DOES GENDER, CLASS STANDING, AND HIGH SCHOOL ECONOMICS INFLUENCE STUDENTS' ECONOMIC LEARNING

This paper investigates how gender, maturity of the student, and previous economics study in high school contribute to economic learning. Economic learning is measured using the difference between pre- and post-test scores. OLS results suggest that high school economics plays a larger role in economic learning than either gender or maturity.Labor and Human Capital, Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession,

Beyond the Brim of the Hat: Kinematics of Globular Clusters out to Large Radius in the Sombrero Galaxy

We have obtained radial velocity measurements for 51 new globular clusters around the Sombrero galaxy. These measurements were obtained using spectroscopic observations from the AAOmega spectrograph on the Anglo-Australian Telescope and the Hydra spectrograph at WIYN. Combined with our own past measurements and velocity measurements obtained from the literature we have constructed a large database of radial velocities that contains a total of 360 confirmed globular clusters. Previous studies' analyses of the kinematics and mass profile of the Sombrero globular cluster system have been constrained to the inner ~9' (~24 kpc or ~5 effective radii), but our new measurements have increased the radial coverage of the data, allowing us to determine the kinematic properties of M104 out to ~15' (~41 kpc or ~9 effective radii). We use our set of radial velocities to study the GC system kinematics and to determine the mass profile and V-band mass-to-light profile of the galaxy. We find that the V-band mass-to-light ratio increases from 4.5 at the center to a value of 20.9 at 41 kpc (~9 effective radii or 15'), which implies that the dark matter halo extends to the edge of our available data set. We compare our mass profile at 20 kpc (~4 effective radii or ~7.4') to the mass computed from x-ray data and find good agreement. We also use our data to look for rotation in the globular cluster system as a whole, as well as in the red and blue subpopulations. We find no evidence for significant rotation in any of these samples.Comment: Accepted for publication in the Astronomical Journal; 23 pages, 14 figures, and 2 table

Progesterone Receptor and Prostaglandins Mediate Luteinizing Hormone-Induced Changes in Messenger RNAs for ADAMTS Proteases in Theca Cells of Bovine Periovulatory Follicles

Little is known about the ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs) family of extracellular proteases in ovarian follicles of non‐rodent species, particularly in theca cells. In the present study, temporal changes in the abundance of mRNA encoding four ADAMTS subtypes and hormonal regulation of mRNA encoding two subtypes were investigated in theca interna cells during the periovulatory period in cattle. Gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) was injected into animals to induce a luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) surge, and follicles were obtained at 0 hr post‐GnRH (preovulatory) or at 6, 12, 18, or 24 hr (periovulatory). ADAMTS1, ‐2, ‐7, and ‐9 transcript abundance was then determined in the isolated theca interna. ADAMTS1 and ‐9 mRNA levels were up‐regulated at 24 hr post‐GnRH, whereas ADAMTS2 mRNA was higher at 12–24 hr post‐GnRH and ADAMTS7 mRNA increased transiently at 12 hr post‐GnRH compared to other time points. Subsequent in vitro experiments using preovulatory theca interna (0 hr post‐GnRH) showed that application of LH in vitro can mimic the effects of the gonadotropin surge on mRNAs encoding ADAMTS1 and ‐9 and that progesterone/progesterone receptor and/or prostaglandins may regulate the levels of mRNA encoding ADAMTS1 and ‐9 in theca interna, downstream of the LH surge. Time‐ and subtype‐specific changes in ADAMTS mRNA abundance in vivo, and their regulation in vitro by hormones, indicate that ADAMTS family members produced by theca cells may play important roles in follicle rupture and the accompanying tissue remodeling in cattle

Unusual intraparenchymal pontomedullary epidermoid cyst in a 2 year-old: case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Intrinsic brainstem epidermoid cysts are rare, benign, slow growing lesions. Their eloquence preclude complete excision, however subtotal resection will often result in prolonged or sometimes permanent relief of presenting symptoms and signs. We describe an unusual case and review the literature of this pathology in the paediatric population. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report an intra-axial pontine epidermoid cyst in a 2-year-old girl who presented with developmental delay, multiple cranial nerve palsies and pneumonia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated an intrinsic pontine lesion with partial restricted diffusion and an enhancing plaque, the latter not typically seen in congenital lesions like epidermoid. However, gross surgical inspection and histopathology confirmed an epidermoid. CONCLUSION: Our case, supported by the literature, shows that brain stem epidermoid cysts may have atypical radiological characteristics, and that near total resection remains safe and can improve outcome

A Transcriptomal Analysis of Bovine Oviductal Epithelial Cells Collected During the Follicular Phase Versus the Luteal Phase of the Estrous Cycle

BACKGROUND: Reproductive success depends on a functional oviduct for gamete storage, maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. The ovarian-derived steroids estrogen and progesterone are key regulators of oviductal function. The objective of this study was to investigate luteal and follicular phase-specific oviductal epithelial cell function by using microarray-based transcriptional profiling, to increase our understanding of mRNAs regulating epithelial cell processes, and to identify novel genes and biochemical pathways that may be found to affect fertility in the future. METHODS: Six normally cycling Angus heifers were assigned to either luteal phase (LP, n = 3) or follicular phase (FP, n = 3) treatment groups. Heifers in the LP group were killed between day 11 and 12 after estrus. Heifers in the FP group were treated with 25 mg PGF2α (Lutalyse, Pfizer, NY) at 8 pm on day 6 after estrus and killed 36 h later. Transcriptional profiling by microarray and confirmation of selected mRNAs by real-time RT-PCR analyses was performed using total RNA from epithelial cells isolated from sections of the ampulla and isthmus collected from LP and FP treatment groups. Differentially expressed genes were subjected to gene ontology classification and bioinformatic pathway analyses. RESULTS: Statistical one-way ANOVA using Benjamini-hochberg multiple testing correction for false discovery rate (FDR) and pairwise comparison of epithelial cells in the ampulla of FP versus LP groups revealed 972 and 597 transcripts up- and down-regulated, respectively (P \u3c 0.05). Within epithelial cells of the isthmus in FP versus LP groups, 946 and 817 transcripts were up- and down-regulated, respectively (P \u3c 0.05). Up-regulated genes from both ampulla and isthmus were found to be largely involved in cholesterol biosynthesis and cell cycle pathways, while down-regulated genes were found in numerous inflammatory response pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Microarray-based transcriptional profiling revealed phase of the cycle-dependent changes in the expression of mRNA within the epithelium of the oviducts\u27 ampulla and isthmus

A 2dF spectroscopic study of globular clusters in NGC 5128: Probing the formation history of the nearest giant Elliptical

We have performed a spectroscopic study of globular clusters (GCs) in the giant elliptical NGC 5128 using the 2dF facility at the Anglo-Australian telescope. We obtained integrated optical spectra for a total of 254 GCs, 79 of which are newly confirmed on the basis of their radial velocities and spectra. In addition, we obtained an integrated spectrum of the galaxy starlight along the southern major axis. We derive an empirical metallicity distribution function (MDF) for 207 GCs (~14 of the estimated total GC system) based upon Milky Way GCs. This MDF is multimodal at high statistical significance with peaks at [Z/H]~-1.3 and -0.5. A comparison between the GC MDF and that of the stellar halo at 20 kpc (~4 Reff) reveals close coincidence at the metal-rich ends of the distributions. However, an inner 8 kpc stellar MDF shows a clear excess of metal-rich stars when compared to the GCs. We compare a higher S/N subsample (147 GCs) with two stellar population models which include non-solar abundance ratio corrections. The vast majority of our sample (~90%) appears old, with ages similar to the Milky Way GC system. There is evidence for a population of intermediate-age (~4-8 Gy) GCs (<15% of the sample) which are on average more metal-rich than the old GCs. We also identify at least one younger cluster (~1-2 Gy) in the central regions of the galaxy. Our observations are consistent with a picture where NGC 5128 has undergone at least two mergers and/or interactions involving star formation and limited GC formation since z=1, however the effect of non-canonical hot stellar populations on the integrated spectra of GCs remains an outstanding uncertainty in our GC age estimates.Comment: 17 figures, some long table

Chronic Inflammatory Responses to Microgel-Based Implant Coatings

Inflammatory responses to implanted biomedical devices elicit a foreign body fibrotic reaction that limits device integration and performance in various biomedical applications. We examined chronic inflammatory responses to microgel conformal coatings consisting of thin films of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel microparticles cross-linked with poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate deposited on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Unmodified and microgel-coated PET disks were implanted subcutaneously in rats for 4 weeks and explants were analyzed by histology and immunohistochemistry. Microgel coatings reduced chronic inflammation and resulted in a more mature/organized fibrous capsule. Microgel-coated samples exhibited 22% thinner fibrous capsules that contained 40% fewer cells compared to unmodified PET disks. Furthermore, microgel-coated samples contained significantly higher levels of macrophages (80%) than unmodified PET controls. These results demonstrate that microgel coatings reduce chronic inflammation to implanted biomaterials

Reduced Acute Inflammatory Responses to Microgel Conformal Coatings

Implantation of synthetic materials into the body elicits inflammatory host responses that limit medical device integration and biological performance. This inflammatory cascade involves protein adsorption, leukocyte recruitment and activation, cytokine release, and fibrous encapsulation of the implant. We present a coating strategy based on thin films of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel microparticles (i.e. microgels) cross-linked with poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate. These particles were grafted onto a clinically relevant polymeric material to generate conformal coatings that significantly reduced in vitro fibrinogen adsorption and primary human monocyte/macrophage adhesion and spreading. These microgel coatings also reduced leukocyte adhesion and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, MCP-1) in response to materials implanted acutely in the murine intraperitoneal space. These microgel coatings can be applied to biomedical implants as a protective coating to attenuate biofouling, leukocyte adhesion and activation, and adverse host responses for biomedical and biotechnological applications

Multisymplectic Geometry and Multisymplectic Preissman Scheme for the KP Equation

The multisymplectic structure of the KP equation is obtained directly from the variational principal. Using the covariant De Donder-Weyl Hamilton function theories, we reformulate the KP equation to the multisymplectic form which proposed by Bridges. From the multisymplectic equation, we can derive a multisymplectic numerical scheme of the KP equation which can be simplified to multisymplectic forty-five points scheme.Comment: 17 papges, 8 figure

Adenovirus infection in the lung results in graft failure after lung transplantation

AbstractObjectives: Our goal was to examine the relationship between viral pneumonia and outcome in pediatric patients undergoing lung or heart-lung transplantation. Methods: Prospective surveillance for common respiratory viruses of childhood was performed in all patients undergoing lung or heart-lung transplantation. Specimens were examined for the presence of replicating virus (by culture), viral genome (by polymerase chain reaction), and viral antigen (by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining). The relationship between viral infection and outcome was examined. Results: Sixteen patients underwent 19 transplants during the study period, with follow-up of 1 to 26 months. Virus was identified in the transplanted lung in 29 instances; adenovirus was identified most commonly (8/16 patients) and had the greatest impact on outcome. In 2 patients with early, fulminant infection, adenovirus was also identified in the donor. Adenovirus was significantly associated with respiratory failure leading to death or graft loss and with the histologic diagnosis of obliterative bronchiolitis (P ≤ .002 in each case). Conclusions: Adenovirus infection in the transplanted lung is significantly associated with graft failure, histologic obliterative bronchiolitis, and death. Health care personnel and families must be vigilant in preventing exposure of transplant recipients to this virus. Availability of a rapid and reliable test for adenovirus in donors and recipients would have an impact on management and could improve outcome for pediatric lung recipients. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1998;116:617-23