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Introduction. This current survey attempts to explore university teachers and students’ perception of using social media to promote an authentic learning environment. Materials and Methods. To this end, 249 university teachers and 329 students participated in the survey where they were asked to compete of 27 items of A Social Media Authentic Learning Environment Inventory (SOMALEVI). Statistical Rasch analyses using Winstep software were performed to evaluate both teachers and students’ responses. Results. Findings of the study showed that participants spent most of their time daily on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, respectively with most access was made from their mobile phones. Most of the participant showed positive views about the use of social media to promote authentic learning environment (Nteachers = 247, 99 %; Nstudents = 309, 93.9 %) while the rests showed their negative perception. The majority of those who perceive positive are female (64.53 %) aged range 21-30 years (32.18 %). Findings also indicate that social media provided opportunities for students to share their experiences and learning activities (MR1, LVI = -0.97), to offer students the opportunity to learn from experts (EP1, LVI = -0.82) so that they were able to obtain a lot of insight on particular issues (EP3, LVI = -0.70). It is interesting, but not surprising that both teachers and students found that social media benefited them with learning resources such as video, demonstration, learning files, allowing students to comprehend the learning materials (EP2, LVI = -0.85). However, the study identified some critical issues regarding the use of social media for authentic learning environment, such as unsuitable real- life representation, difficulty to collaborate with others, and difficulty in recognising their learning potential.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of prostaglandin E2 receptor 3 (EP3) receptor expression might have on the two different breast cancer entities: multifocal/multicentric versus unifocal. As the prognosis determining aspects, we investigated the overall- and disease-free survival by uni-and multivariate analysis. To underline the study&rsquo, s conclusion, we additionally considered the histopathological grading and the tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging system. A retrospective statistical analysis was performed on survival related events in a series of 289 sporadic breast cancer (BC) patients treated at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Ludwig&ndash, Maximillian&rsquo, s University in Munich between 2000 and 2002. The EP3 receptor expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and showed to have a significantly positive association with breast cancer prognosis for both entities, although with major differences. Patients with unifocal BC with EP3 receptor expression showed a significant improved overall survival, in contrast to the patient cohort with multifocal/multicentric BC. In this group, EP3 expression revealed its positive impact merely five years after initial diagnosis. Underlining the positive influence of EP3 as a positive prognosticator notably for unifocal breast cancer, only this patient cohort showed favorable outcomes in staging and grading. Especially EP3 expression in unifocal breast cancer was identified as an independent prognostic marker for the overall survival, when adjusted for age, grading, and staging. Altogether, our results strengthen the need to further investigate the behavior of EP3 in breast cancer and understand why markers linked to inflammation show different effects on prognosis and clinicopathological parameters on each focality type.

This review article provides an update for the role of prostaglandin E2 receptors (EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4) in cardiovascular disease. Where possible we have reported citations from the last decade although this was not possible for all of the topics covered due to the paucity of publications. The authors have attempted to cover the subjects of ischemia–reperfusion injury, arrhythmias, hypertension, novel protein binding partners of the EP receptors and their pathophysiological significance, and cardiac regeneration. These latter two topics bring studies of the EP receptors into new and exciting areas of research that are just beginning to be explored. Where there is peer-reviewed literature, the authors have placed particular emphasis on clinical studies although these are limited in number.

Background/aims ONO-9054 is being developed for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) and open-angle glaucoma (OAG). This study compared the novel dual EP3/FP agonist ONO-9054 with the FP agonist Xalatan. Methods Adults (n=123) with bilateral mild/moderate OAG or OHT, with unmedicated IOP of ≥24 mm Hg at 8:00 hours, ≥21 mm Hg at 10:00 hours and ≤36 mm Hg, were randomised 1:1 to receive ONO-9054 (0.003%, 30 μg/mL) or Xalatan (0.005%, 50 μg/mL) once daily for 28 days. Results Day 29 mean diurnal IOP was −7.2 mm Hg for ONO-9054 vs −6.6 mm Hg for Xalatan. At 08:00 hours, the IOPs were comparable, and at all later time points the decrease in IOP was greater for ONO-9054. On day 29, the odds of a mean IOP reduction of ≤−25%, ≤−30% and ≤−35% for ONO-9054 were 2.39, 2.37 and 4.85 times more, respectively, than the odds for Xalatan (p

Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) is an acute inflammatory vesiculobullous reaction of the skin and mucosa, such as the ocular surface, oral cavity, and genitals. In patients with extensive skin detachment and a poor prognosis, the condition is called toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Severe ocular complications (SOCs) appear in some—but not all—SJS/TEN patients who are diagnosed by dermatologists, and cold medicines including multi-ingredient cold medications and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the main causative drugs particularly for SJS/TEN with SOCs and all SJS and TEN. In this review, we focus on the genetic predisposition of cold medicine-related SJS/TEN (CM-SJS/TEN) with SOCs. CM-SJS/TEN with SOCs was strongly associated with HLA-A*02:06 and significantly associated with HLA-B*44:03 in Japanese individuals, significantly associated with HLA-B*44:03 in Indian and Brazilian individuals, and associated with HLA-A*02:06 in Korean individuals. In the first genome-wide association study (GWAS), we found an association between the prostaglandin E receptor 3 (PTGER3) gene and SJS/TEN with SOCs. In this study, we focused on CM-SJS/TEN with SOCs and found that the association of CM-SJS/TEN with SOCs became stronger than all SJS/TEN with SOCs. In the second GWAS, we found an association between the IKZF1 gene and CM-SJS/TEN with SOCs not only in Japanese, but also in Korean and Indian populations. Moreover, we found that TSHZ2 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) also showed especially low p values in the Japanese population; however, this association was not found in the Korean population. Furthermore, we investigated the interaction between susceptibility genes, and found multiplicative interactions of HLA-A*02:06 and TLR3 SNPs and additive interactions of HLA-A*02:06 and PTGER3 SNPs.

The aim of these studies was to assess the influence of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) by bovine CD4(+), CD8(+), and WC1(+) T cells and furthermore, should this effect exist, to identify the E-prostanoid (EP) receptor subtype(s) responsible for this influence. We here report that exposure of bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to PGE2 significantly and dose-dependently decreased the percentage of IFN-γ-producing CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. It was also shown that PGE2 reduced IFN-γ production by WC1(+) T cells, but this effect was not dose dependent. The impairment of IFN-γ production should be recognized as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive action, thus the obtained results confirm the paradoxical status of PGE2 as a proinflammatory factor with immunosuppressive activity. The blockade of EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4 receptors did not prevent PGE2-induced reduction of IFN-γ production by CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, indicating that this effect of PGE2 is not mediated through EP receptors. On the contrary, the blockade of either EP2 or EP4 receptors, but not EP1 or EP3 receptors, prevented the PGE2-induced reduction of percentage of IFN-γ-producing WC1(+) T cells. These findings indicate that the ability of PGE2 to impair IFN-γ production by WC1(+) T cells is mediated via EP2 and EP4 receptors. These results suggest the possibility of pharmacological manipulation of IFN-γ production by WC1(+) T cells via selective antagonists and agonists of EP2 and EP4 receptors.

Prostaglandin-mediated inflammatory reactions play a major role in different cancers. Prostaglandin E2-receptor 3 (EP3) expression correlates with FIGO stages in cervical cancer and has been shown to be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. EP3 expression levels in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) as the precursor lesion of cervical cancer are currently unknown. EP3 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 124 patient samples (CIN 1–3 and healthy controls) using the IR-scoring system. Expression levels were correlated with clinical outcome to assess for prognostic relevance in patients with CIN 2. Data analysis was performed using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U test. EP3 expression levels significantly correlated with different grades of cervical dysplasia. Median EP3-IRS in healthy cervical tissue was 12 (n = 13) compared to 9 in CIN 1 (n = 38; p = 0.031 vs. healthy control), 6 in CIN 2 (n = 45; p

Gusts of wind with high speed can adversely affect the operation of the electric railway vehicles. These vehicles are able to move and to obtain a high performance, as long as the power supply is ensured. The variation of the vertical forces for maintaining contact between pantograph and catenary may cause interruption of the power supply of the electric railway traction vehicles. The placement of the capture equipment on the vehicle body determines appearance of aerodynamic forces acting on it. To see which are the vertical forces introduced by wind on active capture equipment, used at locomotives LE 060 EA of 5100 kW, we considered the EP3 type of pantograph as model. This was modelled at scale 1:1 taking into account the placement on the body of the locomotive. For the simulation of wind we considered three point values of its speed (10 m/s, 20 m/s, 30 m/s) and angle of eight values that are within the range of 0 deg – 180 deg. With the results of the simulation we have done a comparative analysis on the additional vertical forces introduced by wind for the cases analyzed.

Power supply the energy needed for locomotives and electric trains is performed by means of pantographs on the bodywork. These high performance producing vehicles in so far as the contact between the collector (pantograph) and the catenary (contact line) is achieved and maintained regardless of speed. Thanks to the constructive type of the pantograph and the location of the contact force varies in relation to speed and can give rise to phenomena of oscillators that enhances the vertical movements of the wire feeder. As such the problem is essential for a good current collection is dynamic in nature. The most favorable way of current collection is achieved when between full and contact wire can maintain contact through a permanent and constant contact, a situation difficult to achieve in practice because of the first bump of the contact line. Juddering movements in vehicle while walking to a modification of the contact pressure which, however, it was found that is negligible in relation to the wave-like movements of the contact line. This article has looked at what is the dynamic contact force variation where the pantograph is located on the body of the locomotive EP3 LE 060 EA of 5100 kW. For this I started from the constructive characteristics of the components of the pantograph.

Studies reported here are aimed to investigate the important structural features that characterize the human EP(3) antagonists. Based on the knowledge of low-energy conformation of the endogenous ligand, the initial hit analogs were prepared. Subsequently, a ligand-based lead optimization approach using pharmacophore model generation was utilized. A 5-point pharmacophore using a training set of 19 compounds spanning the IC(50) data over 4-log order was constructed using the HypoGen module of Catalyst. Following pharmacophore customization, using a linear structure-activity regression equation, a six feature three-dimensional predictive pharmacophore model, P6, was built, which resulted in improved predictive power. The P6 model was validated using a test set of 11 compounds providing a correlation coefficient (R(2)) of 0.90 for predictive versus experimental EP(3) IC(50) values. This pharmacophore model has been expanded to include diverse chemotypes, and the predictive ability of the customized pharmacophore has been tested.

With the population aging at an accelerated rate, the prevalence of stroke and financial burden of stroke-related health care costs are expected to continue to increase. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating stroke subtype more commonly affecting the elderly population, who display increased mortality and worse functional outcomes compared with younger patients. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of the prostaglandin E2(PGE2) E prostanoid (EP) receptor subtype 3 in modulating anatomical outcomes and functional recovery following ICH in 24-mo-old mice. EP3 is the most abundant EP receptor in the brain and we have previously shown that signaling through the PGE2-EP3 axis exacerbates ICH outcomes in young mice. Here, we show that EP3 receptor deletion results in 17.9 ± 6.1% less ICH-induced brain injury ( P < 0.05) and improves neurological functional recovery ( P < 0.01), as identified by lower neurological deficit scores, decreased resting time, and more gross and fine motor movements. Immunohistological staining was performed to investigate possible mechanisms of EP3-mediated neurotoxicity. Identified mechanisms include reduced blood accumulation and modulation of angiogenic and astroglial responses. Using this aged cohort of mice, we have confirmed and extended our previous results in young mice demonstrating the deleterious role of the PGE2-EP3 signaling axis in modulating brain injury and functional recovery after ICH, further supporting the notion of the EP3 receptor as a putative therapeutic avenue for the treatment of ICH.

We previously reported that PTGER3 (prostaglandin E receptor 3 (subtype EP3)) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were associated with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) with severe ocular complications (SOC). We also documented that approximately 80% of our SJS/TEN patients had taken cold medicines within several days before disease onset, and we thus designated them cold medicine-related SJS/TEN (CM-SJS/TEN) patients. Moreover, we reported that HLA-A*02:06 with TLR3 polymorphisms exerted more than additive effects in SJS/TEN with SOC. In this study, we focused on CM-SJS/TEN with SOC and analyzed the association with PTGER3 SNPs and an interactive effect between PTGER3 SNPs and HLA-A*02:06 in not only the Japanese but also the Korean population. In the Japanese population, PTGER3 SNP rs1327464 was most significantly associated with CM-SJS/TEN with SOC (G versus A; odds ratio (OR)=0.232, P=7.92×10(-10)), and we found an interaction with additive effects between HLA-A*02:06 and the high-risk genotypes PTGER3 rs1327464 GA or AA (OR=10.8, P=2.56×10(-7)). We also found a significant association between Korean CM-SJS/TEN with SOC and PTGER3 SNP rs1327464 (GG versus GA+AA, OR=0.246, P=0.00101), and we detected an additive effect between HLA-A*02:06 and the high-risk genotypes PTGER3 rs1327464 GA or AA (OR=14.2, P=5.58×10(-6)).

In your current job, would you describe yourself as a "Brilliant Technology Innovator" or "Indentured Spice Monkey"? In the competitive and fast-paced semiconductor industry, most jobs require people to do at least a little (but more often a lot) of both. And your answer may change on a daily or hourly basis. But how do corporations, universities and the technologists at the heart of these organizations strike the right balance between blue-sky innovation and disciplined execution? What priorities and policies distinguish the industry leaders from the industry followers?

Objectives. To carry out a descriptive analysis of the expression of the EP3 receptors of PGE2 in different histological grades of OSCC and adjacent normal epithelium. Material and Methods. A total of 46 patients presenting with various histological subtypes and grades of OSCC were recruited from Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Nishtar Institute of Dentistry Multan. Microscopically tumour subtyping and histological grading according to Anneroth’s grading system were carried out. Immunohistochemical staining with rabbit polyclonal EP3 receptor antibody was performed and sections were scored for intensity and proportion of positive adjacent squamous epithelial and tumour cells. Results. Out of 46 patients n=28 (60.9%) were well differentiated, n=15 (32.6%) were moderately differentiated, and only n=3 (6.5%) were poorly differentiated. All n=46 cases of OSCC were positive for EP3 receptor antibody, n=14 (30.4%) cases had strong intensity of anti EP3 antibody staining in tumour tissue, n=17 (37%) cases showed moderate intensity, and n=15 (32.6%) cases showed weak intensity. Conclusion. Prostanoid EP3 receptors are widely but variably expressed in OSCC. Most of well differentiated OSCC cases show a moderate to strong expression of EP3 receptors. However, insignificant statistical relation to histological grades of OSCC has been observed. This might be due to small sample size of the study.

In a “call for leadership” panel at ISSCC, we will be seeking leaders' perspectives on the future of discontinuous innovation in the semiconductor industry. An ensemble of visionaries, experts and CEOs will discuss the opportunities and challenges for innovation in our industry. Of primary concern is the reduction in funding available for new semiconductor ventures. Are the escalating NRE costs of ASICs providing a barrier to new entrants? What advice would our distinguished panellists give to entrepreneurs thinking of starting a new semiconductor company?

We previously documented that ocular surface epithelial cells could regulate ocular surface inflammation and suggested that, while Toll-like receptor 3 upregulates, EP3, one of the prostaglandin E2 receptors, downregulates ocular surface inflammation. Others reported that rebamipide, a gastroprotective drug, could not only increase the gastric mucus production, but also suppressed gastric mucosal inflammation and that it was dominantly distributed in mucosal tissues. The eyedrop form of rebamipide, approved in Japan for use in the treatment of dry eye diseases, upregulates mucin secretion and production, thereby suppressing superficial punctate keratopathy on the ocular surface of patients with this disease. In the current study, we investigated whether rebamipide has anti- inflammatory effects on the ocular surface.To examine the effects of rebamipide on polyI:C-induced cytokine expression by primary human conjunctival epithelial cells, we used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay. We studied the effects of rebamipide on ocular surface inflammation in our murine experimental allergic conjunctivitis (EAC) model.Rebamipide could suppress polyI:C-induced cytokine production and the expression of mRNAs for CXCL10, CXCL11, RANTES, MCP-1, and IL-6 in human conjunctival epithelial cells. In our EAC model, the topical administration of rebamipide suppressed conjunctival allergic eosinophil infiltration.The topical application of rebamipide on the ocular surface might suppress ocular surface inflammation by suppressing the production of cytokines by ocular surface epithelial cells.

A distinguished panel of experts from global industry and academia will debate the nature of systems that will drive the killer applications of 2020. Can we really forecast these future killer applications? We have had the computing revolution, then communications, and now, the sensor revolution. Are sensors driving the future killer applications? Are there any other revolutions in sight? What circuits and system innovations can ISSCC bring forward to enable the next killer applications? What unique technology elements, device structures and memory architectures will be required? Should we continue with silicon technology and seek breakthroughs in system architecture, algorithms, SoC integration and packaging? Or, are we preparing for “beyond silicon” technologies? And if so, which beyond-silicon technologies are realisitic for the future, versus forever being technologies of the future?

A workshop devoted to a discussion of the role of prostaglandins (PGs) in bone physiology and in bone disease was held in Brussels on April 8 and 9, 1994. It was organized by the Interdisciplinary Group of Bone Physiopathology and Locomotor System Biomechanics of Brussels Free University (GIPOB). Fifteen speakers were invited to present their data regarding this subject, and there were approximately 45 participants. of cAMP (EP3). The distribution of prostanoid receptors in different tissues is variable; it conditions the intensity and the direction of the response, which can thus change with ligand concentration. PG receptors of bone cells have yet to be characterized.

A related, theoretical paper for the same conference explains why a new approach, both broader and more rigorous than that traditionally followed in ATM, is needed for the safety assessment of new operational and technology changes, and presents the theoretical basis for what is an argument-driven "systems-engineering approach" This paper builds on that approach and describes how it is being applied to preliminary work on the massive changes that are planned for introduction into European ATM over the period up to 2020 and beyond, under the SESAR Programme. This preliminary work, closely related to European Commission initiated Episode 3 (EP3) project, is aimed at validating the approach as well as beginning to identify ways to maximize ATM contribution to aviation safety under the SESAR concept of operations. (8 pages)

The University of Waterloo, partnered with key industry players, Photonics Research Ontario and the Ontario government, has launched Ontario’s first diploma-level photonics program to re-skill scientists and engineers. The Education Program for Photonics Professionals (EP3) offers the basics of a university level Optics education, but in a manageable timeframe and format for the working professional.

The University of Waterloo, partnered with key industry players, Photonics Research Ontario and the Ontario government, has launched Ontario’s first diploma-level photonics program to re-skill scientists and engineers. The Education Program for Photonics Professionals (EP3) offers the basics of a university level Optics education, but in a manageable timeframe and format for the working professional.

The EP3-agonist sulprostone, but not prostaglandin E2 potentiates platelet aggregation in human blood

Background There are many papers on Electronic Prescribing and papers on Robotic Dispensing However, these terms are sometimes used generically, and the range of technical differences in the systems make it difficult for a reader to assess functionality in the papers. Purpose So that hospital pharmacists can identify which technological features deliver the most suitable benefits for their own pharmacy, a classification is proposed to grade the functionality in these systems. Materials and methods A structured review of the literature found many references to EP, and also to RD, but only a few where pharmacies had linked both together and expressed benefits (1) (2) (3) (4). A comparison of EP systems paper by Cantrell (5) highlighted the problems of not having a defined taxonomy of functionality. Goundry-Smith described theoretical functionality (6). Results The following taxonomy is suggested EP level 1: Basic messaging system from ward to pharmacy EP level 2 level 1 plus electronic medicines administration record EP Level 3: Level 2 plus safety alerts EP level 4: EP level 3 plus direct links to hospital patient database; EP level 5: EP level 4 plus direct linking to pharmacy stock EP level 6: EP level 5 plus linking to other relevant departments (e.g. pathology) for monitoring RD level 1 Basic ‘mechanical shelf’ (simplest machine design) or unit dose. RD level 2: RD level 1 plus means of automatic refilling (eg, a hopper) RD level 3: RD level 2 plus automatic labellers Rd level 4 RD level 3 plus direct link to EP system for automatic picking of medicines Conclusions Papers describing functionality could describe the EP-RD systems as EP3 RD 0, or EP 5 RD 4 etc., to indicate to the reader what systems are in place at the point of publishing. This would aid identification of what features deliver which benefits. References Reifsteck M, Swanson T, Dallas M. Driving out errors through tight integration between software and automation. Journal of Healthcare Information Management 2006;20:p35-39 Gonidec P, Diallo ML, Djoussa-Kambou S, Guizard M. Performance of an automated dispensing system combined with a computerised prescription order entry. Annales Pharmaceutiques Francaises 2009;67:p84-90 Beard RJ Smith P. ‘Electronic prescribing and Robotic Dispensing: A case study.’ 2013 SpringerPlus 2, 295 www.springerplus.com/content/2/1/295 Beard RJ. ‘How can Electronic Prescribing systems contribute to Clinical Governance’ 2009; M. Prof. Thesis University of Sunderland, England Cantrill JA, Abdel-Qader DH, Tully MP. Satisfaction predictors and attitudes towards electronic prescribing systems in three UK hospitals 2010 Pharmacy World & Science, 32; 581-593 http://www.springerlink.com/content/k0p6xn36124w2j30/ Goundry-Smith S. Principles of Electronic Prescribing: 2008 Springer Press ISBN 978-1-84800-234-0 No conflict of interest.

Forty-eight-hr and 96-hr simple hypothermic preservations of the lung were studied on dogs using 4 kinds of solutions resembling extracellular electrolyte compositions (Ep1-Ep4). The pH of each solution was changed from 6.377 to 7.463 by HPO4(2-)/H2PO4- ratio. Twenty dogs were prepared as donors (12 for 48-hr preservation with Ep1, Ep2 and Ep3, and 8 for 96-hr preservation with Ep3 and Ep4, respectively). The heart-lung block was removed from the donor, and flushed with 500 ml of preservation solution via the pulmonary artery, then immersed in the same cold (4 degrees C) solution, after which it was stored in a cold (4 degrees C) room. After preservation, the left lung was separated from the heart-lung block and was transplanted into the recipient orthotopically. The function of the transplanted lung was evaluated with serial x-ray findings, contralateral pulmonary artery ligation test, and histologic findings. In the case of 48-hr preservation, all of the four recipients with Ep3 (pH: 7.225) showed good aeration of the grafted lungs on the chest x-ray in the early postoperative period. As for the 96-hr preservation cases, one with Ep3 and three with Ep4 (pH: 7.463) presented good x-ray findings. Of these successful cases, seven dogs (5 of 48-hr preservation cases, six dogs tolerated this procedure. On histopathological examination of the successful cases, the 48-hr preservation cases showed almost normal pulmonary structure, while the 96-hr preservation cases showed slight degenerative changes in the alveolar walls. From the present study, it becomes apparent that clinical application of 48-hr preservation may be possible by using a phosphate buffered extracellular solution.