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Utilizing the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) theory as a guiding framework, the current study examined the relationships between job demands (work role strain) and occupational outcomes (burnout and job satisfaction) and assessed how job resources (team member social support and leader social support) mitigated the impact of high job demands for U.S. Air Force remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operators. A total of 905 active duty U.S. Air Force RPA operators participated in a web-based occupational health assessment. Study findings confirmed that work role strain proved to be strongly related to negative occupational outcomes – increased burnout and reduced job satisfaction. Compelling evidence emerged suggesting that boosting job resources (i.e., team member and leader social support) may be a promising point of intervention to mitigate negative occupational outcomes. By investigating ongoing job demands that result in a higher incidence of burnout and job dissatisfaction, as well as job resources that protect against burnout and job dissatisfaction, researchers and practitioners can continue to introduce supportive resources at crucial points to alleviate the adverse consequences of occupational stress and burnout. Applying the JD-R theory to these findings highlights the importance of job resources for RPA operators and other employees working in high-risk, high-demand career fields. Implications and future directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Is there any association detectable between communication and trust in the aviation maintenance sector? Effective communication can have a positive contribution to safety in the aviation maintenance industry. In concert with trust, communication can also influence the detection of failures during the practice of maintenance in a civil and military aviation environment. This study explores the association between three factors: communication satisfaction, interpersonal trust and trust toward aviation maintenance maintenance software. To this end, a survey was conducted to diverse set of aviation maintenance professionals. A quantitative analysis was performed on the data collected, to identify possible interrelations among the three factors examined. For managers and subordinates, results showed that a substantial proportion of their communication satisfaction was explained by their levels of interpersonal trust. Differences in the communication satisfaction and software trust, between military and civil employees were also observed. The results of civil employees exhibit higher mean scores than that of military for all three factors. Overall, communication satisfaction was found to have a stronger association with interpersonal than with software trust. The mean scores of communication satisfaction and interpersonal trust increased across various levels of experience, with the differences between less and more experienced employees being statistically significant. This study identifies a positive association between communication and trust in aviation maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of the fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS), mature laying hens were treated with oestrogen (β-oestradiol-17-dipropionate or E2) and challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Oestrogen injections induced FLHS, but the incidence and severity of the condition was increased with a combination of E2 & LPS. Hepatic mRNA levels of the genes encoding key regulators of inflammation, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-18 (IL-18), were evaluated. The expression of IL-6 mRNA in hepatocytes of all treated groups (E2, LPS and E2 & LPS hens) was elevated from 6-fold to 56-fold (P < 0.01), when compared to baseline and control values, with the highest fold change at 3 h post-treatment. The mRNA levels for IL-1β were better expressed at 24 h post-treatments with E2, LPS and E2 & LPS. The expression of IL-18 mRNA in the liver tissue was lower than IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA in all treated birds. At 24 h post-treatment, total white blood cell (WBC) counts and fibrinogen levels were elevated (P < 0.05) in E2-, LPS- and E2- & LPS-treated hens. Histologically, livers of hens from E2- and E2- & LPS-treated groups revealed inflammatory alterations with areas showing mononuclear aggregations, vacuolar fatty degeneration of hepatocytes, and increased sinusoidal congestion and haemorrhages. It was concluded that liver lipid accumulation and injury were associated with incidences of local (hepatic) and systemic inflammation, which could have initiated liver blood vessel and capsule rupture and, subsequently, the onset of FLHS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Esophageal cancer is a deadly disease with high mortality. Treatment with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery continues to leave many patients with disease progression and recurrence. Novel treatments are needed for this patient population. The development of molecular markers are important for identifying therapeutic targets, as well as prognosis. Areas covered: This review evaluates three molecular markers in esophageal cancer: HER2, PD-L1, and MSI. The fundamentals of these markers, diagnosis, and rates of occurrence in esophageal cancer are explored. The prognostic potential of these markers is based on existing literature as well as application in clinical trials. Key trial findings pertaining to the therapeutic targets for HER2 and PD-1 as well as the role of MSI are discussed. Expert commentary: Molecular markers are changing the practice for esophageal cancer. Therapeutic targeting for HER2 and PD-L1 have shown positive results in recent clinical trials. Trials evaluating immunotherapy as first-line agents are currently underway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have implicated oestrogen as a factor in the induction of fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS). In this study, a refined laying hen model was employed to permit further investigations. Intramuscular (i.m.) injections of exogenous oestrogen as β-estradiol-17-dipropionate (E2) (5 mg/kg BW) were given every 4 days for 20 days to 30-week-old hens fed either ad libitum or with restricted feed intake. Elevated (P < 0.01) plasma oestrogen concentrations produced significant macroscopic and microscopic hepatic alterations. Hens in the E2-treated ad libitum fed (EAL) group experienced a higher incidence of FLHS than hens in the E2-treated restricted feed intake group, showing that birds with a higher feed intake are more at risk of developing FLHS. Histological examination of livers revealed that hens in the E2-treated ad libitum fed group had consistent and severe fat infiltration in the liver, and fat vacuolization within hepatocytes. Fat accumulation and fat droplets were found not only in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes but also in liver sinusoids. White blood cell counts and fibrinogen concentrations were altered (P < 0.01) in hens treated with E2 when compared with controls. Plasma fibrinogen concentrations were altered over time, and correlated with white blood cell counts (Pearson's correlation r = 0.96; P = 0.001). Hens treated with E2 had increased (P < 0.01) levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, confirming that E2 induced hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia. It was concluded that E2 successfully induced FLHS in hens, with typical systemic and hepatic events resulting from a disturbance in lipid metabolism and chronic low-grade inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid often receive fragmented and inefficient care. Using Minnesota fee-for-service claims, managed care encounters, and enrollment data for 2010–2012, we estimated the likely impact of Minnesota Senior Health Option (MSHO)—seen as the first statewide fully integrated Medicare-Medicaid model—on health care and long-term services and supports use, relative to Minnesota Senior Care Plus (MSC+), a Medicaid-only managed care plan with Medicare fee for service. Estimates suggest that MSHO enrollees had significantly higher use of primary care and, potentially, of community-based services, combined with lower use of hospital-based care than similar MSC+ enrollees. Adopting fully integrated care models like MSHO may have merit in other states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is general consensus that American youth could benefit from more physical activity. The traditional model of secondary school physical education has been less than successful in fostering significant in-school or out-of-school activity. A fitness center model may prove more productive in this regard, particularly as it relates to required attire, required showers, participation focus, choice of activity, choice of time, choice of instructor, and follow-up opportunities. A high school fitness center could offer relevant exercise options, instructor choices, and a variety of training decisions made by students. With an appropriate system for accountability, a fitness center focus on individual exercise and personal responsibility may facilitate student participation and attainment of fitness objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored patient experiences in home health care through a literature review, focus groups, and interviews. Our goal was to develop a conceptual map of home health care patient experience domains. The conceptual map identifies technical and personal spheres of care, relating prior studies to new focus group and interview findings and identifying the most important domains of care. Study participants (n = 35) most frequently reported the most important domain as staff who are caring, supportive, patient, empathetic, respectful, and considerate (endorsed by 29% of participants). The conceptual map includes 114 discrete domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Threat and Error Management (TEM) training, endorsed and recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), was mandated in Australia with the aim of improving aviation safety. However, to date, there has been very limited, if any, formal post-implementation review, assessment or evaluation to examine the ‘after-state’ in terms of the effectiveness of the introduction of TEM. This exploratory study, is a first step in examining how TEM is regarded among Australian general aviation pilots in terms of its use and effectiveness. Fifty-nine general aviation pilots participated in a survey. The survey results indicated a large decline in positive support for TEM compared with the findings of an earlier study. Other results from the current survey indicated a variable uptake of TEM principles and differing opinions as to its effectiveness, suggesting further study should be conducted in respect of TEM as an important safety initiative within Australian general aviation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the effects of provider characteristics on home health agency performance on patient experience of care (Home Health CAHPS) and process (OASIS) measures. Descriptive, multivariate, and factor analyses were used. While agencies score high on both domains, factor analyses showed that the underlying items represent separate constructs. Freestanding and Visiting Nurse Association agencies, higher number of home health aides per 100 episodes, and urban location were statistically significant predictors of lower performance. Lack of variation in composite measures potentially led to counterintuitive results for effects of organizational characteristics. This exploratory study showed the value of having separate quality domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hedgehogs (Erinaceous europaeus), rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) were 93.4% of 1390 mammal carcasses counted during 92 trips along a 63.2 km route, 2009–2014, through peri-urban and farmland habitats. Pukeko (Porphyriomelanotus) and swamp harriers (Circus approximans) constituted 29% of the 466 bird road-kill. Comparisons indicate the recovery of hedgehog and rabbit populations from declines to 2005 and 2009, respectively, and the increased suppression of possum populations, consistent with disease and pest control trajectories. Road-kill density was spatially and temporally aggregated. Seasonal peaks reflected species-specific periodicity in breeding and dispersal. Carcass densities varied positively with traffic volume and did not asymptote with increasing traffic up to 25,000 vehicles per day. Kill rates per vehicle were maintained at the highest traffic volumes. Busier roads were not avoided by wildlife and could be substantial demographic sinks and barriers to their spread. We discuss the implications for wildlife management and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Cytochromes P450 represent a family of enzymes, which are responsible for the oxidative metabolism of a wide variety of xenobiotics. Although the mammalian P450s require interactions with their redox partners in order to function, more recently, P450 system proteins have been shown to exist as multi-protein complexes that include the formation of P450•P450 complexes. Evidence has shown that the metabolism of some substrates by a given P450 can be influenced by the specific interaction of the enzyme with other forms of P450. Detailed kinetic analysis of these reactionsin vitrohas shown that the P450–P450 interactions can alter metabolism by changing the ability of a P450 to bind to its cognate redox partner, NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase; by altering substrate binding to the affected P450; and/or by changing the rate of a catalytic step of the reaction cycle. This review summarizes the known examples of P450–P450 interactions that have been shownin vitroto influence metabolism and categorizes them according to the mechanism(s) causing the effects. P450–P450 interactions have the potential to cause major changes in the metabolism and elimination of drugsin vivo. This review summarizes the evidence that the P450–P450 interactions influence metabolism in biological membranes and discusses the studies, which will provide further insight into the extent of these effects in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identified the business strategies and tactics employed by three financially successful Christian institutions of higher education to drive a positive net income. In addition, this study explored the linkages between operational decisions and the institutions' Christian mission. The three institutions in this study declared an uncompromising mission to educate students from a Christian worldview. The planning processes were consistently integrated into the routine structures and cycles, with the institutions' Christian identity being the lens through which planning was filtered. The investigated institutions also employed a business framework in their operations, intentionally living within their means by managing the effectiveness and efficiencies of the institution and by avoiding excessive debt. It was evident that strategic planning processes that included strong tactical planning and follow-through, combined with conservative fiscal management, were critical to the success of these private, not-for-profit Christian institutions. These institutions demonstrated that good fiscal business decisions, when made through the lens of the Christian mission or ethos, are evidence of good stewardship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pilot performance following unexpected critical events has been either ineffective or inappropriate in some recent aircraft accidents. The deleterious effects of startle have been identified as causal or contributory in these events. The startle reflex, fight or flight reaction, and stress response are discussed. Threat has the effect of potentiating startle effects and has significant deleterious effects on cognition. This could contribute to poor performance following an unexpected critical event in aviation. Training strategies for improved performance, which would expose pilots to unexpected critical events more often, and develop greater self-efficacy, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Since negative attitudes toward wildlife reduce support for biodiversity conservation, understanding the relationship between urban residents’ attitudes and their experience with wildlife problems is important. We surveyed households in Wellington City, New Zealand, and modeled the relationship between attitude toward birds, and biodiversity awareness and engagement. Planting trees to attract birds was the only predictor to provide substantial inference for attitude (ωi= 0.873). We then assessed how experiencing a problem with birds modified these relationships, finding that two models comprised the confidence model set (∑ωi≥ 0.95); planting for birds combined with the additive (ωi= 0.568) and interactive (ωi= 0.400) effects of experiencing a problem. Experience of a bird problem on its own did not influence attitude (ΔAIC = 17.50, ωi< 0.001). Attitude toward birds may be robust to experiencing minor problems, and may be related to a person’s experience and engagement with birds rather than negative experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Using a modification of a recently reported convenient synthesis of the isobutyl ester form of the bis(isothiocyanato) ruthenium dye (N3), we report the isolation and spectroscopic characterization of the minor isomer in which one NCS?is N-bound and the other is S-bound. The synthesis involves the reaction of Ru(iBu2dcbpy)2Cl2, whereiBu2dcbpy is the diisobutyl ester of 4,4?-dicarboxy-2,2?-bipyridine, with a source of thiocyanate. The impact of the isocyanate salt, solvent, and temperature on the yield of the linkage isomers is presented. In addition to the two linkage isomers1and2, the partially substituted chloroisothiocyanato complex3, Ru(iBu2dcbpy)2Cl(NCS), was also isolated. Selective removal of the chloride using silver triflate provided a path to [Ru(iBu2dcbpy)2(pyridine)(NCS)]OTf,4, in high yield. The complexes were characterized by1H and13C NMR, IR, and electronic absorption spectroscopies and mass spectrometry. At 80?°C in DMSO-d6, the isomerization of2to1is complete and exhibits first-order kinetics with a rate constant of 0.00014?s?1. Room temperature hydrolysis of the isobutyl ester groups of2using [nBu4?N]OH in acetonitrile produced a mixture of the two linkage isomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Morning report is an interactive case-based teaching session common to internal medicine training programs across North America. Description: We report here on a morning report web log (“blog”), created and updated after morning report sessions by the Chief Medical Resident with pertinent clinical topics, links to journal articles, and medical images. Trainees on their internal medicine rotation were e-mailed a web link with each posting. The aim was to enhance learning on clinical topics discussed at morning report by reinforcing topics and promoting further reading. Evaluation: The educational impact of the blog was evaluated using detailed web metrics and surveys of attendees. The intended audience spent on average more than 5 min reading the blog and viewed more than 3 pages per visit. Almost half of attendees accessed the blog after completing their internal medicine rotation. The blog was also accessed by a global audience. Trainees rated the blogs a useful learning tool and cited it to be among the top 3 educational resources accessed during their rotation. Conclusions: In summary, a morning report blog was perceived by learners to be an effective complement to case-based teaching sessions. The combination of novel web metrics and survey data allowed for a multifaceted evaluation of the educational impact of the blog. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

For several decades, dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) has been recognized as an important reactive intermediate in the atmospheric chemistry of nitrogen oxides and nitrate aerosol, especially during nighttime. However, due to the lack of ambient observations of N2O5, the nocturnal nitrogen oxide chemistry could not be quantified until recent years. The objective of the present article is to assess the current state-of-the-art knowledge of N2O5 dynamics within the tropospheric aerosol. An up-to-date summary of N2O5 chemistry and major loss mechanisms are provided. Furthermore, techniques for measuring ambient N2O5 and an overview of typical N2O5 levels in the troposphere are described. In addition, model representations of N2O5 chemistry are reviewed along with key features of N2O5 vertical profiles based on numerical simulations. Lastly, the article provides the outstanding uncertainties and needs for further research into the atmospheric chemistry of N2O5. These include the need for better characterization of N2O5 heterogeneous uptake under temperature conditions characteristic of mid- and high-latitude winter seasons; greater understanding of the influence of individual aerosol components on N2O5 uptake and representation of these components in atmospheric models; and comprehensive descriptions of nighttime vertical profiles of N2O5 and related pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two-stage conversion of [Zn(NiBu2)2]2 into nanocrystals of zinc oxide has been studied. The initial reaction of [Zn(NiBu2)2]2 with hexylamine in ether was conducted under nitrogen and required the addition of two hexylamines for each molecule of [Zn(NiBu2)2]2. After 18 h the clear precursor solution contained free diisobutylamine, [Zn(NiBu2)2]2 and an oligomeric zinc species. In the second stage of the reaction, the nitrogen atmosphere was replaced with a flow of moist air. Over a period of 2.5-4 days the water in the atmosphere hydrolyzed the zinc amide bonds, and the CO2 converted much of the hexylamine into hexylammonium hexylcarbamate, which served as the stabilizing surfactant. Based on powder X-ray diffraction there was a long period during which crystalline ZnO nucleated followed by relatively rapid growth. Replacing hexylamine with the bulky aniline derivative, 2,6-diisopropylaniline, in the first stage of the reaction made it possible to isolate and characterize a new crystalline dinuclear product, [Zn(NH-2,6-iPr2C6H3)2]2(HNiBu2), bearing two bridging and two terminal primary amido ligands. One of the zincs was tricoordinate, whereas the second zinc was four coordinate as a result of binding a molecule of diisobutylamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actual observations of black rhinoceros predation are rarely reported and are limited to two incidences involving subadults. Nevertheless, some authors attribute tail and ear deformities in up to 7.1% of some populations to predation attempts. In August 2008 we observed a mother with dependent c. 8-month-old female black rhinoceros calf in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa. The calf had a recently amputated tail, wounds to the anogenital region, right posterior flank and right side of the neck resembling a lion attack. Thirteen days later and on three subsequent occasions, the mother was sighted alone, suggesting that the calf had succumbed to its injuries. This incident provides evidence to suggest a link between attempted lion predation and tail amputation in black rhinoceros. Significantly, it implies that amputated tails and ears throughout Africa may represent failed depredation attempts and that calf predation may be more prevalent than previously appreciated. Predation is seldom considered in the management of black rhinoceros but should be when attributing cause to poor population performance of this critically endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compare the number of medium-sized animals (between rat and dog-size) killed repeated counts along the same 1660 km of North Island highways in 1984, 1994 and 2005 with other counts going back to 1949. Eleven mammal and bird species were recorded, but Australian possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) predominated, and pukekos (Porphyrio porphyrio), mynas (Acridotheres tristis), and Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) were the most common birds. Counts of possums, hedgehogs and rabbits ranged between 0.7 and 89 corpses/100 km, and changed dramatically over six decades. The possum count rose 80% between 1984 and 1994, but declined 60% by 2005. A possible irruption of hedgehogs reported in 1988-89, followed by an 82% decline in their numbers between 1994 and 2005. Although rabbit hemorrhagic disease was introduced to New Zealand in 1997, rabbit road-kill increased 59% between 1994 and 2005. The relationship between road-kill and traffic volume indicates that roads carrying more than 3000 vehicles per day act as barriers to larger mammals, while vehicles on less busy roads are more dangerous for crossing animals. We suggest that regular counts taken at annual intervals over the same roads is a useful method for gathering information about the changing distribution and relative abundance of certain animals on a provincial or national scale and over long periods of time. Regular counts at seasonal, monthly or weekly intervals are also a rich source of information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gefitinib (ZD1839, Iressa), a member of the 4-anilinoquinazoline class of compounds, has the chemical name 4-quinazolinamine, N-(3-chloro-4-flurophenyl)-7-methoxy-6-[3-(4-morpholinyl)propoxy]. Gefitinib often is referred to as a "specific" or "selective" inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR expression has been noted in neuroblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines and in tumor specimens from children with Wilms tumor, osteosarcoma, and glioma. Thus, gefitinib, the first marketed EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was chosen for study in children with refractory solid tumors and central nervous system (CNS) malignancies. This review discusses findings from 3 clinical trials of gefitinib in children with refractory solid tumors and CNS malignancies, focusing on the clinical pharmacology of the compound. To date, gefitinib has been studied in children as a single agent and in combination with irinotecan. Overall, the compound has been well tolerated in children and has a safety profile similar to that observed in adults. The clinical pharmacokinetics of gefitinib in children are similar to those observed in adults. Finally, the future for the use of gefitinib in pediatrics is similar to that of other molecularly targeted agents and awaits definition of tumors and patient populations in which it will be most advantageous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address reduced physical education (PE) in elementary schools, a 12-week physical activity protocol was tested on 5-12-year-old, primarily African American, girls (n = 226) and boys (n = 344) at 14 YMCA after-school care sites. The 3 times/week, 45-min session curriculum included cardiovascular, resistance, and flexibility training, in which all children could participate simultaneously, and a behavioral skills education component. After-school counselors, formerly untrained in PE methods, administered the sessions, with periodic supervision by YMCA wellness staff members. Analyses of the eight Age × Sex subsamples indicated significant improvements on body composition, strength, and endurance, both within-groups and when predicted changes due to maturation were accounted for Exercise barriers self-efficacy significantly increased in subsamples of 9-10- and 11-1 2-year-old girls only. The need for replication across ethnic groups was suggested. Limitations and the need for extension of research on supplementation of elementary school PE were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes a rural proprietary home health agency's successful initiative to adapt a previously tested medication management model and integrate it into existing processes of care. The rationale to improve medication management in response to current national fiscal, clinical and external quality measures and evolution of this process in the agency is detailed. The agency refined the model's screening procedures, incorporating them into the mandated OASIS assessment and then computerizing the medication risk analysis, in keeping with the original intent of the model. In a four-month pilot test of the computerized risk assessment procedure 1006 OASIS assessments were screened; risk factors for medication-related problems in 201 (19.9%) resulted in pharmacist review. Of these, 30 (17%) were ruled out as potential medication errors, 143 (82.6%) were found with potential MRP and 58 (33.5%) had evidence of problems warranting follow-up. With this computer-assisted process, the agency created a more comprehensive assessment that was in line with the new regulatory emphasis on patient outcomes. Consultant pharmacist services also transitioned from drug regimen review to more comprehensive medication therapy management. By enhancing efficiencies in its medication management program, an agency not only stands to improve quality of care, but also to maximize resources, making the intervention affordable to implement and decreasing burden on staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some state Medicaid programs have attempted to shift home health care costs to Medicare by using retrospective Medicare maximization billing practices. We used a two-part model with random effects to analyze whether retrospective billing practices increase Medicare expenditures for dual eligibles by analyzing primary data collected from 47 state Medicaid offices supplemented with Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) data from 1992-1997. Retrospective billing practices were projected to increase Medicare home health care expenditures by $73.8 million over six years, although this was not statistically significant. We also found significantly higher Medicare spending in states with lower Medicaid spending levels, suggesting that states with high Medicaid utilization have potential to shift some of these expenditures to Medicare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temporal and spatial distribution of decorin transcripts, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle actin-producing cells were determined during the progression of atherosclerosis in the dorsal aortas of Japanese quail selected for cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis. The quail were placed on either a control diet or a diet containing 0.5% added cholesterol at approximately 16 weeks of age. Dorsal aortas were collected at 2-week intervals for 18 weeks after initiating cholesterol feeding. In situ hybridization for decorin showed the presence of decorin transcripts in the dorsal aorta intima of cholesterol-fed birds beginning at 6 weeks and continuing through the duration of the study. However, in the control-fed birds, decorin transcripts were not found in the intima but were prominent in the adventitia. In cholesterol-fed birds, immunohistochemical localization for endothelial cells showed that intima areas positive for decorin transcripts colocalized with both the endothelial cells and smooth muscle cell layers. In contrast in the control-fed birds, decorin transcripts aligned with the smooth muscle cell layers and not the endothelial cells. These results are suggestive of a potential role for endothelial cells in intimal decorin expression during atherosclerotic plaque formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Part III. Presents a study that estimated the magnitude of possible sinks for forest floor nitrogen (N) along the 26-year post-clearcutting chronosequence in the Pacific silver fir and western hemlock ecosystems on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Factors that determine a simulation model's ability to predict future forest growth and harvestible values; Total biomass and N-content of various components of the overstory and understory vegetation; Leaching losses of N.

Part IV. Describes a forest floor nitrogen (N) budget model that uses the estimated rates of N inputs and outputs to the forest floor to calculate forest floor N storage along the chronosequence. Reason that the link between empirical data and forest management policy remains weak; Denitrification rates; Discrepancy between modeled and measured forest floor N storage.

Part I. Presents a study that aimed to monitor the timing and magnitude of changes in forest floor depth, mass, and nitrogen-capital after clearcutting on southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Definition of clearcutting; Factors that regulate changes in forest floor properties; Factors affecting decomposition rates.

Part II. Presents a study that documented the temporal pattern of soil-nitrogen (N) associated with a post-clearcutting chronosequence in the Coastal Western Hemlock zone of British Columbia. Comparison between the indices of soil-N availability in a 400-year-old stand and neighboring clearcuts and the historical tree growth patterns and foliar-N concentrations of current-year needles; Reason that the needle-N concentration of Pacific silver fir was chosen over that of hemlock as a bioassay of soil-N availability; Discussion on N-mineralization rates.

Bulky lateral carboxylate substituents were introduced at the benzylic position of 2,5-bis[4-(n-perfluoroheptyloctyloxy)benzoyloxy]toluene by esterification of the corresponding benzyl bromide with potassium carboxylates. In spite of the bulky lateral substituents, none of the 2,5-bis[4-(n-perfluoroheptyloctyloxy)benzoyloxy]benzyl carboxylates exhibit a nematic mesophase in addition to, or instead of, the smectic mesophases. All of the crystalline and SmC-SmA transition temperatures and, with the exception of the 9-anthracene carboxylate derivative, all of the isotropization temperatures of the resulting 2,5-bis[4-(n-perfluoroheptyloctyloxy)benzoyloxy]benzyl carboxylates are lower than those of the parent toluene compound. The SmC-SmA transition decreases the most, thereby stabilizing the SmA mesophase. In most cases, the SmC mesophase is destabilized from an enantiotropic to a monotropic mesophase. There is no correlation between any of the transition temperatures and the size of the lateral substituent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rorschach structural summary data are presented for a group of 41 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients who were being treated in a specialized inpatient PTSD treatment program. Results suggest that patients suffering from PTSD exhibit impaired reality-testing abilities and tend to utilize ineffective coping strategies. The group's structural summary factors are presented as incipient normative data for the Exner Comprehensive System on patients with PTSD. implications that these protocols suggest a more severe and pervasive level of psychopathology than would be expected from theoretical descriptions of the disorder are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents several correspondence on concerning statistics. Views on the manuscript quality control; Approximation of the normal cumulative distribution; Availability of spreadsheet programs to students and business professionals for calculating normal cumulative distribution function.

Offers a profile of drug use and attitudes among junior high school-age youth from three types of midwestern communities. Attitudes toward drug use; Variations between and among groups by gender, age, grade level, ethnicity and community size.

Evaluates the efficacy of using flight simulators in combat skills training in the U.S. Importance of flight simulators on aircraft systems; Enhancement on the skills of aviators; Analysis on the paradigms used in conducting training evaluations.

The article discusses the relationship between psychological reactance and self-esteem. Psychological reactance is a counterforce that is aroused when an individual's freedom is threatened or eliminated. Reactance theorists found that reactions to violence, patient responses to therapy, and workplace behaviors have been partially explained in terms of psychological reactance theory. Given these findings, researchers S.M. Hong and S. Page developed the Hong Psychological Reactance Scale, which is a valid and reliable measurement of psychological reactance. A study found that psychological reactance is related to such personality characteristics as trait anger, locus of control, and depression.

The article discusses social and sexual Relationships of lesbians. A study was conducted on thirty white females homosexuals living in New York city, Their occupation covered a large number of fields. some of the respondents report going to gay bars for lesbians. Like heterosexual couples and male homosexuals these women tend to run in cliques, with a few intimate and trusted friends. There are not much differences among Lesbian lovers in social status. There is a good deal visiting around to the various homes of friends and close cliques of friends usually include the lovers. most of the social relationship of these women involve other lesbians. Lots of differences were reported among homosexual gays men and women one of which is that the majority of the lesbians lived with another woman, either lover or roommate whereas almost all of the men lived alone; of those who did live with another man it was with a friend, not a lover, There appears to be less promiscuity and greater fidelity among Lesbians than among male homosexuals.

In this study, the authors have examined the masturbation practices of both male and female college students, attempting to test some of the premises long held that men and women differ significantly in such practices. The findings indicate that while there are differences in many of the variables examined, there are others which show striking similarities. Thus, they open to question a number of assumptions held regarding differences in sexual needs and responses of males and females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]