imaging in cancer clinical trials. At the inaugural meeting, four special interest groups (SIGs) were established. The Software SIG was charged with identifying projects that focus on open-source software for image visualization and analysis. To date, two projects have been defined by the Software SIG. The eXtensible Imaging Platform project has produced a rapid application development environment that researchers may use to create targeted workflows customized for specific research projects. The Algorithm Validation Tools project will provide a set of tools and data structures that will be used to capture measurement information and associated needed to allow a gold standard to be defined for the given database against which change analysis algorithms can be tested. Through these and future efforts, the caBIG™ In Vivo Imaging Workspace Software SIG endeavors to advance imaging informatics and provide new open-source software tools to advance cancer research.
VLSI issues in memory-system design for video signal processors

This paper addresses the design of memory-system architectures for video signal processors. The memory subsystem is the bottleneck of most video computing systems and demands a careful analysis of the design tradeoffs related to area, cycle time, and utilization. We emphasize the need to consider technological and circuit-level issues during the design of a system architecture, particularly that of a video processor, and present a method whereby the conceptual organization of the memory architecture can be evaluated before a detailed design is undertaken. Our analysis suggests that the organization of an efficient memory hierarchy for video signal processors is different from the register-cache based hierarchy of general-purpose programmable microprocessors.