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The goal of this study was to further investigate the role of endogenous APGWamide levels in imposex induction in snails. APGWamide is a common neurotransmittor/neuromodulator peptide found in many species of molluscs, and is often related to sex organ growth or reproductive behavior. Mud snails (Ilyanassa obsoleta) were collected from the Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve near Beaufort, NC, and were dosed with the environmental contaminant tributyltin (TBT), testosterone (T), or solvent vehicle (EtOH/ saline) controls. Both TBT and T have been shown previously to induce female snails to grow penises (a condition termed imposex), and to increase male penis size. Male normalized penis length was correlated to endogenous APGWamide levels (as measured by Western blotting of whole animal homogenates, [r.sup.2] = 0.475), and control males had significantly higher APGWamide levels than control females. All TBT-treated animals, (male, female, and imposex) had levels of APGWamide similar to control males and significantly higher than control females. In testosterone treated animals, APGWamide levels were the same as controls and it is likely that testosterone interferes with a downstream signaling event to induce imposex. In addition, immunohistochemistry for APGWamide expression in abdominal areas was done on female, male and imposex snails collected from the wild. The pattern of APGWamide in imposex snails was similar to male snails, showing large patches of immuno-reactive areas in the top portion of the visceral mass. In female snails, no areas of cross-reactivity were found.

A retrospective review of the against medical advice (AMA) discharges revealed that the majority of the patients left AMA for personal reasons, i.e., sickness or death in the family; reconciliation with spouse, girl friend, or family members; financial problems; and legal issues such as a court date. Strategies to reduce AMA discharges and increase patient retention in treatment are suggested. Key Words: AMA; Strategies; Patient retention; AMA discharges., INTRODUCTION The hospitalized patient who requests discharge against medical advice (AMA) frequently frustrates psychiatrists and other health care providers. The frustration undoubtedly stems from a number of factors including concern [...]

The progenitors of the Drosophila central nervous system (CNS), called neuroblasts, segregate from the neurectoderm of the early embryo in a stereotyped pattern. The neuroblasts that give rise to the brain segregate from the procephalic neurectoderm and form three neuromeres, called protocerebrum, deuterocerebrum, and tritocerebrum. The expression of the proneural genes of the achaete-scute complex (AS-C) is required for neurectodermal cells to acquire the competency to form neuroblasts. We show here that the expression of the proneural gene lethal of scute (l'sc) is required for the development of the majority of the procephalic neuroblasts. l'sc expression in the procephalic neurectoderm is controlled by the head gap genes tailless (tll), orthodenticle (otd), buttonhead (btd), and empty spiracles (ems), which are expressed in partially overlapping domains of the head neurectoderm. Loss of function of a given head gap gene results in the absence of l'sc expression in its domain, followed by the absence of neuroblasts that would normally segregate from this domain. Loss of tll function results in the absence of all protocerebral neuroblasts. otd functions in a domain that includes a large part of the protocerebrum and a smaller part of the adjacent deuterocerebrum. Both eros and btd are required in partially overlapping subsets of neuroblasts of the deuterocerebrum and tritocerebrum.

To evaluate the reliability and validity of estimates of drug use obtained through multiple-site central-location sampling, data from the Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS), collected annually beginning in 1987, are tracked longitudinally and compared with data collected through traditional household interviews. Comparisons with demographic estimates from Current Population Surveys indicate that central-location sampling can provide a broadly representative sample of the adult population. However, there is some coverage bias in central-locat sampling, most notably in the underrepresentation of adults who do not have high school diplomas. Sample estimates obtained from central-location sampling are consistent over time. Basic demographic characteristics of the samples-education, income, marital status, and area of residence-vary by less than 5% across the four waves of the tracking study. Prevalence estimates of self-reported drug use demonstrate an even higher degree of consistency over time. Comparisons of PATS and National Household Survey of Drug Abuse data and the Monitoring the Future data indicate a higher level of drug use and a lower level of perceived risk of occasional use among PATS respondents. While the trends in use and perceived risk reported in all studies are similar, we suggest that perceived threats to confidentiality and anonymity often result in significant underreporting of drug use, particularly in household surveys. Sample estimate differences are attributed to sampling and measurement error. Some discrepancy in prevalence estimates is associated with the fact that the PATS sample is not a true probability sample; as a result, the sampling error of the overall study cannot be estimated precisely. It is also likely that the difference in estimates between the studies is a product of th decreased measurement error of PATS methodology. In central-location sampling, respondents are completely anonymous and may feel more comfortable in providing honest answers about illicit activities such as drug use. The potential applications of this methodology are discussed., INTRODUCTION It is a well-documented fact that the quality of survey data is in part determined by the mode of the 'interview,' particularly when sensitive issues are involved. (Gfoerer and [...]

Institutional researchers can play a key role in linking basic, policy, and evaluation research to improve teaching and learning. Potential intervention points to improve teaching and learning, types of research, institutional research role, learners and teachers, curriculum content, etc. are discussed. (MLW)