Aims: Cigarette smoke (CS) in active smokers and second-hand smoke exposure exacerbate respiratory disorders such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. While women are known to experience a more asthmatic response to CS than emphysema in men, there is limited information on the mechanisms of CS-induced airway dysfunction. We hypothesize that CS interferes with a normal (protective) bronchodilatory role of estrogens, thus worsening airway contractility. Methods: We tested effects of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on 17β-estradiol (E₂) signaling in enzymatically-dissociated bronchial airway smooth muscle (ASM) obtained from lung samples of non-smoking female patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Results: In fura-2 loaded ASM cells, CSE increased intracellular calcium ([Ca²⁺]_i) responses to 10µM histamine. Acute exposure to physiological concentrations of E₂ decreased [Ca²⁺]_i responses. However, in 24h exposed CSE cells, although expression of estrogen receptors was increased, the effect of E₂ on [Ca²⁺]_i was blunted. Acute E₂ exposure also decreased store-operated Ca²⁺ entry and inhibited stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) phosphorylation: effects blunted by CSE. Acute exposure to E₂ increased cAMP, but less so in 24h CSE-exposed cells. 24h CSE exposure increased S-nitrosylation of ERα. Furthermore, 24h CSE-exposed bronchial rings showed increased bronchoconstrictor agonist responses that were not reduced as effectively by E₂ compared to non-CSE controls. Conclusion: These data suggest that CS induces dysregulation of estrogen signaling in ASM, which could contribute to increased airway contractility in women exposed to CS.

No abstract

No abstract

One factor affecting the qualia of music perception is the major/minor mode distinction. Major modes are perceived as more arousing, happier, positive, brighter, and less awkward than minor modes. This difference in emotionality of modes is also affected by pitch direction, with ascending pitch associated with positive affect and decreasing pitch with negative affect. The present study examined whether pitch direction influenced the identification of major versus minor musical modes. In six experiments, participants were familiarized with ascending and descending major and minor modes. We then played ascending and descending scales or simple eight-note melodies and asked listeners to identify the mode (major or minor). Identification of mode was moderated by pitch direction: major modes were identified more accurately when played with ascending pitch, and minor modes were identified better when played with descending pitch. Additionally, we replicated the difference in emotional affect between major and minor modes. The crossover pattern in mode identification may result from dual activation of positive and negative constructs, under specific combinations of mode and pitch direction.Keywords Music perception . Musical mode . Pitch direction Previous studies have examined the role that musical structure, such as tempo (fast versus slow), mode (major versus minor), consonance/dissonance, and pitch direction (ascending versus descending), has on tone discrimination, perceived

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

This is a course of instruction on the Catholic faith. It first appeared in The Furrow. The author's purpose is clearer here when all the parts are gathered together than when they appeared at first. He aims to provide a clear outline of the faith that would be simple, positive and attractive. Well-worn themes receive a new freshness when they are passed through the alembic of Father McLoughlin's mind. He presents the faith not just as a body of unconnected truths; it is made clear how they all spring from the Gospel story and that they convey a message of the greatest import.Here then is a grand manual for the young student, for the convert, and for Catholic Action groups of all kinds. It is quite surprising how much is attractively conveyed in these chapters, of which there are six: God's gift and its loss; God gives laws to guide us; God sent His Son to save us; Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life; Jesus established a Church; the Church in the world today. Within this framework an adult and modern picture of Catholicism is given. E. LONG SECULAR INSTITUTES. By J. M. Perrin, O.P. London: Geoffrey Chapman, 1961.Pp. 122. Price 10/-. History shows us clearly the distinction between Christian perfection and the diverse institutions and techniques brought into existence for its attainment. The earlier institutions favoured physical separation from the world as most conducive to that spiritual abandonment demanded by the Gospel teaching. This state of exile underwent a new interpretation when the mendicants chose the towns as sites for their monasteries. The canons regular followed the lead and combined monastic residence with a more nomadic apostolate. Later daring innovations sponsored by St. Vincent de Paul, Mary Ward and others, lowered the wall of separation between the cloister and the world without in any way abating the obligation of seeking perfection for those who felt the urge,to exercise their talents and energies in closer contact with the faithful. In our own time the Holy Spirit has inspired men to discover new forms of spiritual organisation and the secular institute brings associations of men and women into still closer contact with the world. The common life has been dispensed with and the associates may be subject to divers obediences. Yet they constitute a state of perfection and are bound by the three vows of poverty, chastity and obedience which are the hallmark of the religious life.. Father Perrin treats of this new development as a phenomenon in the progress of religious perfection. Commenting on the two papal documents Provida Mater Ecclesia and Primo Feliciter which constitute the charter of the movement, he uncovers the foundations which lie beneath the