ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE GOES MOBILE

New mobile computing technologies require new paradigms for infrastructure and interaction with mobile and networked devices. For building smart mobile companions for new intelligent services, a number of challenges have to be addressed. We argue that artificial intelligence is a key to a new generation of mobile systems. In this introduction to AI in mobile systems, we present some of the challenges and solutions in this exciting field of research.     

Role of endoscopic injection therapy in the treatment of bleeding peptic ulcer

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) was examined regarding its regulation of the mitogen EGF. A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells were treated with TGF beta and epidermal growth factor (EGF) (10 ng/ml each) to determine if TGF beta modulates EGF-induced Ca2+ signaling and c-Fos oncoprotein levels. Changes in [Ca2+]i were determined by digital imaging analysis or photon counting. In HBSS + Ca2+ (1.37 mM), EGF treatment resulted in a transient increase in [Ca2+]i from 75 to 150 nM, which lasted approximately 3.5 min and re-equilibrated to 90 nM. In nominally Ca(2+)-free (2-5 muM) HBSS, EGF caused a [Ca2+]i elevation that peaked at 140 nM and returned to baseline. TGF beta in HBSS + Ca2+ did not elicit a [Ca2+]i increase, although affinity labeling revealed types I, II, and III TGF beta receptors. TGF beta added simultaneously with EGF in HBSS + Ca2+ caused a gradual rise in [Ca2+]i from 50 to 100 nM over 16 min. Pretreatment with TGF beta (3 h; 10 ng/ml) abolished the EGF-induced [Ca2+]i elevation. EGF or TGF beta treatments increased c-Fos immunoreactivity by around 1 h. In summary, EGF elevated [Ca2+]i in the presence or absence of [Ca2+]e, resulting in high [Ca2+]n, associated with tyrosine and threonine phosphorylation, and increased c-Fos oncoprotein immunoreactivity. TGF beta did not increase [Ca2+]i but did increase c-Fos; TGF beta + EGF added simultaneously altered the EGF-induced [Ca2+]i elevation, and TGF beta pretreatment eliminated EGF-induced [Ca2+]i elevation. This suggests that TGF beta can regulate EGF in A431 cells and that increased c-Fos may not be mediated by Ca2+.     

Possible reasons for the variability of human responses to IAC-CPR

OBJECTIVE: To propose reasons for the variability of the hemodynamic responses and survival data observed when interposed abdominal compression cardiopulmonary resuscitation (IAC-CPR) is performed on humans in cardiac arrest. METHODS: Critical content review of all studies performed in the United States examining IAC-CPR in humans and of selected animal studies addressing hemodynamic mechanisms of CPR. Articles in the English language dealing with human IAC-CPR studies from 1970-1993 were retrieved using the MEDLINE database of the National Library of Medicine. RESULTS: IAC-CPR does not consistently improve coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) over standard CPR in humans and is capable of decreasing as well as increasing CPP. This variability does not seem dependent on the manner in which abdominal compressions are performed. Because of the limited response to standard CPR, significant increases in return of spontaneous circulation would be expected with IAC-CPR if a large percentage of patients were to have favorable increases in CPP. However, other patients may be adversely affected by decreases in CPP during IAC-CPR, with unsuccessful resuscitation of those individuals. Return of spontaneous circulation also may be enhanced using IAC-CPR due to other factors reflected in the initial arrest rhythm and in arrest-population demographics. CONCLUSION: IAC-CPR should not be recommended for routine use until the mechanism of its beneficial effects is known and until those patients who are likely to benefit from the technique can be better identified.     

Preservation of protein fluorescence in embedded human dendritic cells for targeted 3D light and electron microscopy

In this study, we present a correlative microscopy workflow to combine detailed 3D fluorescence light microscopy data with ultrastructural information gained by 3D focused ion beam assisted scanning electron microscopy. The workflow is based on an optimized high pressure freezing/freeze substitution protocol that preserves good ultrastructural detail along with retaining the fluorescence signal in the resin embedded specimens. Consequently, cellular structures of interest can readily be identified and imaged by state of the art 3D confocal fluorescence microscopy and are precisely referenced with respect to an imprinted coordinate system on the surface of the resin block. This allows precise guidance of the focused ion beam assisted scanning electron microscopy and limits the volume to be imaged to the structure of interest. This, in turn, minimizes the total acquisition time necessary to conduct the time consuming ultrastructural scanning electron microscope imaging while eliminating the risk to miss parts of the target structure. We illustrate the value of this workflow for targeting virus compartments, which are formed in HIV‐pulsed mature human dendritic cells.     

Radiation-induced temporary epilation after a neuroradiologically guided embolization procedure

A 34-year-old woman underwent embolization of a left paraorbital arteriovenous malformation guided with a bi-plane x-ray system in two sessions separated by 3 days. Imaging included 110 minutes of fluoroscopy and 46 digital subtraction angiography acquisitions. Entrance skin dose rates were determined with measurements performed on a skull phantom. The maximum possible skin dose was estimated to be 6.6 Gy, which is consistent with the temporary epilation in the right occipital region of the skull reported by the patient approximately 5 weeks later.     

Quantitative electroencephalographic characteristics of crack cocaine dependence

This study replicates preliminary findings reporting a quantitative electroencephalographic (QEEG) profile of crack cocaine dependence in abstinence. All subjects (n = 52) met criteria for DMS-III-R cocaine dependence (in the form of crack), and were residing in a drug-free therapeutic community. Baseline QEEG evaluations were conducted at intake (5-10 days after last use of crack, and at follow-up (1 month after last reported use). Previous findings of significant excess of relative alpha power and deficit of absolute and relative delta and theta power were replicated in this expanded group. Abnormalities were greater in anterior than posterior regions, and disturbances in interhemispheric relationships were also observed. Further, QEEG showed little change in the interval between the first and second evaluations. This QEEG profile may reflect persistent alterations in neurotransmission as a possible consequence of chronic cocaine exposure.     

The characterization of a subgenomic RNA and in vitro translation products of oat chlorotic stunt virus

Apoptosis has classically been viewed as a process not involving mitochondria, whereas the implication of mitochondrial dysfunction in necrosis has been recognized for several decades. Recently, it has become clear that apoptosis implies a disruption of mitochondrial membrane intregrity that is decisive for the cell death process. Cytofluorometric methods assessing the mitochondrial membrane function and structure can be employed to demonstrate that, at least in most models of apoptosis, mitochondrial changes precede caspase and nuclease activation. Moreover, pharmacological and genetic experiments suggest that the loss of mitochondrial membrane integrity is a critical event of the apoptotic process, beyond or at the point of no return of programmed cell death. Inhibitors of the mitochondrial megachannel (= permeability transition pore) can prevent both the mitochondrial and the post-mitochondrial manifestations of apoptosis.     

Effects of intravenous medium-chain triglycerides on pulmonary gas exchanges in mechanically ventilated patients

OBJECTIVE: In mechanically ventilated patients, pulmonary gas exchange was investigated during the administration of total parenteral nutrition containing medium-chain triglycerides or long-chain triglycerides as fat emulsions. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, crossover trial (two lipid infusion periods of 8 hrs). SETTING: Intensive care unit in a university hospital. PATIENTS: Six mechanically ventilated patients, using the pressure-support mode. INTERVENTIONS: Total caloric intake was adapted according to measured energy expenditure. Fat emulsion provided 50% of the energy expenditure. Patients were infused with 50% medium-chain/50% long-chain triglycerides or 100% long-chain triglycerides in a random sequence. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Oxygen consumption, CO2 production, and minute ventilation were measured by indirect calorimetry. PaO2 and PaCO2 were determined in blood samples. Medium-chain triglycerides increased oxygen consumption by 27.8% and minute ventilation by 14.3% at the end of the protocol. CO2 production, PaO2, and PaCO2 were not different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Medium-chain triglycerides cause an increase in metabolic demand in mechanically ventilated patients when they are infused over a short period. Postoperative or intensive care unit patients with a low pulmonary reserve should receive infusions of medium-chain triglycerides over a more prolonged period than long-chain triglycerides.     

Leucocytoclastic vasculitis in a patient with azathioprine hypersensitivity

We report the case of a 77-year-old man admitted nine days after being commenced on azathioprine with symptoms initially thought to be secondary to sepsis but in fact due to azathioprine hypersensitivity. He developed histologically proven cutaneous leucocytoclastic vasculitis following the re-introduction of azathioprine. We review the literature concerning adverse reactions to azathioprine and the problems of making the diagnosis as well as highlighting azathioprine as a novel cause of leucocytoclastic vasculitis.