New Guinea has the world's richest island flora.

New Guinea is the world's largest tropical island and has fascinated naturalists for centuries1,2. Home to some of the best-preserved ecosystems on the planet3 and to intact ecological gradients-from mangroves to tropical alpine grasslands-that are unmatched in the Asia-Pacific region4,5, it is a globally recognized centre of biological and cultural diversity6,7. So far, however, there has been no attempt to critically catalogue the entire vascular plant diversity of New Guinea. Here we present the first, to our knowledge, expert-verified checklist of the vascular plants of mainland New Guinea and surrounding islands. Our publicly available checklist includes 13,634 species (68% endemic), 1,742 genera and 264 families-suggesting that New Guinea is the most floristically diverse island in the world. Expert knowledge is essential for building checklists in the digital era: reliance on online taxonomic resources alone would have inflated species counts by 22%. Species discovery shows no sign of levelling off, and we discuss steps to accelerate botanical research in the 'Last Unknown'8.

Theoretical description of a new analytical technique: comprehensive online multidimensional fast Fourier transform separations.

Comprehensive multidimensional separations are today dominated by systems that are fundamentally limited to highly asymmetrical online separations sacrificing separation space, or to lengthy, time consuming offline separations. With the exception of pulse-modulated methods, separations have thus been limited to two dimensions. It is proposed that some of the limitations and shortcomings of these methods may be ameliorated or overcome by employing multi-dimensional detection whereby each analyte is effectively labelled in the frequency domain by a series of pulsed-injections, and a symmetrical, comprehensive online analysis performed with the resulting signal processed by sequential Fourier analysis. A semi-empirical computer model of this system was developed and its feasibility positively demonstrated in simulations of high-efficiency separations in two dimensions. Separations of higher dimensionality were shown to be possible but involved signal-processing challenges beyond the present work. By eliminating wrap-around effects and enabling the separation of physically unseparated peaks, the technique facilitates significant improvements in peak capacity per unit of analysis time as well as greatly improved signal to noise ratios. Because these comprehensive online multidimensional Fourier transform separations depend heavily upon the practical lifetime of imposed injection pulses, it is envisaged that this method will leverage emerging high-efficiency micro- and nanoscale separations technologies.

Learning and consolidation of novel spoken words.

Two experiments explored the neural mechanisms underlying the learning and consolidation of novel spoken words. In Experiment 1, participants learned two sets of novel words on successive days. A subsequent recognition test revealed high levels of familiarity for both sets. However, a lexical decision task showed that only novel words learned on the previous day engaged in lexical competition with similar-sounding existing words. Additionally, only novel words learned on the previous day exhibited faster repetition latencies relative to unfamiliar controls. This overnight consolidation effect was further examined using fMRI to compare neural responses to existing and novel words learned on different days prior to scanning (Experiment 2). This revealed an elevated response for novel compared with existing words in left superior temporal gyrus (STG), inferior frontal and premotor regions, and right cerebellum. Cortical activation was of equivalent magnitude for unfamiliar novel words and items learned on the day of scanning but significantly reduced for novel words learned on the previous day. In contrast, hippocampal responses were elevated for novel words that were entirely unfamiliar, and this elevated response correlated with postscanning behavioral measures of word learning. These findings are consistent with a dual-learning system account in which there is a division of labor between medial-temporal systems that are involved in initial acquisition and neocortical systems in which representations of novel spoken words are subject to overnight consolidation.

Neutron scattering from equilibrium-swollen networks.

Small-angle neutron scattering measurements were performed on end-linked poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) networks swollen to equilibrium with d-benzene. Comparison was made with equivalent concentration PDMS solutions. Equilibrium-swollen networks consistently displayed a linear scattering regime at low q followed by a good-solvent-like scaling regime at high q in agreement with the predictions of the Gel Tensile Blob (GTB) model. Data are fit using the unified function modified for the GTB model (3-parameter fit). Equilibrium-swollen networks display a base structural size, the gel tensile-blob size, xi, that was found to be independent of the molecular weight between crosslinks for the series of molecular weights studied, consistent with the predictions of the model. The length of the extended tensile structure, L, can be larger than the length of the fully extended network strand. The predicted scaling relationship for L, L approximately Q(1/2)N(avg), where N(avg) = (1/fN(c)(2) + 1/4N(e)(2), Q is the equilibrium swelling ratio, N(c) is the molecular weight between crosslinks, N(e) is the entanglement molecular weight and f is the crosslink functionality is in agreement with experimental results for the networks studied.

Poly(dimethylsiloxane) coatings for controlled drug release--polymer modifications.

Modifications of endhydroxylated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) formulations were studied for their ability to be applied onto tablet cores in a spray-coating process and to control drug release in zero-order fashion. Modifications of the crosslinker from the most commonly used tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) to the trifunctional 3-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)propyltrimethoxysilane (SIG) and a 1:1 mixture of the two were undertaken. Addition of methylpolysiloxane-copolymers were studied. Lactose, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG) were the channeling agents applied. The effects on dispersion properties were characterized by particle size distribution and viscosity. Mechanical properties of resulting free films were studied to determine applicability in a pan-coating process. Release of hydrochlorothiazide (marker drug) was studied from tablets coated in a lab-size conventional coating pan. All dispersions were found suitable for a spray-coating process. Preparation of free films showed that copolymer addition was not possible due to great decline in mechanical properties. Tablets coated with formulations containing PEG were most suitable to control drug release, at only 5% coating weight. Constant release rates could be achieved for formulations with up to 25% PEG; higher amounts resulted in a non-linear release pattern. Upon adding 50% PEG, a drug release of 63% over 24 h could be achieved.

Urokinase plasminogen activator in ovarian cancer.

Invasion and metastasis require the destruction of the extracellular matrix and basement membranes to facilitate growth or migration of tumor cells into vascular and lymphatic spaces. These processes are mediated by proteolytic enzymes. Malignant cells produce urokinase which is a protease known to enhance the invasiveness of many tumor cells. The relationship between urokinase and various prognostic factors was investigated in 16 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Tissue concentrations of urokinase were measured in tumor cytosols using enzyme-linked immunoassays. Urokinase levels were lower in ovarian tumors of low malignant potential (median 9.5, range 3.5-18.3 pg/mg protein, n = 4) than invasive cancers (median 44.6, range 16.1-210.6 pg/mg protein, n = 12), p < 0.01. In the invasive carcinomas urokinase levels did not vary significantly with tumor stage or cell type. Grade 3 tumors had higher levels of urokinase (median 120.4, range 21.4-397.1 pg/mg protein, n = 6) than grade 1 and 2 tumors (median 29.2, range 16.1-51.8 pg/mg protein, n = 6), p < 0.05. Urokinase levels were higher in recurrent (median 120.4, range 51.8-210.6 pg/mg protein, n = 4) than in primary (median 29.2, range 16.1-97.1 pg/mg protein, n = 8) tumors, p < 0.05. These results support the hypothesis that urokinase plays a role in invasion and metastasis of ovarian epithelial cancers and suggest that tissue levels of urokinase may have prognostic value.

A management scheme for postoperative groin lymphocysts.

During 1993, four persistent groin lymphocysts were diagnosed following inguinal lymphadenectomy for the management of gynecologic cancer. All four were successfully managed by a scheme involving active drainage combined with compression. Patient details and specifics of the suggested management scheme are outlined in the text.

Externalized Groshong catheters and Hickman ports for central venous access in gynecologic oncology patients.

There is a demand on gynecologic oncology services for semipermanent cannulization of central veins to improve the quality of life in cancer patients by circumventing the need for frequent peripheral venous punctures. Central venous thrombosis and sepsis are the major complications with these lines. We reviewed our experience with the externalized Groshong catheters and subcutaneously implanted Hickman ports in 104 gynecologic oncology patients requiring either chemotherapy (56), hyperalimentation (5), or supportive care (43). All devices were inserted under the supervision of one primary gynecologic oncologist. Groshong catheters and Hickman ports remained in place for a median of 68.5 and 210 days, respectively (P < 0.001). Thrombosis occurred in association with 4.8% of catheters and was exclusive to the Groshong catheters. Line sepsis occurred in 32% of Groshong catheters and 16.2% of Hickman ports (P = 0.04). Infection rates were not higher in dual-lumen compared to single-lumen Groshong catheters. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the comments isolate in line infections. The majority of lines were salvaged despite infectious complications. Malfunction of the catheter was equally common in both groups (10.5-13.5%), but was complete, necessitating replacement of only 2.9% of lines. The Groshong catheters took less time to insert (P < 0.003). The externalized Groshong catheter remains a useful alternative to the subcutaneously implanted ports, especially when relatively short-term use is anticipated, but gynecologic oncologists should be aware that there is an increased frequency of complications with the externalized catheter.

Abdominal wall metastases from ovarian cancer after laparoscopy.

We report three cases of abdominal wall metastases from ovarian cancer after laparoscopy. The implants occurred at the site of insertion of laparoscopy trocars. One patient had an implant of serous papillary carcinoma of low malignant potential at the trocar sites after laparoscopic oophorectomy. Laparoscopic surgery is inappropriate in patients with malignant ascites or when preoperative or intraoperative findings are suggestive of ovarian cancer.

CNDO/2 molecular orbital calculations on the antifolate DAMP and some related species: structural geometries, ring distortions, change distributions and conformational characteristics.

Geometry-optimized CNDO/2 molecular orbital calculations were carried out on 2, 4-diamino-5-(1-adamantyl 1)-6-methyl pyrimidine (DAMP), a potent inhibitor of mammalian dihydrofolate reductase which is now in clinical trials, and on its inactive 5-(1-naphthyl) analogue (DNMP-1). Crystallographic data show that DAMP (as the ethylsulfonate salt) has a severely distorted, N1 protonated, pyrimidine ring and has steric crowding of the 6-methyl and adamantyl hydrogens whereas DNMP-2 (as a methanol complex) has a planar, nonprotonated pyrimidine ring that is nearly perpendicular to the naphthalene ring. The CNDO/2 results largely reproduce the crystal structure geometry and show that the ring distortions in DAMP are initiated by steric conflicts between the adamantyl group and the 4- and 6-substituents on the ring. In DNMP-1, the non-interfering naphthyl ring induces little strain within the pyrimidine ring and the effect of protonation is negligible. Rotation about the bond joining the two ring groups is restricted in DAMP by a broad barrier of ca. 8.0 kcal mol-1, and no conformation was successful in relieving steric conflicts and hence reducing the ring distortions. In DNMP-1, rotation is less hindered overall with a broad region of accessible conformational space and a maximum barrier of ca. 7.2 kcal mol-1 for the coplanar conformation. The electronic charge distributions of DAMP and DNMP-1 are almost identical and protonation is preferred at N1 rather than at N3 by ca. 3.7 kcal mol-1 for both DAMP and DNMP-1. The calculations establish that the present methodology can be useful as a predictive tool with regard to the structure and conformational characteristics of these and related species.