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From the TNG50 cosmological simulation we build a sample of 191 well-resolved barred galaxies with stellar mass |$\mbox{$\log (M_{\star }/\mathrm{M}_{\odot })$}\gt 10$| at z  = 0. We search for box/peanut bulges (BPs) in this sample, finding them in 55 per cent of cases. We compute |$\mbox{$f_{\rm BP}$}$|⁠ , the BP probability for barred galaxies as a function of M ⋆, and find that this rises to a plateau, as found in observations of nearby galaxies. The transition mass where |$\mbox{$f_{\rm BP}$}$| reaches half the plateau value is |$\mbox{$\log (M_{\star }/\mathrm{M}_{\odot })$}= 10.13\pm 0.07$|⁠ , consistent with the observational value within measurement errors. We show that this transition in |$\mbox{$f_{\rm BP}$}$| can be attributed to the youth of the bars at low M ⋆, which is a consequence of downsizing. Young bars, being generally shorter and weaker, have not yet had time to form BPs. At high mass, while we find a plateau, the value is at |$\sim 60~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$| whereas observations saturate at 100 per cent. We attribute this difference to excessive heating in TNG50 due to merger activity and numerical resolution effects. BPs in TNG50 tend to occur in galaxies with more quiescent merger histories. As a result, the main driver of whether a bar hosts a BP in TNG50 is not the galaxy mass, but how long and strong the bar is. Separating the BP sample into those that have visibly buckled and those that have not, we find that fully half of BP galaxies show clear signs of buckling, despite the excessive heating and limited vertical resolution of TNG50. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major-axis density profiles of bars are known to be either exponential or 'flat'. We develop an automated non-parametric algorithm to detect flat profiles and apply it to a suite of simulations (with and without gas). We demonstrate that flat profiles are a manifestation of a bar's secular growth, producing a 'shoulder' region (an overdensity above an exponential) in its outskirts. Shoulders are not present when bars form, but develop as the bar grows. If the bar does not grow, shoulders do not form. Shoulders are often accompanied by box/peanut bulges, but develop separately from them and are independent tracers of a bar's growth. They can be observed at a wide range of viewing orientations with only their slope varying significantly with inclination. We present evidence that shoulders are produced by looped x1 orbits. Since the growth rate of the bar moderately correlates with the growth rate of the shoulder strength, these orbits are probably recently trapped. Shoulders therefore are evidence of bar growth. The properties of the shoulders do not, however, establish the age of a bar, because secondary buckling or strong spirals may destroy shoulders, and also because shoulders do not form if the bar does not grow much. In particular, our results show that an exponential profile is not necessarily an indication of a young bar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022226375) aimed to identify the eHealth literacy of men with prostate cancer, and their caregivers. 8 databases (MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Web Of Science, PsycINFO, ERIC, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL) and grey literature sources (e.g. Google Scholar) were searched from inception to December 2023. Articles were included if assessing eHealth/digital literacy of men with prostate cancer, or their carers', and health outcome associations. Formats such as case reports, and review papers were excluded. Records and full texts underwent independent screening and data extraction. Author disagreements were resolved by discussion. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to appraise included literature, with narrative synthesis of results. 21,581 records were retrieved, with 7 articles satisfying inclusion criteria. A heterogenous field was characterised with lack of modern eHealth literacy measurement tools identified. Results suggest novice eHealth literacy using web 1.0 technologies. Non-validated measures of literacy demonstrate mixed results, while health outcome effects limited in scope and reliability. Prostate cancer survivors' eHealth literacy levels is likely novice, and requires further investigation. Digital technologies/resources implemented as part of patient communication practices should be vetted for quality, and tailored to patients' eHealth literacy abilities and/or needs. • This study explores the eHealth literacy of prostate cancer patients, as well as that of carers. • Validated eHealth literacy tools suggest novice level literacy using web 1.0 technology. • Broader eHealth literacy of prostate cancer populations is currently unclear. • eHealth and digital literacy may affect several behaviour-based health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A national undergraduate curriculum for General Practice might address current concerns regarding intellectual challenge and recruitment through articulating disciplinary knowledge and providing teaching guidance. However, there is ambivalence regarding this idea and the reasons appear incompletely understood. Aims: To better understand ambivalence towards a GP curriculum and to assess the acceptability of a new approach to national curriculum design. Methods: Questionnaire informed by Kotter's model of change, distributed to Heads of Teaching (HOTs) at each UK medical school, regarding the acceptability of both conventional and new approaches to the design of national curriculum guidelines. Qualitative and quantitative data collection with grounded theory-informed analysis of qualitative data. Results: Support for a conventional, detailed curriculum of clinical conditions is weak but there is strong support for a curriculum outlining general disciplinary principles. Identification with general practice as an independent academic discipline is important in predicting support or otherwise for any type of national curriculum. Conclusion: The identity of GP as an independent academic discipline emerges as a key issue. Further research on designing and implementing curricula that use principles rather than detailed outcomes is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There has been a surge in robotic surgery research publications over the past 20 years. However, to date, there has been no characterization of urology's contribution to the robotic field, and there is a lack of bibliometric literature to guide future investigation. We conducted this bibliometric analysis to characterize the distributions and characteristics of robotic surgery research in the urologic field, with subanalysis of the top 100 articles. Materials and Methods: The Web of Science Core Collection of the ISI Web of Science was searched and analyzed to determine distributions and characteristics of robotic urologic surgery research. The top 100 articles were categorized by urologic subfield and organ of pathology, with a level of evidence rating system applied (adapted from the Centre of Evidence-Based Medicine). Results: The total number of articles retrieved was 1294 from 1999 to 2018. The number of articles published in the last decade has increased by 845.75%, with 153 articles published in the preceding decade. The United States leads countries in publication with 699 (54.02%) articles across the field, and 71 within the top 100 articles. The Journal of Endourology published most articles (n = 292, 22.57%) within the field, while European Urology published most (n = 36) within the top 100 articles. Top 100 articles where generally associated with cancer (n = 76), with prostate cancer dominating literature (n = 38). The most common level of evidence for top 100 articles was that of a level 3 study (n = 31). Conclusions: This analysis of research activity has the potential to guide future robotic surgery research trends in the field of urology. There has been an explosion in robotic surgery urologic research activity over the last decade, with level 3 evidence dominating the top 100 articles of the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to conduct the first bibliometric analysis which examines eHealth communication technologies in prostate cancer care, and the utilization of internet-based health information and communication technology by men with prostate cancer. Original articles were extracted from the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-E) on Web of Science (WOS) and analyzed concerning their distributions. Quantitative guidance directed investigation of findings from previous studies and trending issues within the field. The WOS, VOSViewer and CiteSpace IV were used for information analysis. 302 articles were included in the final analysis. There has been a 165 % increase in productivity over the past decade. The leading country by publication was the USA (145 articles = 48.02 %). Journals which published the highest number of original articles were the Journal of Medical Internet Research (6.95 %), and Patient Education and Counseling (4.64 %). The field of research which examines utilization and impacts of internet-based health information on men with prostate cancer is growing and diverse. Research frontiers are 'Information quality and diversity', 'eHealth literacy', 'decision making', and 'survivorship and advanced disease'. Clinicians should be aware of several significant limitations which exist within the current field of research. • Research examining online information utilization and impact on men with prostate cancer is low. • Despite historical output, interest in e-Health has catalyzed renewed attention for the field. • There is a highly centralized global research output compared to other urological fields. • Investigation of 'information quality', and 'e-health literacy' are key trends of the field. • Artificial intelligence and machine learning models are opportunities for e-Health research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an analysis of major-axis surface-brightness profiles of bars in a volume-limited sample of 182 barred spiral galaxies, using Spitzer 3.6  |$\mu$| m images. Unlike most previous studies, we use the entire bar profile, and we classify profiles into four categories. These are 'Peak+Shoulders' (P+Sh) – updating the classic 'flat bar' profile – and three subtypes of the classic 'exponential' profile: (true) Exponential, 'Two-Slope' (shallow inner slope + steeper outer slope), and 'Flat-Top' (constant inner region, steep outer slope). P+Sh profiles are preferentially found in galaxies with high stellar masses, early Hubble types, red colours, and low gas fractions; the most significant factor is stellar mass, and previous correlations with Hubble type can be explained by the tendency of higher-mass galaxies to have earlier Hubble types. The most common type of non-P+Sh profile is Exponential, followed by Flat-Top profiles; all non-P+Sh profiles appear to have similar distributions of stellar mass, Hubble type, colour, and gas fraction. We also morphologically classify the bars of an inclined subsample into those with and without boxy/peanut-shaped (B/P) bulges; as previously reported, the presence of a B/P bulge is very strong function of stellar mass. Essentially all bars with B/P bulges have P+Sh profiles; we associate the profile shoulders with the outer, vertically thin part of the bar. We find a small number of P+Sh profiles in bars without clear B/P bulges, which may indicate that P+Sh formation precedes the formation of B/P bulges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This phase 2 study ( N = 116) evaluated single-agent vosaroxin, a first-in-class anticancer quinolone derivative, in patients ≥60 years of age with previously untreated unfavourable prognosis acute myeloid leukaemia. Dose regimen optimization was explored in sequential cohorts ( A: 72 mg/m2 d 1, 8, 15; B: 72 mg/m2 d 1, 8; C: 72 mg/m2 or 90 mg/m2 d 1, 4). The primary endpoint was combined complete remission rate (complete remission [ CR] plus CR with incomplete platelet recovery [ CRp]). Common (>20%) grade ≥3 adverse events were thrombocytopenia, febrile neutropenia, anaemia, neutropenia, sepsis, pneumonia, stomatitis and hypokalaemia. Overall CR and CR/ CRp rates were 29% and 32%; median overall survival ( OS) was 7·0 months; 1-year OS was 34%. Schedule C (72 mg/m2) had the most favourable safety and efficacy profile, with faster haematological recovery (median 27 d) and lowest incidence of aggregate sepsis (24%) and 30-d (7%) and 60-d (17%) all-cause mortality; at this dose and schedule, CR and CR/ CRp rates were 31% and 35%, median OS was 7·7 months and 1-year OS was 38%. Overall, vosaroxin resulted in low early mortality and an encouraging response rate; vosaroxin 72 mg/m2 d 1, 4 is recommended for further study in this population. Registered at : # NCT00607997. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Across the Anglo-American world, a pervasive sense of wariness and concern about strangers continues to haunt influential discourses and practices that regulate and shape youth citizenship. In particular, (1) media-centred accounts of ‘stranger danger’, (2) dominant citizenship discourses taught in schools and (3) government policies regulating young people's civic lives, remain significant in shaping how strangers are made meaningful for youth. Through these discourses and practices, the stranger increasingly comes to be a fetish figure, a body and symbolic form whose very figurability is rendered a problem in the first instance. These developments are problematic, in large part because strangers are a necessary and enabling feature of modern democracies. Accordingly, in this paper, I examine the three aforementioned fields of discourse and practice as they have operated broadly over the past decade in Canada, Britain and the United States. I show how strangers are made difficult and dangerous others for youth and make clear how these constructions regulate and threaten a vibrant public world. I conclude by hinting at how stranger hospitality might be taken up differently in schools (and other public fora) as part of nurturing our collective democratic futures. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Skeletal muscle contractile activity increases the production of the myokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-15 (IL-15) and also skeletal muscle glucose transport. Previous work has revealed a role for IL-6 in mediating glucose uptake, while research on the physiological roles of IL-8 and IL-15 is not so abundant. In the present study we investigated the effects of different concentrations and combinations of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-15 on insulin stimulated glucose transport in C2C12 cells. Furthermore, we also measured AMPK Thr172 and Akt Ser473 phosphorylation via Western blotting. Exposure to 20pg/ml of individual cytokines had no affect on glucose transport while 1ng/ml enhanced (P <0.05) glucose uptake with IL-6, IL-8 and IL-15, respectively. Moreover, the combinations of IL-8+IL-6 and IL-15+IL-6 at both 20pg/ml and 1ng/ml stimulated (P <0.05) glucose transport with IL-8+IL-15 and IL-8+IL-6+IL-15 only increasing (P <0.05) glucose transport at 1ng/ml, with no affect observed of these combinations at 20pg/ml. The changes in glucose transport were all associated with an increase (P <0.05) in AMPK Thr172 phosphorylation with no changes in Akt Ser473 phosphorylation. These findings demonstrated that the exercise induced myokines IL-6, IL-8 and IL-15 enhance glucose transport at 1ng/ml, with changes only seen at 20pg/ml with certain myokine combinations. Furthermore these changes in insulin stimulated glucose transport were associated with increased AMPK phosphorylation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Methods: We report the case of a young woman with delayed cerebral infarction and intracranial hypertension following subarachnoid hemorrhage requiring hemicraniectomy, who underwent multimodality neuromonitoring of the contralateral hemisphere before and after craniectomy. Results: Intracranial hypertension was preceded by signs of ischemia and impaired brain metabolism diagnosed through cerebral microdialysis and PbtO2 monitoring, as well as a decrease in cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) to <40 mmHg despite increasing vasopressor requirements. We describe how a comprehensive multimodality neuromonitoring approach was utilized to inform the decision to perform an early decompressive hemicraniectomy. Post-operatively, CPP and intracranial pressure (ICP) normalized, and the patient was weaned off all pressors within hours. The modified Rankin score at 3 and 12 months was 5. Conclusions: Delayed rescue hemicraniectomy can be life-saving after poor grade SAH. The role of multimodality brain monitoring for determining the optimal timing of hemicraniectomy deserves further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies have indicated that hypoalbuminemia is associated with decreased survival of patients with gastric cancer. However, the prognostic value of albumin may be secondary to an ongoing systemic inflammatory response. The aim of the study was to assess the relation between hypoalbuminemia, the systemic inflammatory response, and survival in patients with gastric cancer. Methods: Patients diagnosed with gastric carcinoma attending the upper gastrointestinal surgical unit in the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow between April 1997 and December 2005 and who had a pretreatment measurement of albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) were studied. Results: Most of the patients had stage III/IV disease and received palliative treatment. The minimum follow-up was 15 months. During follow-up, 157 (72%) patients died of their cancer. On univariate analysis, stage ( p < 0.001), treatment ( p < 0.001), albumin level ( p < 0.001), and CRP level ( p < 0.001) were significant predictors of survival. On multivariate analysis, stage ( p < 0.001), treatment ( p < 0.001), and CRP level ( p < 0.001) remained significant predictors of survival. Albumin was no longer an independent predictor of survival. Conclusions: Low albumin concentrations are associated with poorer survival in patients with gastric cancer. However, the strength of this relation with survival is dependent on the presence of a systemic inflammatory response, as evidenced by an elevated CRP level. Therefore, it appears that the relation between hypoalbuminemia and poor survival is secondary to that of the systemic inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical staging in patients with gastro-oesophageal cancer, is of crucial importance in determining the likely benefit of treatment. Despite recent advances in clinical staging, overall survival remains poor. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between pre-treatment clinical prognostic factors and cancer-specific survival.Methods: Two hundred and seventeen patients, undergoing staging investigations including host factors (Edinburgh Clinical Risk Score (ECRS)) and the systemic inflammatory response (Glasgow Prognostic score (mGPS)), in the upper GI surgical unit at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, were studied.Results: During the follow-up period, 188 (87%) patients died; 178 of these patients died from the disease. The minimum follow-up was 46 months, and the median follow-up of the survivors was 65 months. On multivariate survival analysis of the significant factors, only cTNM stage (HR 1.84, 95% CI 1.56-2.17, p < 0.001), mGPS (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.35-2.07, p < 0.001) and treatment (HR 2.12, 95% CI 1.73-2.60, p < 0.001) were independently associated with survival. An elevated mGPS was associated with advanced cTNM stage, poor performance status, an elevated ECRS and more conservative treatment.Conclusions: Pre-treatment mGPS improves clinical staging in patients with gastro-oesophageal cancer. Therefore, it is likely to aid clinical decision making for these difficult to treat patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare an inflammation-based prognostic score (Glasgow Prognostic Score, GPS) with performance status (ECOG-ps) in patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy for palliation of gastroesophageal cancer. Methods: Sixty-five patients presenting with gastroesophageal carcinoma to the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow between January 1999 and December 2005 and who received palliative chemotherapy or chemo-radiotherapy were studied. ECOG-ps, C-reactive protein, and albumin were recorded at diagnosis. Patients with both an elevated C-reactive protein (>10 mg/L) and hypoalbuminemia (<35 g/L) were allocated a GPS of 2. Patients in whom only one of these biochemical abnormalities was present were allocated a GPS of 1 and patients with a normal C-reactive protein and albumin were allocated a score of 0. Toxicity was recorded using the Common Toxicity Criteria. Results: The minimum follow up was 14 months. During the follow-up period, 59 (91%) of the patients died. On univariate and multivariate survival analysis, only the GPS (hazard ratios 1.65, 95% CI 1.10–2.47, P < 0.05) was a significant independent predictor of cancer survival. In addition, in comparison with patients with GPS of 0, those patients with a GPS of 1 or 2 required more frequent chemotherapy dose reduction ( P < 0.05), were less likely to exhibit a clinical response to treatment ( P < 0.05), and had shorter survival ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: The presence of a systemic inflammatory response, as evidenced by the GPS, appears to be superior to the subjective assessment of performance status (ECOG-ps) in predicting the response to platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastroesophageal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tetraploidy is a very rare cytogenetic abnormality in myelocytic malignancies, and its significance is unclear to date. We report here on a 68-year-old male diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome/refractory anemia with excess blasts (MDS/RAEB). Cytogenetic analysis of his bone marrow biopsy at initial clinical presentation and in subsequent studies revealed the presence of two abnormal clones, 92,XXYY and 92,XXYY,del(5)(q13q33). Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of abnormal cells confirmed interstitial deletion in 5q, demonstrated predominance of the tetraploid clone and persistent presence of the tetraploid clone with 5q deletion. The patient was not responsive to Revlimid (lenalidomide) treatment, which is routinely used in patients with 5q– syndrome. However, a subsequent course of therapy with the methyl-transferase inhibitor decitabine resulted in clinical and cytogenetic remission. Our data suggest that the unique complex abnormality of tetraploidy and 5q deletion described here for the first time in MDS is characterized by distinct disease etiology, the mechanism of which could involve epigenetic inactivation of gene expression via methylation. ©2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men and is the cause of considerable morbidity and mortality. There is therefore a major incentive to try to identify genes that could be reliable early diagnostic and prognostic markers and therapeutic targets. Recent studies have identified a number of genes that discriminate prostate tumor from nontumor samples. However, prostate tissue contains several cell types such as glandular epithelial cells, stromal cells, and cells of other supporting structures interspersed with neoplastic and hypertrophic epithelial cells. Gene expression differences derived from categorically labeled, tumor and nontumor, prostate samples may primarily reflect varying proportions of the nonneoplastic prostate components.

Changes in gene expression patterns in the ureteric bud and metanephric mesenchyme in models of kidney development. Background. In a recent study, the pattern of gene expression during development of the rat kidney was analyzed using high-density DNA array technology (Stuart RO, Bush KT, Nigam SK, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 98:5649–5654, 2001). This approach, while shedding light on global patterns of gene expression in the developing kidney, does not provide insight into the contributions of genes that might be part of the morphogenetic program of the ureteric bud (UB) and metanephric mesenchyme (MM), the two tissues that interact closely during nephron formation. Methods. We have now used high-density DNA arrays together with a double in vitro transcription (dIVT) approach to examine gene expression patterns in in vitro models for morphogenesis of the rat UB (isolated UB culture) and MM (coculture with embryonic spinal cord) and compared this data with patterns of gene expression in the whole embryonic kidney at different stages of development. Results. The results indicate that different sets of genes are expressed in the UB and MM as morphogenesis occurs. The dIVT data from the in vitro UB and MM culture models was clustered hierarchically with single IVT data from the whole embryonic kidney obtained at different stages of development, and the global patterns of gene expression were remarkably compatible, supporting the validity of the approach. The potential roles of genes whose expression was associated with the individual tissues were examined, and several pathways were identified that could have roles in kidney development. For example, hepatocyte nuclear factor-6 (HNF-6), a transcription factor potentially upstream in a pathway leading to the expression of KSP-cadherin was highly expressed in the UB. Embigin, a cell adhesion molecule important in cell/extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, was also found in the UB and may serve as a Dolichos biflorus binding protein in the kidney. ADAM10, a disintegrin-metalloprotease involved in Delta-Notch signaling and perhaps Slit–Robo signaling, was also highly expressed in late UB. Celsr-3, a protein, which along with members of the Wnt-frizzled transduction cascade, might be involved in the polarization of the forming nephron, was found to be highly expressed in differentiating MM. DDR2, a member of the discoidin domain receptor family, which is thought to function in the activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), was also found to be highly expressed in differentiating MM. It is also interesting to note that almost 10% of the highly expressed genes in both tissues were associated with neuronal growth and/or differentiation. Conclusion. The data presented in this study point to the power of combining in vitro models of kidney development with high-density DNA arrays to identify the genes involved in the morphogenetic process. Clear differences were found between patterns of genes expressed by the UB and MM at different stages of morphogenesis, and many of these were associated with neuronal growth and/or differentiation. Together, the high-density microarray data not only begin to suggest how separate genetic programs in the UB and MM orchestrate the formation of the whole kidney, but also suggest the involvement of heretofore largely unexplored developmental pathways (involving HNF-6, ADAM-10, Celsr-3, DDR2, and other genes) in nephrogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a differential screen for genes that might be important in the regulation of epithelial morphogenesis, we identified a novel gene, Debt91 (differentially expressed in branching tubulogenesis), which is up-regulated in an in vitro model of renal tubulogenesis and branching. Debt91 appears to encode a 381 amino acid molecule with high Ser and Thr composition and is highly conserved at its N-terminus across species. Sequence analysis suggests that it is a coiled-coil nuclear phosphoprotein with zinc finger motifs at the N-terminal conserved region, which is rich in cysteine and histidine. Debt91 is located on mouse chromosome 6 at a region that has conserved synteny with human chromosome 2p11.2, and appears to express two transcripts in several mouse cell lines and adult tissues. On whole murine embryo blots Debt91 expresses primarily its small transcript and is differentially regulated during development. Analysis of expression in in vitro cell culture models suggests that Debt91 is an immediate early gene up-regulated during growth factor-induced branching tubulogenesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the embryonic epithelia gene 1 (EEG1). Transcript types of EEG1; Composition of EEG1 gene; Gene distantly related to EEG1.

Studies changes in global gene expression patterns during development and maturation of the rat kidney. Data equalization; EBlot database of gene functions and distribution; Description of the outlines of gene expression during organogenesis of the kidney.

Examines the hypothesis that transcripts found to be differentially expressed in tubulogenic versus non-tubulogenic conditions in the ureteric bud (UB) cell culture model would have a high likelihood of playing an important role in the program for UB branching. Identification of a gene product differentially expressed under in vitro tubulogenesis conditions.

The early U.S. economic achievement of former Soviet citizens entering the United States during the period 1979 through 1985 is analyzed. Using the Soviet Interview Project (SIP) data, components of human capital acquired in the former Soviet Union (FSU) are identified and related to labor force participation and income outcomes in the United States. FSU education, experience and industry variables have important, variable and differing impacts upon both participation and income, and such outcomes differ for males and females. FSU immigrants' income is below U.S. income. Differing rates of return to characteristics, not the endowments themselves, are responsible for observed differentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study which described the application of high density complementary DNA array analysis to a defined model system for the development of the collecting system of the kidney. Information on ureteric bud; Methodology of the study; Results and discussion on the study.

Comments on Marxism and political Catholicism in France, during the period of 1882-1905. Dialectic between class solidarity and class fragmentation; Disruption of proletarian class solidarity by religious faith; Major challenge to Marxist socialism resulting from the efflorescence of French Christian Democracy.

Examines the application of high-density cDNA array analysis to a well-defined model system for the development of the collecting system of the kidney. Fundamental mechanism by which a variety of epithelial tissues develop; Effect of a variety of gene products on branching morphogenesis; Representative members of gene clusters.

This paper examines an important anomaly in the internal migration history of the former Soviet Union (FSU). While many cities were closed in the sense of explicitly limiting growth of city population from migration, it was difficult to assess the effectiveness of these controls. We analyze a sample of 308 Soviet cities to isolate the impact of closure regulations controlling for city size. We find that while there are pervasive patterns of city growth, the rate increasing through the 1960s and declining thereafter, there are also pervasive differences between controlled and uncontrolled cities, the later growing significantly faster in almost all cases, controlling for city size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the relationship between Marxist socialism and religion during the fin de siecle in France. Socialist anti-clericalism policy of the Marxist Parti Ouvrier Francais between 1881 to 1905; Symbiosis between capitalism and religion; Guesdists argument on socialist indifference to religious questions.

Examines the decline and recovery of the transition economies observed among former Soviet republics, particularly their real gross domestic products. Impact of initial economic disequilibrium on the magnitude and duration of decline; Comparison of transition experiences between former Soviet republics and Eastern European countries.

This article analyses the relationship between French anticlericalism - one of the strongest forces within that nation's political culture - and the Parti Ouvrier Français - the embodiment of nascent Marxism in France. It reveals the ambiguities of the POF's engagement with religion, which ranged from a violent hostility towards the anticlericals, seen as diverting workers from their struggle against capital, to the development of a ferocious socialist critique of the church, seen as an instrument of capitalist oppression. The Marxists' critique of anticlericalism is awarded particular attention, given the usual association between the French Left and hostility towards a supposedly reactionary church, and it is suggested that the POF developed an "agnostic" strategy that might well have guided its politics safely through the storms of French religious politics. Instead, the Parti Ouvrier all too frequently echoed the standard leftist rhetoric of priest-baiting, and even developed its own socialist variant of anticlericalism. The analysis concludes that the resultant aporias in the Parti Ouvrier's political discourse determined the relative failure of French Marxism's intervention in the long war between clericals and anti-clericals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines trends in revenues and budgetary expenditures for the period 1950 through 1975 in the Soviet Union. Influence of state ownership and resource control and utilization on the structure of the urban budget process; Impact of indirect taxes on the tax burdens of citizens and the financial and economic system.

Compares the wheat yields of Soviet Union and East Europe with capitalist countries. Level of economic development; Scale of agricultural establishment; Ratio of agricultural land to agricultural population.

Presents an overview of the agricultural sector in the Soviet Union. Role of agriculture in economic development; Growth of output; Productivity growth; Regionalization; Implications for policies on agriculture.

Explores factors affecting rural-urban migration in Soviet Union. Patterns of urbanization; Economic planning; Social and economic structure of Soviet Union; Population policy.

Explores the directions of comparative economics. Inadequacy of knowledge about comparative economics; Utilization of research methods for economics; Problems being faced by comparative economists in the economic planning of Union Soviet.

Focuses on the Marxist legal theory which was established in the twentieth century. Criticism of the theory by feminist; Reference to the study of Marxist socialism and French feminist; Examination of the Parti Ouvrier.

Purpose The objective of this study was to assess a novel, new, nitinol clip for performing arteriovenous anastomoses. Methods This was a pilot, randomized, blinded trial. The trial was register with Clinicaltrials.gov identifier - NCT00829153. Thirty-one patients undergoing autologous arteriovenous fistulas for renal access, where the inflow artery had a lumen diameter of 2 mm or more and the outflow vein had a diameter of 3 mm or more, were included in this study. At the time of operative preparation and exposure of the vessels, the patients were randomized to a conventional anastomosis with 6/0 Prolene or to U Clip anastomosis. The primary outcome measure was three successful dialysis treatments using the fistula. Results The primary outcome was achieved in 8/19 (42%) of the Prolene group and 7/12 (58%) in the U Clip group ( P = 0.379 chi-squared test Pearson uncorrected). Conclusion This pilot study has shown no advantage to the U Clip anastomotic technique when compared with the traditional continuous Prolene technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents summaries of reviews of books related to librarianship that appeared in various periodicals. 'Internationalizing Library and Information Science Education: A Handbook of Policies and Procedures in Administration and Curriculum,' edited by John F. Harvey and F.L. Carroll; 'Comparative and International Librarianship,' edited by P.S. Kawatra.

Purpose: Daunorubicin can induce left ventricular dysfunction and QT interval prolongation. This study assessed the effects of CPX-351, a liposomal encapsulation of cytarabine and daunorubicin, on cardiac repolarization.Methods: Twenty-six adults with acute leukemia were treated with CPX-351 for 1-2 induction cycles and ≤ 4 consolidation cycles. The primary endpoint was mean change in QTcF from baseline.Results: Mean QTcF changes were < 10 ms at all time points. No clinically meaningful effects on heart rate, QRS interval, PR interval, or QTcB were observed. Estimated mean half-lives for total cytarabine and daunorubicin were > 30 h. Thirteen (50%) patients achieved remission. The most common adverse events were febrile neutropenia, fatigue, and nausea.Conclusions: The cytarabine and daunorubicin in CPX-351 liposomes were metabolized and excreted similarly to conventional formulation; however, plasma pharmacokinetics were altered. CPX-351 did not prolong the QT interval, suggesting that CPX-351 may induce less cardiotoxicity than previously reported for conventional daunorubicin.Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02238925. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural killer (NK) cells are an emerging immunotherapy approach to acute myeloid leukemia (AML); however, the optimal approach to activate NK cells before adoptive transfer remains unclear. Human NK cells that are primed with the CTV-1 leukemia cell line lysate CNDO-109 exhibit enhanced cytotoxicity against NK cell–resistant cell lines. To translate this finding to the clinic, CNDO-109–activated NK cells (CNDO-109-NK cells) isolated from related HLA-haploidentical donors were evaluated in a phase 1 dose-escalation trial at doses of 3 × 10 5 (n = 3), 1 × 10 6 (n = 3), and 3 × 10 6 (n = 6) cells/kg in patients with AML in first complete remission (CR1) at high risk for recurrence. Before CNDO-109-NK cell administration, patients were treated with lymphodepleting fludarabine/cyclophosphamide. CNDO-109-NK cells were well tolerated, and no dose-limiting toxicities were observed at the highest tested dose. The median relapse-free survival (RFS) by dose level was 105 (3 × 10 5 ), 156 (1 × 10 6 ), and 337 (3 × 10 6 ) days. Two patients remained relapse-free in post-trial follow-up, with RFS durations exceeding 42.5 months. Donor NK cell microchimerism was detected on day 7 in 10 of 12 patients, with 3 patients having evidence of donor cells on day 14 or later. This trial establishes that CNDO-109-NK cells generated from related HLA haploidentical donors, cryopreserved, and then safely administered to AML patients with transient persistence without exogenous cytokine support. Three durable complete remissions of 32.6 to 47.6+ months were observed, suggesting additional clinical investigation of CNDO-109-NK cells for patients with myeloid malignancies, alone or in combination with additional immunotherapy strategies, is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The short-lived buckling instability is responsible for the formation of at least some box/peanut (B/P) shaped bulges, which are observed in most massive, z  = 0, barred galaxies. Nevertheless, it has also been suggested that B/P bulges form via the slow trapping of stars on to vertically extended resonant orbits. The key difference between these two scenarios is that when the bar buckles, symmetry about the mid-plane is broken for a period of time. We use a suite of simulations (with and without gas) to show that when the buckling is sufficiently strong, a residual mid-plane asymmetry persists for several Gyrs after the end of the buckling phase, and is visible in simulation images. On the other hand, images of B/P bulges formed through resonant trapping and/or weak buckling remain symmetric about the mid-plane. We develop two related diagnostics to identify and quantify mid-plane asymmetry in simulation images of galaxies that are within 3° of edge-on orientation, allowing us to test whether the presence of a B/P-shaped bulge can be explained by a past buckling event. We apply our diagnostics to two nearly edge-on galaxies with B/P bulges from the Spitzer Survey of Stellar Structure in Galaxies, finding no mid-plane asymmetry, implying these galaxies formed their bulges either by resonant trapping or by buckling more than ∼5 Gyr ago. We conclude that the formation of B/P bulges through strong buckling may be a rare event in the past ∼5 Gyr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background More than 20% of patients develop chronic instability following appropriate management of an 'ankle sprain'. There is little research comparing surgical techniques. 'Anatomical' procedures, such as the modified Brostrom- Gould ( MBG), are generally preferred. However, not all patients are suitable for this procedure. Augmentation of a primary repair using a synthetic ligament, such as the ligament augmentation reconstruction system ( LARS), is another 'anatomic' option. Our objective was to compare the clinical outcome following the MBG with that following the LARS technique using a prospective randomized clinical trial. Methods Patients who satisfied the study criteria were randomly allocated to undergo the LARS procedure or the MBG procedure. All patients followed a similar rehabilitation programme. Patients completed the foot and ankle outcome score ( FAOS) before surgery, and then at 1 year and 2 years following surgery. Statistical analysis was used to compare the groups ( P < 0.05). Results Forty-one patients took part in the study, 21 were randomized to the LARS group and 20 to the MBG group. The LARS group had a significantly better improvement in the total FAOS at both 1 year (25.5 standard error ( SE) 3.8 versus 16.0 SE 3.3) and 2 years (27.1 SE 4.5 versus 15.8 SE 4.9) post-surgery. Conclusion Primary repair combined with LARS results in better patient-scored clinical outcome, at 2 years post-surgery, than the MBG procedure. Although longer follow-up is required, the LARS procedure may be considered as an alternative, especially in those patients for whom the MBG is relatively contra-indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sphingolipid metabolism is being increasingly recognized as a key pathway in regulating cancer cell survival and proliferation. However, very little is known about its role in multiple myeloma (MM). We investigated the potential of targeting sphingosine kinase 2 (SK2) for the treatment of MM. We found that SK2 was overexpressed in MM cell lines and in primary human bone marrow (BM) CD138+ myeloma cells. Inhibition of SK2 by SK2-specific short hairpin RNA or ABC294640 (a SK2 specific inhibitor) effectively inhibited myeloma cell proliferation and induced caspase 3-mediated apoptosis. ABC294640 inhibited primary human CD138+ myeloma cells with the same efficacy as with MM cell lines. ABC294640 effectively induced apoptosis of myeloma cells, even in the presence of BM stromal cells. Furthermore, we found that ABC294640 downregulated the expression of pS6 and directed c-Myc and myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1) for proteasome degradation. In addition, ABC294640 increased Noxa gene transcription and protein expression. ABC294640, per se, did not affect the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), but acted synergistically with ABT-737 (a Bcl-2 inhibitor) in inducing myeloma cell death. ABC294640 suppressed myeloma tumor growth in vivo in mouse myeloma xenograft models. Our data demonstrated that SK2 provides a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of MM. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01410981. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Associations between heart doses and survival following RT for LA-NSCLC were analyzed. • High left atrial wall volumes receiving 64–73 Gy were associated with poorer survival. • This result confirms earlier findings in an independent dataset. • Aortic valve volumes receiving 29–38 Gy were also negatively associated with survival. • Additionally, mean heart dose was negatively associated with survival. In ' IDEAL-6′ patients (N = 78) treated for locally-advanced non-small-cell lung cancer using isotoxically dose-escalated radiotherapy, overall survival (OS) was associated more strongly with V LAwall-64-73-EQD2 , the left atrial (LA) wall volume receiving 64–73 Gy equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2), than with whole-heart irradiation measures. Here we test this in an independent cohort ' OX-RT' (N = 64) treated routinely. Using Cox regression analysis we assessed how strongly OS was associated with V LAwall-64-73-EQD2 , with whole-heart volumes receiving 64–73 Gy EQD2 or doses above 10-to-70 Gy thresholds, and with principal components of whole-heart dose-distributions. Additionally, we tested associations between OS and volumes of cardiac substructures receiving dose-ranges described by whole-heart principal components significantly associated with OS. In univariable analyses of OX-RT , OS was associated more strongly with V LAwall-64-73-EQD2 than with whole-heart irradiation measures, but more strongly still with V AortV-29-38-EQD2 , the volume of the aortic valve region receiving 29–38 Gy EQD2. The best multivariable OS model included LA wall and aortic valve region mean doses, and the aortic valve volume receiving ≥38 Gy EQD2, V AortV-38-EQD2. In a subsidiary analysis of IDEAL-6 , the best multivariable model included V LAwall-64-73-EQD2 , V AortV-29-38-EQD2 , V AortV-38-EQD2 and mean aortic valve dose. We propose reducing heart mean doses to the lowest levels possible while meeting protocol dose-limits for lung, oesophagus, proximal bronchial tree, cord and brachial plexus. This in turn achieves large reductions in V AortV-29-38-EQD2 and V LAwall-64-73-EQD2 , and we plan to closely monitor patients with values of these measures still >0% (their median value in OX-RT) following reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been growing interest in the measurement of breath ethane as an optimal non-invasive marker of oxidative stress. High concentrations of various breath alkanes including ethane have been reported in a number of malignancies. Our aim was to investigate the use of novel laser spectroscopy for rapid reporting of exhaled ethane and to determine whether breath ethane concentration is related to a diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal malignancy. Two groups of patients were recruited. Group A (n = 20) had a histo-pathological diagnosis of either esophageal or gastric malignancy. Group B (n = 10) was made up of healthy controls. Breath samples were collected from these subjects and the ethane concentration in these samples was subsequently measured to an accuracy of 0.2 parts per billion, ppb. Group A patients had a corrected exhaled breath ethane concentration of 2.3 ± 0.8 (mean ± SEM) ppb. Group B patients registered a mean of 3.1 ± 0.5 ppb. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.39). In conclusion, concentrations of ethane in collected breath samples were not significantly elevated in upper gastrointestinal malignancy. The laser spectroscopy system provided a reliable and rapid turnaround for breath sample analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]