cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leveraging Social Networks for Authentic Learning in Distance Learning Teacher Education

This research examined how leveraging social networks in distance learning facilitated authentic learning in a 4-week teacher-education course. The pilot study aimed to examine the course design, and learner perceptions of social networks in distance learning. The course design was structured around nine principles of the authentic learning framework (Herrington, Reeves, & Oliver, 2010) for sustained dialogue, reflective thinking, and relevance. The intent was to facilitate authentic learning contexts, participatory activities, access to experts, collaboration, multiple perspectives, reflection, articulation, scaffolding, and authentic assessment. Synchronous and asynchronous communication was used to deliver content. Data sources included the design of learning tasks with social networks, semi-structured interviews (N = 7) with a convenient sample of graduate students, and a survey questionnaire to evaluate students’ perception (N = 8) of authentic learning and social presence in the course. Data analysis involved analyzing the course design, and participants’ perception of authentic learning and social presence in distance learning. Semi-structured interviews were transcribed, and analyzed for students’ perception of social networks in distance learning. A participant member-checked the themes for validity. The findings indicated that the course design facilitated authentic learning with meaningful social interaction and engagement. Participant perceptions indicated that the social networks facilitated authentic communication, connections, community, student agency, self-regulation, peer and instructor feedback, and personalized learning in distance learning. Perceived challenges were related to access, navigation, sustained interest, initial reluctance, and managing the simultaneous use of various social media. Implications may inform teacher educators about leveraging social networks for authentic learning across various disciplines.
Scant evidence for a volcanically forced winter warming over Eurasia following the Krakatau eruption of August 1883

Abstract. A recent study has presented compelling new evidence suggesting that the observed Eurasian warming in the winter following the 1992 Pinatubo eruption was, in all likelihood, unrelated to the presence of volcanic aerosols in the stratosphere. Building on that study, we here turn our attention to the only other low-latitude eruption in the instrumental period with a comparably large Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI): the Krakatau eruption of August 1883. We study in detail the temperature anomalies in the first winter following that eruption, analyzing (1) observations, (2) reanalyses, and (3) models. Three findings emerge from our analysis. First, the observed post-Krakatau winter warming over Eurasia was unremarkable (only between 1- and 2-σ of the distribution from 1850 to present). Second, reanalyses indicate the existence of very large uncertainties, so much so that a Eurasian cooling is not incompatible with observations. Third, models robustly show the complete absence of a volcanically forced Eurasian winter warming: we here analyze both a 100-member initial-condition ensemble, and 140 simulations from the Phase 5 of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. This wealth of evidence strongly suggests that, as in the case of Pinatubo, the observed warming over Eurasia in the winter of 1883/84 was, in all likelihood, unrelated to the Krakatau eruption. Together with the results for Pinatubo, we are led to conclude that if volcanically forced Eurasian winter warming exists at all, an eruption with a magnitude far exceeding these two (VEI = 6) events is needed.
Pulmonary Symptoms as the First Manifestation of Crohn's Disease.

Crohn's disease is a granulomatous systemic illness with extra-intestinal manifestations. Of these extra-intestinal manifestations, lung involvement (0.4%) is the rare manifestation. Bronchopulmonary signs and symptoms are underrecognized, so suspicion should be high when granulomas are seen in lung biopsies. We report the case of a 27-year-old female who presented with bilateral pleuritic chest pain and shortness of breath. Chest X-ray showed left lung masses measuring up to 3.3 cm in the greatest dimension with right mid lung nodular opacity. Given the possibility of metastatic disease, positron emission tomography CT (PET-CT) scan was done, which showed activity in multiple liver lesions and multiple bilateral lung nodules. Both liver and lung biopsies were done, which showed multiple necrotizing and non-necrotizing granulomas. The patient was discharged home on antibiotics and antifungals. Few months later, she presented with loose stools and abdominal pain. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed diffuse colonic wall thickening concerning for colitis. Colonoscopy showed ulcerated mucosa involving multiple parts of the colon. Biopsy of the colon showed mild to moderate acute colitis with submucosal non-necrotizing epithelioid granulomas, consistent with Crohn's disease.
Genome-wide Association Analysis of Proinflammatory Cytokines and Gene-lifestyle Interaction for Invasive Breast Cancer Risk: The WHI dbGaP Study.

Immune-related etiologic pathways to influence invasive breast cancer risk may interact with lifestyle factors, but the interrelated molecular genetic pathways are incompletely characterized. We used data from the Women9s Health Initiative Database for Genotypes and Phenotypes Study including 16,088 postmenopausal women, a population highly susceptible to inflammation, obesity, and increased risk for breast cancer. With 21,784,812 common autosomal single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), we conducted a genome-wide association (GWA) gene–environment interaction (G × E) analysis in six independent GWA Studies for proinflammatory cytokines [IL6 and C-reactive protein (CRP)] and their gene–lifestyle interactions. Subsequently, we tested for the association of the GWA SNPs with breast cancer risk. In women overall and stratified by obesity status (body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio) and obesity-related lifestyle factors (exercise and high-fat diet), 88 GWA SNPs in 10 loci were associated with proinflammatory cytokines: 3 associated with IL6 (1 index SNP in MAPK1 and 1 independent SNP in DEC1); 85 with CRP (3 index SNPs in CRPP1, CRP, RP11–419N10.5, HNF1A-AS1, HNF1A, and C1q2orf43; and two independent SNPs in APOE and APOC1). Of those, 27 in HNF1A-AS1, HNF1A, and C1q2orf43 displayed significantly increased risk for breast cancer. We found a number of novel top markers for CRP and IL6, which interacted with obesity factors. A substantial proportion of those SNPs9 susceptibility influenced breast cancer risk. Our findings may contribute to better understanding of genetic associations between pro-inflammation and cancer and suggest intervention strategies for women who carry the risk genotypes, reducing breast cancer risk.
Systematic Review of Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) for Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-Related Infertility.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of female infertility. To conduct a systematic review assessing the efficacy and safety of black cohosh for ovulation-induction through hormone re...
The developmental course of the link between weight concerns and cigarette use across adolescence: Differences by gender

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to illuminate developmental changes and gender differences in the link between weight concerns and cigarette use across adolescence. Specifically, we examined whether and how the strength of the association between weight concerns and cigarette use changed across adolescence, and whether patterns of association differed between boys and girls. METHOD Participants were 397 predominately White adolescents ages 11-18 years (50.5% female) from a longitudinal observational study conducted in the United States. RESULTS Time-varying effect modeling revealed that even after adjusting for BMI, the association between weight concerns and cigarette use was positive and significant for girls from age 11.3 to 15.9, with the strongest association at 12.7 years. For boys, this association was non-significant throughout adolescence. DISCUSSION Results suggest a sensitive period in early- to mid-adolescence during which girls with weight concerns may be at heightened risk for cigarette use. Findings have implications for the developmental timing of interventions to prevent cigarette use and weight concerns and suggest that tailored interventions for girls may be warranted.
A Meta-Analytic Single-Cell Atlas of Mouse Bone Marrow Hematopoietic Development

The clinical importance of the hematopoietic system makes it one of the most heavily studied lineages in all of biology. A clear understanding of the cell types and functional programs during hematopoietic development is central to research in aging, cancer, and infectious diseases. Known cell types are traditionally identified by the expression of proteins on the surface of the cells. Stem and progenitor cells defined based on these markers are assigned functions based on their lineage potential. The rapid growth of single cell RNA sequencing technologies (scRNAseq) provides a new modality for evaluating the cellular and functional landscape of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The popularity of this technology among hematopoiesis researchers enables us to conduct a robust meta-analysis of mouse bone marrow scRNAseq data. Using over 300,000 cells across 12 datasets, we evaluate the classification and function of cell types based on discrete clustering, in silico FACS sorting, and a continuous trajectory. We identify replicable signatures that define cell types based on genes and known cellular functions. Additionally, we evaluate the conservation of signatures associated with erythroid and monocyte lineage development across species using co-expression networks. The co-expression networks predict the effectiveness of the signature at identifying erythroid and monocyte cells in zebrafish and human scRNAseq data. Together, this analysis provides a robust reference, particularly marker genes and functional annotations, for future experiments in hematopoietic development.
Non-Academic Admission Criterion of Certified Nursing Assistant Status for Undergraduate Nursing Programs: A Comparative Case Study

Abstract Background The number of nursing program graduates does not meet the current demand for nurses. Program faculty relies on the predictive power of admission criteria to admit students who will be successful. Non-academic admission criteria, such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) status, should be considered to complement academic criteria. Purpose This study aimed to explore nursing students' perceptions and clinical faculty of the non-academic prerequisite of CNA status as an admission criterion. First-year students' preparedness for the clinical setting, self-confidence, and anxiety in clinical decision making (CDM) was considered. Method A multi-methods comparative case study design was utilized. The setting was two undergraduate baccalaureate nursing programs. Nine faculty and 54 students participated in the study. The researcher collected data through interviews with the participants, observations, document analysis, field notes, and self-report on the Nursing Anxiety and Self-Confidence with Clinical Decision Making (NASC-CDM) scale. Results Three themes emerged from the interview data: (a) student preparedness, (b) student learning, and (c) student program success. No statistically significant differences in student anxiety or self-confidence were found in the NASC-CDM scale. Conclusion The investigation of CNA status could be an essential aspect of the undergraduate nursing program admission process.
Social Vulnerability and Rurality Associated With Higher SARS-CoV-2 Infection-Induced Seroprevalence: A Nationwide Blood Donor Study, United States, July 2020 – June 2021

Background: Most studies on health disparities during COVID-19 pandemic focused on reported cases and deaths and were limited in capturing disparities in true infection rates or the impact of social determinants of health. This nationwide study aimed to examine SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) antibody seroprevalence in the U.S. and its associations with rurality and social vulnerability over time. Methods: This repeated cross-sectional study used data from blood donations made July 2020 - June 2021 in 50 states and Washington, D.C. Donor ZIP codes were matched to counties and linked with Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and urban-rural classification. SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalences induced by infection and infection-vaccination combined were estimated. Association of infection-induced seropositivity with demographics, rurality, SVI, and its four themes were quantified using stratified analyses and multivariate regression models. Findings: Weighted seroprevalence differed significantly by race/ethnicity, age, rurality, and social vulnerability with distinct temporal trends. From July 2020 to June 2021, infection-induced seroprevalence increased from 1.6% to 27.2% in rural counties and from 3.7% to 20.0% in urban counties. However, in June 2021, the combined infection- and vaccination-induced seroprevalence in rural counties was lower (80.0% vs. 88.1%). Adjusting for covariates, higher infection-induced seropositivity was associated with being Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black, younger, and living in rural or higher socially vulnerable counties. Interpretation: The findings demonstrated continuously increasing SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in the U.S. across all geographic, demographic, and social sectors. Infection-induced seroprevalence rates were consistently higher among Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black donors, and those from rural or socially vulnerable counties. Vaccine-induced seroprevalence was lower in rural counties than urban counties. The findings illustrated disparities in SARS-CoV-2 infections in the U.S. independent of case-based surveillance and testing availability, identified areas for targeted vaccination strategies, and can inform efforts to reduce inequities and prepare for future outbreaks. Funding Information: This analysis did not have external funding sources Declaration of Interests: All coauthors declare no conflict of interests. Ethics Approval Statement: The study was approved by CDC as non-research public health surveillance based on anonymization of data and routine consent for blood donation testing that includes use of residual samples for research purposes. The study does not require human-subject research review nor clearance by the Office of Management and Budget and was conducted consistent with applicable federal law and CDC policy.
The Turing Hub as a Standard for Turing Test Interfaces

A Turing Test like the Loebner Prize Contest draws on existing computer programs as participants. Though some entries are written just for the contest, there has been no standard interface for allowing the judges to interact with the programs. While Dr. Loebner has created his own standard more recently, there are many Web-based programs that are not easily adapted to his standard. The interface problem is indicative of the transition being made everywhere from older, console based, mainframe-like software with simple interfaces, to the new Web-based applications which require a Web browser and a graphical user interface to interact with. The Turing Hub interface attempts to provide a uniformity and facilitation of this testing interface.
The SPLASH Survey: Internal Kinematics, Chemical Abundances, and Masses of the Andromeda I, II, III, VII, X, and XIV Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxies

We present new Keck/DEIMOS spectroscopic observations of hundreds of individual stars along the sightline to the first three of the Andromeda (M31) dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxies to be discovered, And I, II, and III, and combine them with recent spectroscopic studies by our team of three additional M31 dSphs, And VII, X, and XIV, as a part of the SPLASH Survey (Spectroscopic and Photometric Landscape of Andromeda's Stellar Halo). Member stars of each dSph are isolated from foreground Milky Way dwarf stars and M31 field contamination using a variety of photometric and spectroscopic diagnostics. Our final spectroscopic sample of member stars in each dSph, for which we measure accurate radial velocities with a median uncertainty (random plus systematic errors) of 4-5 km s^(–1), includes 80 red giants in And I, 95 in And II, 43 in And III, 18 in And VII, 22 in And X, and 38 in And XIV. The sample of confirmed members in the six dSphs is used to derive each system's mean radial velocity, intrinsic central velocity dispersion, mean abundance, abundance spread, and dynamical mass. This combined data set presents us with a unique opportunity to perform the first systematic comparison of the global properties (e.g., metallicities, sizes, and dark matter masses) of one-third of Andromeda's total known dSph population with Milky Way counterparts of the same luminosity. Our overall comparisons indicate that the family of dSphs in these two hosts have both similarities and differences. For example, we find that the luminosity-metallicity relation is very similar between L ~ 10^5 and 10^7 L_☉, suggesting that the chemical evolution histories of each group of dSphs are similar. The lowest luminosity M31 dSphs appear to deviate from the relation, possibly suggesting tidal stripping. Previous observations have noted that the sizes of M31's brightest dSphs are systematically larger than Milky Way satellites of similar luminosity. At lower luminosities between L = 10^4 and 10^6 L_☉, we find that the sizes of dSphs in the two hosts significantly overlap and that four of the faintest M31 dSphs are smaller than Milky Way counterparts. The first dynamical mass measurements of six M31 dSphs over a large range in luminosity indicate similar mass-to-light ratios compared to Milky Way dSphs among the brighter satellites, and smaller mass-to-light ratios among the fainter satellites. Combined with their similar or larger sizes at these luminosities, these results hint that the M31 dSphs are systematically less dense than Milky Way dSphs. The implications of these similarities and differences for general understanding of galaxy formation and evolution are summarized.
Development of a Donor‐Centered Approach to Risk Assessment: Rebalancing Nonmaleficence and Autonomy

Living kidney donors are often excluded from the shared decision making and patient-centered models that are advocated in medical practice. Thresholds for acceptable risk vary between transplant centers, and between clinicians and donors. Although donor selection committees commonly focus on medical risks, potential donors also consider nonmedical risks and burdens, which may alter their assessment of an acceptable level of medical risk. Thus, transplant centers may encounter ethical tensions between nonmaleficence and respect for donor autonomy. A donor-centered model of risk assessment and risk reconciliation would integrate the donor's values and preferences in a shared decision about their eligibility to donate. This paper argues for shifting to a donor-centered model of risk assessment, and presents a research agenda to facilitate the greater participation of donors in their own evaluation and approval processes.
Upper Extremity Stress Fractures

Upper extremity stress fractures are much less common than lower extremity stress fractures but do occur nonetheless. The major motions found to contribute to stress fractures in the upper extremity include weight lifting, weight bearing, throwing, and swinging [1]. These phenomena are abundant in athletic training and competition, and thus place athletes at risk for stress fractures. The early recognition and treatment of these fractures is important in treating and getting athletes back to competition quickly. This chapter seeks to describe the mechanism, presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of stress fractures in the upper extremity that commonly affect athletes.
A balancing view: Impedance-pH testing in gerd-limited role for now, perhaps more helpful in the future.

A Balancing View: Impedance–pH Testing in GERD—Limited Role for Now, Perhaps More Helpful in the Future
Modulation of the respiratory burst by organochlorine mixtures in marine mammals, humans, and mice.

The effects of organochlorines (OC) on the immune systems of marine mammals and humans are poorly understood. One important innate immune function of peripheral blood neutrophils and monocytes is the respiratory burst, which generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) used to kill engulfed microorganisms. The present study characterized the immunomodulatory potential for mixtures of OCs, compared to that of individual OCs, on the respiratory burst in several marine mammals, humans, and B6C3F1 mice. The effects of three non-coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (138, 153, 180), one coplanar PCB (169), and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) and all possible mixtures were tested upon in vitro exposure for 1 h, and their effects on the generation of a respiratory burst were measured by flow cytometry. The final concentration for each congener, alone or in a mixture, was 5 ppm for PCBs and 0.05 ppb for TCDD. Both significant enhancement and suppression of the respiratory burst occurred in all s...
TESTICULAR GnRH RECEPTORS-CHARACTERIZATION AND LOCALIZATION ON INTERSTITIAL TISSUE

Testicular GnRH membrane receptors were demonstrated using the non-degradable GnRH analog D-Alag6des-Gly10 GnRH ethylamide (D-Ala6) as ligand. Displaceable 125I D-Ala6 binding was present on crude membranes prepared from whole testes and interstitial tissue but not on the fractions from seminiferous tubules. 125ID-Ala6 binding to interstitial tissue was specific as only unlabeled D-Ala6 analog and synthetic GnRH inhibited binding of D-Ala6 tracer. Scatchard analysis of the analog data revealed a single high affinity binding site (Ka=7×l09 M−1) with a binding capacity of 200±10 (SE) fmol/mg membrane protein. In vivo treatment of both intact and hypophysectomized adult male rats with synthetic GnRH (6.6 eg every 8 hr for 3 days) resulted in a 2-fold increase in GnRH binding capacity without change in receptor affinity. These results indicate that specific high affinity GnRH receptors are present only on interstitial tissue membrane fractions and receptor numbers are increased by a direct action of GnRH on t...
Prolactin's mitogenic action on the pigeon crop-sac mucosal epithelium involves direct and indirect mechanisms.

It has long been known that prolactin (PRL) induces proliferation of the mucosal epithelial lining of the pigeon crop-sac. This system was used to study possible interactions of other hormones with PRL's mitogenic effect directly on the crop-sac cells. Injection of a sheep pituitary powder into the loose skin between the leg and abdomen of pigeons increased the responsiveness of the crop-sac to direct, local application of PRL. Similar systemic injections of anterior pituitary hormones, ACTH and TSH (alone or together), or a combination of LH and FSH, were without effect on the local response to PRL. However, systemically injected PRL and GH resulted in a dramatic augmentation of the response of the organ to local injection of PRL. PRL was more potent than GH in this regard. These results suggest that PRL has at least two modes of action as a mitogen on this epithelium--its well-known direct action on the cells and an indirect action as well that is possibly mediated by the secretion of another factor into the blood stream. Because it was previously found that somatomedin-like molecules, including proinsulin, act synergistically with PRL to promote proliferation of these cells when coinjected locally with PRL (T. R. Anderson, J. Rodriguez , D. S. Pitts , E. M. Spencer, and C. S. Nicoll , 1983, In "Insulin-like Growth Factors/Somatomedins," de Gruyter , Berlin), The effects of systemic injections of proinsulin were also tested. Proinsulin had a potentiating effect similar to that of the pituitary powder and of GH or PRL. These results are consistent with the following interpretations: When PRL promotes crop-sac proliferation to produce crop-milk in pigeons and doves, the hormone acts through at least two mechanisms. One of these is a direct effect on the crop-sac, which sensitizes the mucosal epithelium to the mitogenic action of a somatomedin-like growth factor. The second effect is an increase in the production and/or secretion of the factor, which then acts synergistically with PRL to promote proliferation of the crop-sac mucosal cells. More direct evidence for this proposal was provided by the finding that serum from saline- or PRL-treated pigeons did not stimulate crop-sac mucosal growth when it was injected locally. However, the serum from PRL-treated birds had a much higher level of an activity that augmented the effects of PRL when the sera were locally injected in combination with PRL.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Cross-validation of Reitan and Wolfson's Neuropsychological Deficit Scales.

Abstract Reitan and Wolfson developed and presented validity data on their Neuropsychological Deficit Scales and offered them as alternatives to Halstead's Impairment Index and Russell, Neuringer, and Goldstein's Average Impairment Rating. An initial cross-validation study of the scales was conducted with 73 braindamaged subjects and 41 pseudoneurologic controls. Brain-damaged and pseudoneurologic subjects differed on the General Neuropsychological Deficit Scale. Groups of left hemisphere, diffuse, and right hemisphere brain-damaged subjects differed on the Left and Right Neuropsychological Deficit Scales. The General Neuropsychological Deficit Scale, Impairment Index, and Average Impairment Rating did not differ in accuracy of subject classification. Our findings provide limited support for the validity of these new scales with patients commonly seen in clinical practice.
Should transient analysis be taught

The authors present the results of experiments performed to identify the pitfalls of performing 'bad' transient analysis when estimating steady-state parameters via the method of independent replications. The intention was to demonstrate to students that failure to delete transient data may lead to confidence intervals that underestimate steady-state parameters. Two types of systems are analyzed: M/M/1/GD//spl infin///spl infin/ systems and an M/M/s/GD//spl infin///spl infin/ optimization problem. These systems are chosen since they are typically taught in an undergraduate stochastic operations research course where a closed-form solution of the steady-state parameter exists. Surprisingly, the results prove to support the opposite of our original intention - regardless of run length, ignoring transient analysis often leads to the same level of coverage at greater precision, or provides no gain in coverage to justify the effort of performing transient analysis. Thus, we now pose the question - should transient analysis be taught?.
Induced multiple nucleoli, nucleolar margination, and cell size changes in supraoptic neurons during dehydration and rehydration in the rat

Abstract Rats were deprived of water for 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 or 168 h. Other rats were deprived for 24 h, then allowed to rehydrate for 12, 24, 36, 48, 96, 120 or 240 h before being sacrified. The cells of the supraoptic nuclear complex (SON) were studied in animals sacrified at each of these times. For each of these rats, two random samples of 200 cells each were taken from pars anterior (Soa) and pars tuberalis (Sot) of SON. Determinations were made of (a) percentage of cells containing multiple (two or more) nucleoli, (b) percentage of cells containing nucleoli which were in contact with the nuclear membrane (marginated), and (c) mean cell size (area). These measurements were made on cells from brains sectioned in both the parasagittal and horizontal planes. The percentage of SON cells with multiple nucleoli in non-deprived rats was less than 5%. There was a measurable increase in multiple nucleoli after 2 h of deprivation and a continued rise up to 24 h without water. No further increases in multiple nucleoli were apparent with prolonged deprivation. Soa and Sot showed nucleolar responses which were similar in all respects, except that during prolonged dehydration Soa was found to have a higher percentage of multiple nucleolar cells than did Sot. Control hypothalamic cells showed no changes in multiple nucleoli with dehydration. The effects on nucleolar proliferation of 24 h dehydration were only partially reversed by 10 days of free access to water. Throughout the dehydration conditions, the percentage of cells showing margination of one or more nucleoli remained relatively constant. During the second or third day of rehydration, however, a sudden increase in margination appeared which lasted for about 3 days. Cell size increases in SON were measurable early in dehydration and continued as long as the deprivation conditions persisted. Size increases appeared to occur at different times in the two planes studied. As with multiple nucleoli, rehydration of 10 days did not completely return SON cells to the size of those in non-deprived controls. We interpret these results to indicate that: (a) the mechanisms of RNA and protein synthesis in these neurosecretory cells are sensitive to slight fluctuations in the physiological state of the animal; (b) specific experimental manipulations can induce a nucleolar response in nerve cells; (c) nucleolar fusion probably accompanies prolongation of the conditions which initially induce multiple nucleoli; (d) SON cells are more refractory than expected in their return of the predeprived state after 24 h of water deprivation; (e) cell size changes with increased hormone production proceed as if the cell is going through peristalsis-like movements; and (f) our data partially support the contention that Soa and Sot are functionally similar.
Effects of predation, parasites, and phylogeny on the evolution of bright coloration in north american male passerines

Numerous mechanisms have been proposed to account for the evolution of cryptic and bright coloration in passerine birds. The Hamilton-Zuk revealing handicap model holds that cyclic interactions between hosts and parasites maintain additive genetic variance in secondary sexual traits and adaptive mate choice of resistant genotypes ensues (Hamilton and Zuk, 1982). Here I report no support for this model using various within-taxa techniques to test the functional relationship between the prevalence of hematozoan parasites and male brightness in many species of North American passerines. I establish that phylogeny and predation risk are most strongly associated with variation in male coloration. Ground-nesting passerines are considerably more cryptic than off-ground nesters, and there is evidence that ground-nesting passerines are under greater predation risk. Predation risk may limit the role of sexual selection in the development of bright coloration.
Role of the chaplain on the medical-surgical team.

Although their role is often dismissed and frequently underestimated, professional chaplains play a crucial role in the psychological well-being of patients, family members, and hospital staff members; the physical health and surgical outcomes of patients; and the discussions between patients and family members when further surgical or medical care becomes futile. Chaplains have many duties on the health care team. First, and most important, they comprehensively assess and address the spiritual needs of patients from any religious background as well as the needs of patients with undefined or no spiritual beliefs. There are chaplains from within each of the major faith traditions (eg, Protestantism, Catholicism, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam) who may be better suited to meet the specific needs of patients in those faiths; however, given that only about one-half to two-thirds of hospitals have chaplains on staff, 1 nurses may not be able to choose a specific chaplain (ie, a Jewish chaplain for every Jewish patient, a Muslim chaplain for every Muslim patients). Chaplains also address the spiritual needs of
Distinguishing Models of Professional Development: The Case of an Adaptive Model’s Impact on Teachers’ Knowledge, Instruction, and Student Achievement

We posit that professional development (PD) models fall on a continuum from highly adaptive to highly specified, and that these constructs provide a productive way to characterize and distinguish among models. The study reported here examines the impact of an adaptive mathematics PD model on teachers’ knowledge and instructional practices as well as on students’ achievement over time. Results indicate at least modest impacts in each of these areas. Our findings demonstrate that adaptive models of PD can be subjected to investigations of impact based on quantitative research methodologies; moreover, we argue that utilizing a wider variety of methodologies to study adaptive models is increasingly needed as these models gain in popularity and usage.
In-Line Multiport Calibration

We present a multiport measurement procedure well suited to on-wafer measurement. It can correct multiport measurements with any conventional in-line calibration, including the thru-reflect-line calibration. We demonstrate the procedure in a four-port measurement system.
Benign Soft Tissue Tumors in Children

Soft tissue masses in children are common, yet can pose a diagnostic dilemma for the orthopedic surgeon who is asked to evaluate them. Although most lesions are dysplastic or benign, some soft tissue sarcomas are seen in the pediatric population. An understanding of the clinical presentation and imaging findings can guide the surgeon decide on the need for a biopsy and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.
Enhanced survival of germfree mice after infection with irradiated scrapie brain.

Nachweis, dass nach Injektion mitβ-bestrahltem «Scrapie»-Hirn keimfrei aufgezogene Mause langer als normale uberleben. Das Ausmass der Astrogliose war im allgemeinen der Schwere der klinischen Symptome proportional. Die Theorie wird gestutzt, dass das hochgradig hitze-, strahlungs- und enzymbestandige Material «Scrapie»-infizierter Mause die Induktion eines latenten Viruses bewirkt.
Reversible block in intracellular transport and budding of mutant vesicular stomatitis virus glycoproteins.

Abstract The blocks in intracellular maturation of glycoprotein (G protein) synthesized by two temperature-sensitive vesicular stomatite's virus (VSV) mutants are reversible. Our earlier work demonstrated that at 40°, the nonpermissive temperature, mutant is L513(V) G protein accumulates in the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Here we show that when the temperature is lowered the high-mannose oligosaccharides on a significant fraction of ts L513(V) G protein, synthesized at 40°, will be modified to the complex type. Moreover, when the temperature is lowered is L513(V) G protein accumulated at 40° will mature to the cell surface, as evidenced by its accessibility to extracellular trinitrobenzene sulfonate, and into virions. G protein synthesized at 40° in is L511(V)-infected cells undergoes most of the processing events characteristic of the Golgi complex. Although we reported previously that no is L511(V) G protein reaches the plasma membrane at 40°, we now find, using more sensitive techniques, that an appreciable fraction does reach the cell surface. ts L511(V) G protein is lost from the cells but is not incorporated into virions. However, an appreciable fraction of the is L511(V) G protein which accumulates in cells at 40° will mature into virions when the temperature is lowered. These results exclude irreversible denaturation of mutant G proteins as a cause of the block in intracellular maturation and virus budding.
Interaction of acamprosate with ethanol and spermine on NMDA receptors in primary cultured neurons.

Abstract The N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor has been implicated as a putative sight of action for acamprosate, a novel drug that reduces craving for alcohol. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of acamprosate on the function of native NMDA receptors expressed in primary cultured striatal and cerebellar granule cells, as well as ethanol inhibition and spermine modulation of these receptors, using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiological techniques. Under all circumstances, acamprosate (0.1–300 μM) did not alter NMDA- or glutamate-induced currents. Acamprosate did not alter the inhibitory effects of ethanol (10–100 mM) on receptor function. In a subpopulation of striatal neurons, acamprosate did reverse the potentiating effects of spermine. These findings indicate that although acamprosate may modify polyamine modulation of the NMDA receptor, acamprosate alone does not alter receptor function nor does it modify ethanol inhibition of this receptor expressed in primary cultured striatal and cerebellar granule neurons.
Application of the ac admittance technique to double-layer studies on polycrystalline gold electrodes

Abstract A detailed examination of the dependence of the ac admittance of a cell containing a polycrystalline gold electrode has been made in the double-layer region as a function of dc potential, ac frequency and electrode history. It is shown that the interfacial impedance of a gold electrode with a carefully prepared surface can be treated under these circumstances as a constant phase element when it is in contact with an aqueous solution containing 0.05 M KClO 4 . Analysis of the frequency dependence of the cell impedance gives the surface inhomogeneity parameter n which turns out to be very close to unity. Although the electrode surface is only slightly inhomogeneous on a microscopic scale, a very large frequency dispersion of the impedance is observed experimentally. A method of estimating the true specific capacity of the electrode is presented, and conditions for carrying out the experiments in a reproducible manner are discussed.
The Intersection of Traditional and Modern Institutions in Gulf States: A contextual analysis of educational opportunities and outcomes in Iran and Kuwait

This analysis examines whether the unique mix of traditional and modern institutions in the Gulf region structures educational opportunity. We begin with a theoretically comparative framework, which emphasizes the blending of cultural capital differentiation with the cross-national adoption of similar models of schooling. We then use historical and cultural data to contextualize our analyses through mini-case studies aligning Gulf State-Islamic ideology within Iran and Kuwait's educational systems, specifically. Using cross-national data, we empirically test these assumptions in comparative context for Iran and Kuwait. Initial results for the hypothesized relationships rely on both descriptive analyses of resource availability and level of curricular influence in each country, as well as measures of students' expectations and attitudes towards schooling. We then expand these initial cross-national comparisons with multilevel regression models that estimate the effects of educational opportunity indicators...
Identifying elements critical for functional and sustainable professional learning communities

In this paper, we examined data collected as part of a 5-year project designed to foster reform-based urban science teaching through teachers' communities of inquiry. Drawing upon a distributed leadership framework, we analyzed teacher “talk” during professional learning community (PLC) meetings. This analysis yielded five elements: teacher learning and collaboration, community formation, confidence in knowledge of content and guided inquiry, concerns about the impact of accountability measures on teaching and learning, and sustainability of reform. Follow-up interviews with participants reinforced the importance of these elements. While accountability measures were found to have a significant impact on science teaching, participants were also able to use their PLC-based experiences to develop strategies to deal with such external constraints. Facilitation and leadership also play key roles in establishing and maintaining PLCs in this urban setting. Finally, we present a revised framework that incorporates the elements we identified to describe those local and systemic factors critical for successful implementation and influence of professional development efforts. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed95: 543–570, 2011
Interactions between sleep normative data and sociocultural characteristics in the elderly

Abstract Objective To present sleep patterns in elderly individuals and factors associated with short sleep and long daytime and nighttime sleep. Methods A total of 8091 subjects aged between 55 and 101 years representative of the noninstitutionalized general population of seven European countries (France, Finland, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Spain, and UK) were interviewed by telephone about their sleep habits and sleep disorders. Results The average sleep duration was 6 h and 57 min. Sleep duration was longer in men than in women. Five percent of the sample slept 5 h or less and 5% slept 9 h or more per night. Factors associated with short sleep (lower fifth percentile) were age, living in UK, no physical exercise, drinking six cups of coffee or more per day, taking a medication for sleep, difficulty initiating sleep, disrupted sleep, early morning awakening, and presence of an anxiety disorder. Factors associated with long sleep (≥95th percentile) were age, living in France, Portugal, or Spain, being underweight, no physical exercise, disrupted sleep, taking a medication for sleep, and presence of an anxiety disorder. Long daytime sleep (54 min or more) were age, being a man, being overweight or obese, physical disease, being dissatisfied with one's social life, smoking, drinking alcohol, and having a major depressive disorder. Conclusion Sleep patterns considerably varied among the countries in the elderly population. Extreme values of sleep duration (short and long sleep) were associated with several sleep and mental health problems.
High Performance Tip/Tilt Mirror Positioner

One of the simplest active optical components is a device that allows rapid electronic control of the angular orientation of small mirrors. This paper describes a two-dimensional tip/tilt mirror positioner that has been shown to satisfy the exacting microradian requirements of beam stabilization and to be of use in solving some of the miscellaneous technically challenging HEL instrumentation problems.© (1978) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Enhanced neurodegeneration after a high dose of methamphetamine in adenosine A3 receptor null mutant mice.

Abstract Previous reports have indicated that adenosine A3 receptor (A3R) knockout mice are more sensitive to ischemic or hypoxic brain injury. The purpose of this study was to examine if suppression of A3R expression is associated with increase in sensitivity to injury induced by a high dose of methamphetamine (Meth). Adult male A3R null mutant (−/−) mice and their controls (+/+) were injected with four doses (2 h apart) of Meth (10 mg/kg) or saline. Animals were placed in a behavioral activity chamber, equipped with food and water, for 52 h starting from one day after injections. The first 4 h were used for studying exploratory behaviors, and the next 48 h were used to measure locomotor activity. High doses of Meth equally reduced the 4-h exploratory behavior in −/− and +/+ mice. Meth suppressed locomotor activity between 4 and 52 h in both groups, with a greater reduction being found in the −/− mice. Brain tissues were collected at 3 days after the Meth or saline injections. Meth treatment reduced striatal dopamine (DA) levels in both +/+ and −/− mice with an increase in 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC)/DA ratio being found only in −/− animals. Meth also significantly increased ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1) and cleaved caspase-3 level in striatum, as well as Iba-1 and TNFα mRNA expression in nigra in −/−, compared to +/+, mice. Previous studies have shown that pharmacological suppression of vesicular monoamine transport 2 (VMAT2) by reserpine enhanced Meth toxicity by increasing cytosolic DA and inflammation. A significant reduction in striatal VMAT2 expression was found in −/− mice compared to +/+ mice, suggesting that increase in sensitivity to Meth injury in −/− mice may be related to a reduction in VMAT2 expression in these mice. In conclusion, our data suggest that A3R −/− mice are more sensitive to high doses of Meth.
On two critics of justificatory liberalism: A response to Wall and Lister:

In replying to Steven Wall’s and Andrew Lister’s thoughtful essays on my account of justificatory liberalism in this issue, I respond to many of their specific criticisms while taking the opportunity to explicate the foundations of justificatory liberalism. Justificatory liberalism takes seriously the moral requirement to justify all claims of authority over others, as well as all coercive interferences with their lives. If we do so, although we are by no means committed to libertarianism, we find that that many of our cherished values, moral intuitions, and political aspirations no longer ground the range of authority over others many of us would claim. In this sense, justificatory liberalism is a theory of limited authority and limited government — which is what a genuinely liberal theory must be.
The School Superintendent's Political Role with State Legislators Representing the Local District.

This study requested and compared opinions of Iowa school superintendents and lay persons about the actual and perceived political roles of school superintendents. Superintendents and lay persons from three strata of school district size completed a questionnaire sur vey. It was shown that enrollment size of district had little relationship to superintendent opinions, that superintendents did less in actual political roles than they thought they should do, and that the opinions of the public groups about the superintendent role gen erally paralleled the opinions of the superintendents. IN RECENT YEARS national trends have developed that have caused a gradual shift of control over education from the local to the state level, and in some cases to the federal level. This has happened as prevailing social condi tions have caused development and implementation of new instructional programs in the schools (quite often required by the state) and as school employees have demanded and received higher salaries. Concomitantly, as educational costs have increased, a greater demand has been placed on the state to provide property tax relief. With the shift in power from the local boards of educa tion to the state legislature, the political roles assumed and/ or not assumed by Iowa public school superintendents in relationship to the state legislative decision-making process become more crucial to the future of education in Iowa
A comment on Jensen's note on sex linkage and race differences in spatial ability.

Several criticisms of Jensen's hypothesis on sex linkage and race differences in spatial ability are raised. Data on whether blacks have a deficit in spatial ability are inconsistent. Whether there are X-linked influences on spatial ability has been questioned recently. Two studies provide data inconsistent with Jensen's hypothesis.