Scientist Spotlights in Secondary Schools: Student Shifts in Multiple Measures Related to Science Identity after Receiving Written Assignments.

Based on theoretical frameworks of scientist stereotypes, possible selves, and science identity, written assignments were developed to teach science content through biographies and research of counter-stereotypical scientists-Scientist Spotlights (www.scientistspotlights.org). Previous studies on Scientist Spotlight assignments showed significant shifts in how college-level biology students relate to and describe scientists and in their performance in biology courses. However, the outcomes of Scientist Spotlight assignments in secondary schools were yet to be explored. In collaboration with 18 science teachers from 12 schools, this study assessed the impacts of Scientist Spotlight assignments for secondary school students. We used published assessment tools: Relatability prompt; Stereotypes prompt; and Performance/Competence, Interest, and Recognition (PCIR) instrument. Statistical analyses compared students' responses before and after receiving at least three Scientist Spotlight assignments. We observed significant shifts in students' relatability to and descriptions of scientists as well as other science identity measures. Importantly, disaggregating classes by implementation strategies revealed that students' relatability shifts were significant for teachers reporting in-class discussions and not significant for teachers reporting no discussions. Our findings raise questions about contextual and pedagogical influences shaping student outcomes with Scientist Spotlight assignments, like how noncontent Instructor Talk might foster student shifts in aspects of science identity.

Prenatal diagnosis of de novo X;autosome translocations.

The identification of a de novo apparently balanced structural chromosome rearrangement at prenatal diagnosis can be problematic and raises unique genetic counseling issues. Two breakpoint rearrangements such as reciprocal translocations or inversions have a 6.7% empiric risk of phenotypic abnormality. Abnormal phenotypes are thought to result from gene disruption, position effect, or deletion at one of the breakpoints. Prenatal diagnosis of de novo X;autosome translocations is rare, and presents additional unique risks due to the effects of X-inactivation and the possibility of disruption of the single active copy of an X-linked gene. We report the identification of a de novo apparently balanced t(X;6)(q26;q23) ascertained after amniocentesis for advanced maternal age. The parents were counseled regarding the risk of a de novo apparently balanced translocation, including the potential risk of an X-linked Mendelian disorder resulting from disruption of a gene at the Xq26 breakpoint. While the normal X chromosome was late replicating in all metaphases, no conclusions from this data could be drawn as the X-inactivation ratio in amniocytes might not be representative of other tissues. The possibility of future premature ovarian failure was also noted due to the position of the breakpoint at Xq26, although no specific risk could be ascribed. The parents elected to continue the pregnancy, and at 17 months of age, the proband was phenotypically and developmentally normal. Long-term follow-up will be required to assess development delay and any fertility issues. Based on review of the few cases reported to date and excluding any risk for later reproductive abnormalities, we estimated the risk of phenotypic abnormality or developmental delay in a prenatally ascertained de novo X;autosome carrier to be as high as 50%. This case illustrates the complexities in counseling for prenatally ascertained de novo X;autosome translocations and the need for additional cases to be reported.

Politics and governance at the interface between water and development.

Water is not just a technical issue--it always has to be addressed within a complex political context. The water sector professional is generally unskilled in political processes, but political skill and awareness is needed to avoid negative politicization of water.

Transdermal contraception.

This review summarizes the clinical studies involving the once-weekly Ortho Evra/Evra contraceptive patch. The patch delivers norelgestromin (NGMN), 150 microg, and ethinyl estradiol (EE), 20 microg, daily to the systemic circulation. The contraceptive patch provided ovulation suppression and cycle control similar to that of oral norgestimate 250 microg/EE 35 microg, significantly decreased mean maximum follicular diameter following a 3-day intentional delayed dosing phase when compared with oral levonorgestrel (LNG) 50/75/125 microg/EE 30/40/30 micorg and oral LNG 100 microg/EE 20 microg, and was as effective as oral LNG 50/75/125 microg/EE 30/40/30 microg and oral desogestrel 150 microg/EE 20 microg in altering cervical mucus composition (i.e., creating a scanty, viscous consistency). The contraceptive patch provided efficacy, cycle control, and safety comparable to that seen with oral LNG 50/75/125 microg/EE 30/40/30 microg, but women were able to correctly follow the weekly dosing regimen significantly more often than the daily oral contraceptive dosing regimen. Less than 2% of patches were replaced because of complete detachment in these trials. The patch was not associated with phototoxicity or photoallergy. The contraceptive patch, the only noninvasive, weekly birth control method that a woman can self-administer, will be a valuable addition to current contraceptive options.

Pharmacokinetics of norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol from two consecutive contraceptive patches.

The primary objective of this open-label study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of norelgestromin (NGMN) and ethinyl estradiol (EE)following two consecutive applications of a contraceptive patch (ORTHO EVRA/EVRA). Twelve healthy women wore the first patch on their abdomen for 7 days and, after removal at 168 hours (day 7), wore a second patch for 10 days (i.e., 3 days beyond the intended 7-day wear period). Blood samples were collected before and at various times up to 456 hours (day 19) after application of the first patch for analysis of NGMN and EE. Mean serum concentrations of NGMN and EE remained within the reference ranges, 0.6 to 1.2 ng/ml and 25 to 75 pg/ml, respectively, during the entire 7-day wear period after application of the first patch and for 10 days after application of the second patch; reference ranges are based on studies with ORTHO-CYCLEN/ Cilest. No patch detached spontaneously. No subject discontinued or experienced a serious adverse event.

Autosomal recessive tetralogy of Fallot, unusual facies, communicating hydrocephalus, and delayed language development: a new syndrome?

We report a pattern of malformation affecting five of seven siblings born to unaffected Afghani parents who are first cousins. Their first two children died during infancy of cyanotic congenital heart defects. Two living male siblings have tetralogy of Fallot, developmental delay principally affecting language skills, and short palpebral fissures or midfacial hypoplasia. Another male has communicating hydrocephalus and hypertelorism. The striking number of siblings with tetralogy of Fallot, or another cyanotic congenital heart defect, and the parental consanguinity, suggests autosomal recessive inheritance in this family. While several other families have been identified with apparent recessive inheritance of tetralogy of Fallot, the associated malformations in our family suggest a unique, and previously unreported, malformation pattern.

Pharmacokinetics of norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol delivered by a contraceptive patch (Ortho Evra/Evra) under conditions of heat, humidity, and exercise.

The objectives of this randomized, open-label, three-period, incomplete block design study were to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of norelgestromin (NGMN) and ethinyl estradiol (EE) delivered by the contraceptive patch, Ortho Evra/Evra, and to evaluate patch adhesion under conditions of heat, humidity, and exercise. During each treatment period, 30 healthy women wore Ortho Evra on the abdomen for 7 days under one of six conditions (normal activity, sauna, whirlpool, treadmill, cool water immersion, or a combination of activities). Blood samples were collected before and several times to 240 hours after patch application. Mean serum concentrations of NGMN and EE generally remained within the reference ranges, 0.6 to 1.2 ng/ml and 25 to 75 pg/ml, respectively, during the 7-day wearperiodfor all activities. Only 1 (1.1%) of 87 patches completely detached spontaneously. Peel force measurements were comparable for all activities. Ortho Evra was well tolerated. In conclusion, Ortho Evra delivers efficacious concentrations of NGMN and EE and maintains adhesive reliability through 7 days of wear even under conditions of heat, humidity, and exercise.

Multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of a contraceptive patch in healthy women participants.

This open-label, randomized study evaluated the pharmacokinetics of norelgestromin (NGMN) and ethinyl estradiol (EE) following the application of a contraceptive patch (1/week) for three cycles (3 weeks/cycle). Healthy women (n = 24) wore a 20-cm(2) patch (ORTHO EVRA/EVRA) on either their abdomen or buttock during blood sampling weeks and on any of four approved sites at other times. Serum was analyzed for NGMN and EE from samples taken during Week 1 of Cycle 1 and Weeks 1-3 of Cycle 3. Steady-state conditions were achieved during the three-cycle study. The patch delivered NGMN and EE at steady-state concentrations within their reference ranges throughout three cycles of treatment; reference ranges are based on studies with ORTHO-CYCLEN/Cilest. Steady-state serum concentrations and area under the curve from 0 to 168 h increased only slightly from Cycle 1, Week 1 to Cycle 3, Week 3 for NGMN and EE, indicating minimal accumulation. Treatment was well tolerated, and patch adhesion was excellent.

Electromyography during stereotactic pallidotomy for Parkinson's disease.

In stereotactic pallidotomy for Parkinson's disease, care must be taken to avoid internal capsule injury while maximizing improvement of rigidity and tremor. In 21 patients, intraoperative electromyography (EMG) was used to assess stimulation thresholds required for capsular responses and to monitor muscle tone and tremor. Surface EMG electrodes were placed on the face and multiple muscle groups of the extremities. The stimulation and lesion electrode was introduced via MRI-guided stereotaxis toward a point 2-3 mm anterior to the midcommissural point, 5-6 mm inferior to the AC-PC plane, and 21-22 mm lateral to the midline. Exact targets were modified according to MRI-visualized anatomy. With stimulation at 5 and 50 Hz, thresholds for detection of EMG responses were usually seen at 4-5 mA. EMG responses were consistently seen prior to visual observation of muscle activity. Timing of EMG response relative to stimulus aided in differentiating stimulus-related movement from spontaneous tremor. Resting spontaneous EMG activity was seen to decrease as rigidity was improved by incremental lesion production. EMG activity related to tremor was recorded; tremor decrease by lesion production was documented by EMG recording. Patient cooperation with physiologic testing during stimulation and lesion production may become limited. Intraoperative EMG monitoring provides an adjunct to improve reliability of assessment of capsular stimulation and rigidity while providing documentation of lesion impact on rigidity and tremor.

Tetrasomy 15q25-->qter: cytogenetic and molecular characterization of an analphoid supernumerary marker chromosome.

Tetrasomy for the distal long arm of chromosome 15 is a rare finding. It has been previously described in seven patients, all of whom had a supernumerary marker chromosome (SMC) derived from distal 15q. These SMC contained no apparent centromeres (C-band/alpha-satellite negative), and belong to a novel class of SMC with neocentromeres. We present the oldest surviving patient with tetrasomy for distal 15q. The proposita was a 10-year-old girl with moderate to severe mental retardation, absent speech, hypotonia, minor facial anomalies, unusual digits, and pigmentation anomalies. Mosaicism for a symmetrical SMC was identified in metaphases from lymphocytes and fibroblasts. Parental karyotypes were normal, indicating a de novo origin for the SMC. FISH with a whole chromosome paint for chromosome 15 showed that the SMC was derived entirely from chromosome 15. However, C-banding and FISH with chromosome 15 probes D15Z1, D15S11, SNRPN, and PML were all negative. FISH with the FES probe at 15q26 showed hybridization to both ends of the SMC. The marker was interpreted as an analphoid inverted duplication of 15q25-->qter containing a presumed neocentromere. Previous molecular studies suggested either a mitotic or paternal meiotic origin for these distal 15q SMC. However, molecular analysis with chromosome 15 polymorphic markers showed that the analphoid SMC(15) in the proposita originated from a maternal meiotic error. The origins and mechanisms involved in formation of these distal 15q SMC appear to be more diverse than for the proximal pseudodicentic SMC(15).

Characterization of metalworking fluid exposure indices for a study of acute respiratory effects.

Although metalworking fluids have been widely used throughout industry for decades, occupational exposures to metalworking fluid aerosols and their constituents have not been well characterized. This article describes an exposure assessment for a study of metalworking fluid aerosols and acute respiratory effects. This exposure assessment was unique in its inclusion of multiple exposure measures relevant to a complex environment, and extensive personal sampling for bacteria and endotoxin. The specific objectives were to: (1) obtain indices of personal exposure to metalworking fluid aerosols in an automotive transmission plant, either directly (by sampling) or indirectly (by estimation), and (2) identify and adjust for sources of error in exposure/dose measures, where possible. No prior studies have characterized personal exposures to metalworking fluid aerosols so extensively. Exposure data were obtained during a pilot phase and three principal rounds of data collection over a 15-month period in conjunction with spirometric testing. Subjects worked in one of two machining departments, Case and Valve Body, or in a comparison department, Final Assembly. The primary exposure measures for this study were thoracic fraction particulate, thoracic fraction bacteria (viable plus non-viable), and total endotoxin. Mean personal air concentrations of thoracic particulate across all study rounds were 0.13 mg/m3 in Final Assembly, 0.32 mg/m3 in Valve Body, and 0.56 mg/m3 in Case. Average personal exposures to thoracic fraction bacteria were 0.38 bacteria/cc in Final Assembly, 0.87 bacteria/cc in Valve Body, and 2.66 bacteria/cc in Case. Average personal endotoxin measurements, collected in Round 3 of the study, were 16.4 endotoxin units (EU)/m3 in Assembly, 34.7 EU/m3 in Valve Body, and 234 EU/m3 in Case. Sump fluid contained on the order of 10(8) bacteria/ml, and 10(4)-10(5) EU/ml. Air concentrations of thoracic particulate, thoracic bacteria, and total endotoxin were highly correlated in metalworking operations. Thus, reducing airborne particulate levels should also reduce ambient bacteria and endotoxin, which are suspect agents of respiratory impairment. The elevated endotoxin levels in Final Assembly were unexpected, and suggest an independent source of endotoxin contamination in this department.

Supramolecular steric effects as the means of making reactive carbon radicals persistent. Quantitative characterization of the external surface of MFI zeolites through a persistent radical probe and a langmuir adsorption isotherm

The photochemistry of tetraphenylacetone (1) adsorbed on the external surface of a MFI zeolite (the sodium form of LZ-105) has been investigated in combination with computational chemistry, surface area measurements, EPR analysis, and classical adsorption isotherms. All of the methods are consistent with a supramolecular structural model in which 1 is first adsorbed strongly through intercalation of a single benzene ring into a hole on the LZ-105 external surface (site I) followed by a weaker binding to the external framework between the holes (site II) until a monolayer of 1 is formed. From both computational and surface area measurements, it is estimated that the site I holes on the external surface will be filled at ca. 0.3-0.5 wt %/wt loading of 1/LZ-105, which corresponds to 6.5 x 10(18) (ca. 10(-)(5) mol) of holes or molecules of 1 adsorbed in holes per gram of zeolite. The supramolecular composition of ca. 0.3-0.5% of 1 on LZ-105 characterizes a "break point" for the photochemistry and the EPR measurements, since it represents the value for saturation of the site I holes with 1. These conclusions are supported quantitatively by experimental isotherms of the adsorption of 1 on LZ-105. Photolysis of 1 intercalated in the site I holes causes fragmentation into two isomeric supramolecular diphenylmethyl (DPM) radicals, one (DMP)(in) which is adsorbed into the internal surface and becomes strongly persistent (half-life of many weeks) and the other (DMP)(ex) which diffuses on the external surface and rapidly dimerizes (less than a few minutes) to produce the radical-radical combination product tetraphenylethane (2). Photolysis of 1 adsorbed on the solid external surface produces two supramolecularly equivalent DPM radicals (DMP)(ex) that diffuse on the external surface and rapidly dimerize to produce 2, and do not produce persistent DPM radicals.

Aging on the input versus output side: theoretical implications of age-linked asymmetries between detecting versus retrieving orthographic information.

This experiment tested for age-linked asymmetries predicted under Node Structure theory (NST; D. G. MacKay & D. M. Burke, 1990) between detecting versus retrieving orthographic information. Older adults detected that briefly presented words were correctly spelled (e.g., endeavor) or misspelled (e.g., endeavuor) as readily as did young adults. However, they were less able than young adults to retrieve the correctly and incorrectly spelled words that they had seen. These age-linked asymmetries were not due to educational factors, stimulus characteristics, sensory-level factors, task complexity, floor or ceiling effects, general slowing, or cohort-related activities, but they were consistent with NST predictions and with similar asymmetries in a wide range of other studies. By contrast, repetition deficits in detecting and retrieving repeated- versus unrepeated-letter misspellings (e.g., elderdly vs. elderkly) were symmetrical or equivalent in magnitude for young and older adults. Implications for a wide range of theories of cognitive aging and of repetition deficits are discussed.

Level of postoperative analgesia is a critical factor in regulation of myometrial contractility after laparotomy in the pregnant baboon: implications for human fetal surgery.

OBJECTIVES: We used 2 dosage levels of postoperative opioid administration to determine whether the degree of postoperative analgesia after laparotomy during the last third of baboon pregnancy alters maternal pituitary-adrenal function, androgen secretion, and placental estrogen production. We also determined the relationship of estrogen production to surgery-induced increase in myometrial contraction activity. STUDY DESIGN: After laparotomy under halothane general anesthesia at 0.75 gestation, 10 pregnant baboons were administered intra-arterially either a normal dose or a double dose of the opioid analgesic buprenorphine for 48 hours. Maternal plasma samples for steroid hormone and oxytocin analyses were obtained at circadian time 1000 hours and at circadian time 1800 hours, 4 hours before and 4 hours after the lights went off, respectively. Myometrial electromyographic contraction activity was quantified for the 6 hours from circadian time 1100 hours to circadian time 1700 hours. RESULTS: Maternal plasma cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations were lower in the dark period (at circadian time 1800 hours) than during daylight (at circadian time 1000 hours) in the double-dose group but not the normal dose group. In contrast, maternal plasma estradiol level was higher at circadian time 1800 hours than at circadian time 1000 hours in the normal dose group but not in the double-dose group. Maternal plasma estrogen level was higher during the hours of darkness in the normal dose group than in the double-dose group. Furthermore the number of myometrial contractions around the onset of darkness was greater in the normal dose group than in the double-dose group. CONCLUSIONS: The double dose of analgesia results in lower maternal nighttime plasma estradiol concentrations and significantly less nocturnal contraction activity. These observations further confirm an association between increased maternal plasma estrogen concentrations and increased myometrial contractility in the nonhuman primate. In addition, they suggest that adjustment of the level of postoperative analgesia may be of importance in preventing premature labor after chuman intrauterine fetal surgery.

"The view" and the canine connection: an atlas of mandibular anterior tooth esthetics.

Restoring splinted mandibular incisors and canines with full crown restorations has always presented a challenge in creating an esthetic illusion of reality of normal individual teeth. This treatise is designed to present the rules for mandibular anterior esthetics that have been distilled from almost 4 decades of clinical practice of restoring dentitions that have been severely compromised by the deformities of disease or accident. The resultant formula systematically creates the desired results with a high degree of predictability.

Changes in fetal plasma corticotropin-releasing hormone during androstenedione-induced labor in the rhesus monkey: lack of an effect on the fetal hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Androstenedione infusion to pregnant monkeys leads to premature labor and live delivery. Androstenedione-induced labor also increased placental CRH messenger RNA and peptide to concentrations observed at term in pregnant monkeys. Placental CRH may modulate fetal pituitary-adrenal function during pregnancy in primates. This study tested the hypothesis that androstenedione-induced premature delivery in pregnant monkeys results from androstenedione-induced increases in placental CRH, which stimulate premature activation of the fetal pituitary-adrenal axis. The hypothesis was tested by comparing fetal umbilical vein (FUV) plasma CRH, ACTH, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and cortisol concentrations at cesarean section in fetuses from mothers undergoing spontaneous, term labor (group I), with those in fetuses from mothers undergoing androstenedione-induced, premature labor (group II) and with those from mothers not in labor (group III). In addition, gestation-related changes in maternal plasma CRH concentrations were investigated, and CRH immunoactivity was characterized by Sephadex G50 chromatography in pooled maternal plasma extracts. FUV CRH concentrations were similarly elevated in group I and group II fetuses, compared with group III fetuses. Despite similar FUV blood gases in all fetuses, FUV ACTH and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations were higher in group I fetuses than in group II or group III fetuses. The majority of CRH immunoactivity coeluted with synthetic human CRH. Maternal plasma CRH concentrations showed a modest increase with gestation in the rhesus monkey. These data: 1) demonstrate that androstenedione treatment of pregnant monkeys at 0.8 of gestation elevates fetal plasma CRH to similar concentrations measured at term; 2) do not support the hypothesis that androstenedione-induced delivery in the monkey results from premature activation of the fetal pituitary-adrenal axis by placental CRH; but 3) do support a role for activation of the fetal hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis in association with spontaneous term labor in the monkey; and 4) demonstrate important interprimate species differences in maternal CRH physiology.

Duplication cyst of the antrum: a case report.

Gastrointestinal duplication is a rare congenital anomaly. Although it usually presents within the first few years of life, it may appear much later as described in this report of a 19-year-old man who had symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction. He was found to have a noncommunicating antral duplication cyst. The cyst was managed by antrectomy with excision of the cyst and several centimetres of duodenum. Microscopically the duplication cyst contained a mucosa, submucosa and muscularis. There was no evidence of ulceration or malignant cells. His recovery was smooth. The etiology, presentation and management of antral duplication cysts causing gastric outlet obstruction are discussed.