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Career development research has often explored gender differences in and development of career patterns (Gottfredson, 2006). Hyde's (2005) meta-analysis indicated that men and women shared more similarities than differences. Applying Hyde's gender similarities hypothesis to careers, the authors conducted a 2-stage study. Stage 1 was an analysis of career choices of couples (a socioeconomically and educationally advantaged group) announcing their wedding in the "New York Times." Stage 2 was a comparison of a "New York Times" wedding cohort with a cohort from 11 other U.S. newspapers, examining national trends and exploring generalizability of the findings from Stage 1 of the study. Results revealed that there are shifting trends in career choices, most notably in the legal profession. (Contains 3 tables.)

Background: Limited evidence exists on real-world outcomes with ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) treatment and the effectiveness of subsequent therapies. Objective: This study evaluated treatment patterns and outcomes of patients treated with T-DM1 and post-T-DM1 therapy in the United States. Patients and methods: Adult patients with HER2-positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer (mBC) initiating treatment with T-DM1 between 1/1/2013 and 9/30/2018 were included and followed through 12/31/2018. Data were obtained from the iKnowMed electronic health record. Demographic, clinical, and pre- and post-T-DM1 treatment characteristics were described. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate time to treatment discontinuation (TTD) and overall survival (OS). Results: Of 318 patients treated with T-DM1, 184 (57.9%) had prior treatment with pertuzumab. The median age was 58 years. Most patients had visceral disease (93.4%), and 62.3% had two or more prior treatments for mBC before T-DM1 (range 0–9). The most common subsequent regimens were trastuzumab + vinorelbine (22.5%), HER2-targeted monotherapy (22.5%), and trastuzumab + other chemotherapy (19.6%). Median TTD with T-DM1 was 5.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.6–6.9); median OS from the start of T-DM1 therapy was 19.2 months (95% CI 16.8–24.5). Conclusions: Patients treated with T-DM1 in this study appeared to have more advanced disease than patients in clinical trials and were treated in later lines of therapy. Variability was observed across subsequent therapy selections. Treatment patterns and outcomes appeared comparable for patients who received prior pertuzumab. The short treatment durations and survival with T-DM1 therapy in the real-world setting underscore the need for effective post-trastuzumab therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background At the start of the 2019–2020 influenza season, concern arose that circulating B/Victoria viruses of the globally emerging clade V1A.3 were antigenically drifted from the strain included in the vaccine. Intense B/Victoria activity was followed by circulation of genetically diverse A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses that were also antigenically drifted. We measured vaccine effectiveness (VE) in the United States against illness from these emerging viruses. Methods We enrolled outpatients aged ≥6 months with acute respiratory illness at 5 sites. Respiratory specimens were tested for influenza by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Using the test-negative design, we determined influenza VE by virus subtype/lineage and genetic subclades by comparing odds of vaccination in influenza cases versus test-negative controls. Results Among 8845 enrollees, 2722 (31%) tested positive for influenza, including 1209 (44%) for B/Victoria and 1405 (51%) for A(H1N1)pdm09. Effectiveness against any influenza illness was 39% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 32–44), 45% (95% CI: 37–52) against B/Victoria and 30% (95% CI: 21–39) against A(H1N1)pdm09-associated illness. Vaccination offered no protection against A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses with antigenically drifted clade 6B.1A 183P-5A+156K HA genes (VE 7%; 95% CI: –14 to 23%) which predominated after January. Conclusions Vaccination provided protection against influenza illness, mainly due to infections from B/Victoria viruses. Vaccine protection against illness from A(H1N1)pdm09 was lower than historically observed effectiveness of 40%–60%, due to late-season vaccine mismatch following emergence of antigenically drifted viruses. The effect of drift on vaccine protection is not easy to predict and, even in drifted years, significant protection can be observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The federal Right-to-Try (RTT) Act created an alternate regulatory pathway for preapproval access to investigational drugs. A few studies have examined the experiences of physicians with the Food and Drug Administration's Expanded Access Programs, but to our knowledge, no study has yet to examine their attitudes and experiences toward RTT.Methods: This study explored the views of 21 oncologists at a major cancer center with 3 main sites across the United States using semi-structured interviews and qualitative analysis. Participants were selected to have experience with Expanded Access Programs.Results: Most oncologists had limited familiarity with RTT, and several reported confusion about the legislation, including whether patients have a right to investigational drugs and an obligation for companies to provide them. Although oncologists were interested in decreased regulatory burdens, 3 areas of concern were articulated: lack of safety and oversight, unclear structure and no provision for data collection, and potential heightening of patient expectations. Only 4 oncologists had experience discussing RTT, and none formally attempted to obtain the drug through this mechanism. Participants questioned the practicality of RTT legislation and suggested alternative ways to improve access.Conclusions: The study provides foundational empirical data underlying challenging ambiguities by experienced oncologists familiar with off-trial use of investigational therapeutics and reaffirms the role of physicians and regulatory bodies in mitigating the risks of investigational drugs. Our findings highlight the need for medical centers to inform oncologists about RTT and other preapproval pathways so that they are able to address questions from patients interested in nontrial investigational drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of elucidating the primary mechanisms constraining the assembly and distribution of biodiversity remains among the central unresolved challenges facing the field of ecology. Simulation studies and experimental manipulations have focused on how patterns in community assembly result from bivariate relationships along productivity or environmental gradients. However, the joint influence of multiple resource gradients on the distribution of species richness in natural communities remains understudied. Using data from a large network of multiscale vegetation plots across forests and woodlands of the southeastern United States, we find significant evidence for the scale‐dependent, joint constraints of forest structure and soil resources on the distribution of vascular plant species richness. In addition to their significant partial effects on species richness, understory light levels and soil fertility positively interact, suggesting a trade‐off between the two limiting resources with species richness peaking both in high‐light, low‐fertility conditions as well as low‐light, high‐fertility settings. This finding provides a novel perspective on the biodiversity–productivity relationship that suggests a transition in limiting resources from soil nutrients to light availability when enhanced productivity results in reduced light resources for subordinate individuals. Results likewise have meaningful implications for our understanding of scale‐dependent community assembly processes as size‐asymmetric competition replaces environmental filtering as the primary assembly mechanism structuring temperate forest communities along an increasing soil fertility gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article argues that U.S. Congress must pass a federal shield law affording journalists a qualified evidentiary privilege in order to resolve the differences to ensure the freedom of the press while balancing the need for journalistic integrity and national security concerns. It mentions legal background surrounding federal shield laws and overview of evidentiary privileges and subpoenas. It also mentions arguments made in support and opposition to a federal shield law.

Introduction. This study was designed to describe demographic and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with advanced or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and to examine treatment and healthcare resource utilization patterns of this patient population in a United States (US) community-based oncology practice setting over time. Methods and Materials. A retrospective observational study was conducted within the US Oncology Network (USON). Patients were eligible if they were diagnosed with advanced or metastatic STS and were treated at a USON site between 01 July 2015 and 31 August 2018. Demographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics were described for the overall study population. Comparisons between patients by time period (prior to and after October 2016) were evaluated using the T test for continuous variables and chi-squared test for categorical variables. Data were available for analysis through 31 August 2018. Results. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the eligible study cohort (N = 376) were similar between patients who initiated treatment before and after October 2016 (all p > 0.05). Forty-three unique regimens were observed in the first-line setting, with the predominant regimen (gemcitabine + docetaxel) received by 33.2% (n = 125) patients. Prior to October 2016, 45.4% of patients received first-line gemcitabine + docetaxel, while 29.0% received this regimen after October 2016. Conclusions. While demographic and clinical characteristics were similar, treatment patterns changed in 2016. Future research should evaluate the impact of changing drug approvals and clinical trial results on future treatment patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early-stage lung cancer survivors are a growing population. A comprehensive plan to address needs relevant to longer survival (e.g., psychological distress, persistent symptoms, physical function) and clinic capacity is necessary. How to deliver comprehensive survivorship care that meets national standards and results in improved patient outcomes is a challenge. Survivorship clinics staffed by advanced practice providers (APP) are an option to address these needs. In June 2019, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center (AHWFB-CCC) opened a dedicated survivorship clinic. Stakeholders from the lung cancer disease-oriented team developed a standard referral pathway for patients to survivorship. A standard workflow was developed in the electronic medical record. Eligible lung cancer survivors were referred to the Lung Cancer Survivorship Clinic for a survivorship orientation visit (SOV) with a lung cancer specific APP. Prior to the SOV, a welcome video, disease-specific questionnaire, and electronic patient reported outcome (ePRO) tools (i.e., PROMIS-29 and Distress Thermometer) were sent to the patients' electronic chart. At the SOV, the ePRO responses and survivorship care plan were reviewed. Patients were offered a post visit survey. A comparison of PROMIS-29 Scores to the United States (US) lung cancer survivor population was performed using a T-test. PROMIS-29 T-score responses based on treatment modality were also compared using T-test. Results: From January 2020 to March 2023, 315 lung cancer patients completed a SOV. Most patients were able to complete the pre-visit questions via the electronic chart. AHWFB-CCC survivors reported improved PROMIS-29 T-Scores compared to the average United States (US) early-stage lung cancer survivor, with meaningfully better scores (≥ 3 pts) in four of the seven health-related domains measured. PROMIS-29 T-Scores did not differ by treatment modality (all p values >0.05). Most patients found the SOV helpful and expressed better understanding of their cancer treatment and side effects after the SOV. Our model of an optimized electronic medical record pathway paired with an APP led survivorship visit is feasible and can address current challenges in providing survivorship care to early-stage lung cancer survivors. Survivors had similar ePROs regardless of treatment modality, indicating their survivorship care could be consolidated. Future evaluation is needed to establish if this care model improves outcomes over subsequent visits, minimizes the effect of health disparities, or enhances care capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas , are found throughout the continental United States in waters in which salinity can change with tides and temperatures vary seasonally. They have been used extensively in studies of environmental toxicology and are commercially important. In a very recent study in our labs RNA Seq was used to assemble transcriptomes from the gills of fatheads acclimated to either 5° or 22 °C. By comparison with published genomes, transcripts were identified for a number of ion transporters, ion channels, and signal molecule receptors, as well as enzymes that generate ammonia. H-ATPase and Na/K-ATPase activities were measured in supernatants of gill homogenates from fish acclimated to water sodium concentrations of 1.6, 3.1 or 124 mM sodium. As the water sodium concentration increased, in vitro activities of Na/K-ATPase activity and gill glutamate dehydrogenase activity decreased while H-ATPase activity increased. In a second series of experiments minnows were acclimated to 5 °C, 12.5 °C or 22 °C. In vitro activity of Na/K-ATPase decreased but activities of H-ATPase and glutamate dehydrogenase increased as temperature increased in gill membranes. These data do not support a primary role for apical H-ATPase in sodium influx under all conditions but do suggest a role for glutamate dehydrogenase production of ammonium to act as a counter-ion for sodium uptake by NHE-3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the need to reevaluate the U.S. strategic force posture. Debates regarding the size and deployment mode of the small intercontinental ballistic missile or 'Midgetman' points; Confrontations over the production of the nuclear-tipped 'missile experimental' or MX; Full-scale engineering of weapons in the U.S.

Background: A single subtype of canine influenza virus (CIV), A(H3N8), was circulating in the United States until a new subtype, A(H3N2), was detected in Illinois in spring 2015. Since then, this CIV has caused thousands of infections in dogs in multiple states.Methods: In this study, genetic and antigenic properties of the new CIV were evaluated. In addition, structural and glycan array binding features of the recombinant hemagglutinin were determined. Replication kinetics in human airway cells and pathogenesis and transmissibility in animal models were also assessed.Results: A(H3N2) CIVs maintained molecular and antigenic features related to low pathogenicity avian influenza A(H3N2) viruses and were distinct from A(H3N8) CIVs. The structural and glycan array binding profile confirmed these findings and revealed avian-like receptor-binding specificity. While replication kinetics in human airway epithelial cells was on par with that of seasonal influenza viruses, mild-to-moderate disease was observed in infected mice and ferrets, and the virus was inefficiently transmitted among cohoused ferrets.Conclusions: Further adaptation is needed for A(H3N2) CIVs to present a likely threat to humans. However, the potential for coinfection of dogs and possible reassortment of human and other animal influenza A viruses presents an ongoing risk to public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2016, a total of 18 human infections with influenza A(H3N2) virus occurred after exposure to influenza-infected swine at 7 agricultural fairs. Sixteen of these cases were the result of infection by a reassorted virus with increasing prevalence among US swine containing a hemagglutinin gene from 2010-11 human seasonal H3N2 strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine the cost-effectiveness of gastric band surgery in overweight but not obese people who receive standard diabetes care.Method: A microsimulation model (United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study outcomes model) was used to project diabetes outcomes and costs from a two-year Australian randomized trial of gastric band (GB) surgery in overweight but not obese people (BMI 25 to 30kg/m2) on to a comparable population of U.S. adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (N=254). Estimates of cost-effectiveness were calculated based on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for different treatment scenarios. Costs were inflated to 2015 U.S. dollar values and an ICER of less than $50,000 per QALY gained was considered cost-effective.Results: The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for GB surgery at two years exceeded $90,000 per quality-adjusted life year gained but decreased to $52,000, $29,000 and $22,000 when the health benefits of surgery were assumed to endure for 5, 10 and 15 years respectively. The cost-effectiveness of GB surgery was sensitive to utility gained from weight loss and, to a lesser degree, the costs of GB surgery. However, the cost-effectiveness of GB surgery was affected minimally by improvements in HbA1c, systolic blood pressure and cholesterol.Conclusions: GB surgery for overweight but not obese people with T2D appears to be cost-effective in the U.S. setting if weight loss endures for more than five years. Health utility gained from weight loss is a critical input to cost-effectiveness estimates and therefore should be routinely measured in populations undergoing bariatric surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the 2016-17 influenza season (October 2, 2016-May 20, 2017) in the United States, influenza activity* was moderate. Activity remained low through November, increased during December, and peaked in February nationally, although there were regional differences in the timing of influenza activity. Influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominated through mid-March and were predominant overall for the season, but influenza B viruses were most commonly reported from late March through May. This report summarizes influenza activity in the United States during October 2, 2016-May 20, 2017† and updates the previous summary (1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:In the United States, an emphasis on evidence-based decision-making in education has received renewed interest with the recent passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act. However, how best, in practice, to support the use of evidence in educational decision-making remains unclear. Research Practice Partnerships (RPPs) are a popular strategy for cultivating evidence-based decision-making among educators, but understanding the ways in which partnerships can influence educators’ use of research evidence in their decision-making is limited. Purpose:This paper explores the influence that Research Practice Partnerships can have on educators’ evidence-based decision-making. Sources of evidence:A framework is offered for examining the impact of Research Practice Partnerships on behaviours such as educators’ evidence-based decision-making, in the context of school and district improvement efforts. The framework suggests a host of intermediary and long-term outputs: for example, the ‘mindsets’ of researchers and practitioners which are most conducive to enabling evidence-based decision-making among those engaged in Research Practice Partnerships. We explore this framework through short illustrations of the experiences of three Research Practice Partnerships, contextualising the ideas within the literature, and presenting the process of our design and pilot of a survey instrument used to examine the perceived impact of Research Practice Partnerships. Main argument:We argue that participants’ self-reported behaviours and perceptions are important elements in examining the influence of Research Practice Partnerships on educators’ evidence-based decision-making. Additionally, this paper examines the potential benefits and challenges of attempting to measure the outputs and outcomes of a Research Practice Partnership using a survey measure. Conclusions:The process of developing the pilot survey suggests that certain conditions in Research Practice Partnerships may be more conducive to the development among educators of behaviours, mindsets and perceptions associated with evidence-based decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of exhibition swine in influenza A virus transmission was recently demonstrated by >300 infections with influenza A(H3N2) variant viruses among individuals who attended agricultural fairs. Through active influenza A virus surveillance in US exhibition swine and whole-genome sequencing of 380 isolates, we demonstrate that exhibition swine are actively involved in the evolution of influenza A viruses, including zoonotic strains. First, frequent introduction of influenza A viruses from commercial swine populations provides new genetic diversity in exhibition pigs each year locally. Second, genomic reassortment between viruses cocirculating in exhibition swine increases viral diversity. Third, viral migration between exhibition swine in neighboring states demonstrates that movements of exhibition pigs contributes to the spread of genetic diversity. The unexpected frequency of viral exchange between commercial and exhibition swine raises questions about the understudied interface between these populations. Overall, the complexity of viral evolution in exhibition swine indicates that novel viruses are likely to continually reemerge, presenting threats to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses overall influenza activity in the U.S. between October 4 and November 28, 2015. Topics include pneumonia- and influenza-associated morbidity, geographic spread of influenza activity, antiviral resistance of influenza viruses, and percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza reported by clinical laboratories.

The article presents a study on the integration of featured films into introductory methods for special education courses among schools in the U.S. The study examines the use of popular media to college students to incorporate subjects of foreign language, literature, history, anthropology and religion. The study also cites the results of the study which highlights the exceptionality of movie characters, movie theme and movie abilities.

The article presents an update on influenza activity in the U.S. from September 28, 2014 to February 21, 2015. Topics discussed include an increase in the percentage of specimens that tested positive for influenza based on the findings of World Health Organization (WHO) and National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System laboratories. Information is also presented on novel influenza A viruses that were discovered and antigenic and genetic characterization of influenza viruses.

In this Viewpoint, CDC authors discuss the unusually low circulation of influenza virus in the US during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, and implications for clinical practice and public health including the accuracy of diagnostic testing and the effectiveness of population mitigation strategies for influenza control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is evidence that earlier initiation of HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) is associated with better outcomes, including lower morbidity and mortality. Based on recent studies indicating that Medicaid enrollees are more likely to have suboptimal access to medical care, we hypothesized that HIV severity at time of ART initiation is worse for Medicaid patients than patients with other health care coverage. We conducted a US retrospective analysis of GE Centricity Outpatient Electronic Medical Records spanning 1 January 1997 through 30 September 2009. Subjects included all adult HIV patients initiating first-line ART who had CD4+ results within 90 days pre-initiation. HIV stage was defined using CD4 ranges: >500 (n=520), 351–500 (n=379), 201–350 (n=580), or ≤200 (n=406) cells/mm3, with lower CD4 count being indicative of increased disease severity. Payer type was defined as the patient's primary payer: Medicaid, Medicare, commercial insurance, self-pay or other/unknown. After controlling for demographic and clinical covariates, cumulative logit models assessed the effect of payer type on HIV stage at ART initiation. The study included 1885 subjects with the primary payer being Medicaid (n=218), Medicare (n=330), commercial insurance (n=538), self-pay (n=159) or other/unknown (n=640). Final logit models demonstrated that, compared to patients on Medicaid, the odds of initiating ART at a higher CD4 range were significantly greater for those commercially insured (odds ratio [OR]=1.53;P=0.005), self-paying (OR=1.56;P=0.023) and other/unknown (OR=1.79;P<0.001) and similar for patients enrolled in Medicare (OR=1.11;P=0.521). Medicaid patients initiated ART at a more advanced stage of HIV than patients who were commercially insured, self-paying, or had other/unknown coverage. With HIV treatment guidelines now supporting ART initiation in patients with higher CD4 counts, these findings underscore the need for mitigating barriers, particularly in the Medicaid population, that may delay treatment initiation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act pledges billions of dollars to fund NGOs combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic but requires recipients to adopt a policy explicitly opposing prostitution and sex trafficking. A possible recipient NGO confronts a tough decision: adopt an affirmative statement against prostitution and sex trafficking to accept the funds, alienating a vital partner in its efforts to eradicate HIV/AIDS; or deny the funds to speak its own message, though without the benefit of government assistance. Courts are split on whether the Leadership Act's policy requirement places an unconstitutional condition on federal funds that requires grant recipients to surrender their First Amendment right to freedom of speech by compelling speech and impermissibly discriminating on the basis of viewpoint. This Note addresses the circuit split that has resulted from differing conceptions of what constitutes compelled speech, what conditions act as a penalty, and what conditions suppress alternate viewpoints. To resolve this split, this Note adopts the framework of analysis used by dissenting Judge Chester Straub in the Second Circuit and applies his framework to assert that the Leadership Act's policy requirement unconstitutionally denies NGOs the ability to express alternate messages with nonfederal funds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire can have dramatic effects on the vital rates of plant species and has been used successfully for management in a number of ecosystems. However, the demographic response of species to fire in fire-dependent ecosystems is variable, making it important to study the effects of fire on rare and threatened species. We quantified the effects of fire on Astragalus michauxii and Pyxidanthera brevifolia, two rare endemics of the longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystem of the southeastern USA, by means of periodic matrix models to project the effect of fire frequency on population growth. In contrast to many species in the longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystem, fire had short-term negative effects on both species, causing reductions in survival, size, flowering, and fruit production. Relative to the three-year fire intervals to which the study populations are currently exposed, more frequent burning is projected to cause population decline, with the most dramatic effects under annual burning. Although the current longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystem is fire dependent and has experienced frequent fire for at least several thousand years, we propose that the two endemic species may be remnants from a past vegetation assemblage that experienced less frequent fire and thus may be adapted to longer fire-return intervals compared to other species currently in the ecosystem. Despite the short-term negative effects of fire on the vital rates of these species, longer-term benefits such as reduction of woody encroachment and litter removal may be important for the ultimate success of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the relationships between social status, perceived discrimination, and physical and emotional health using a nationally representative sample of 6,377 older adults from the 2006 and 2008 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. About 63% of older adults reported at least one type of everyday discrimination and 31% reported at least one major discriminatory event during lifetime. Blacks, those separated, divorced, or widowed, and those with lower household assets have higher levels of perceived discrimination than Whites, the married or partnered, and those with more assets. Perceived discrimination is negatively associated with changes in health over 2 years, and everyday discrimination has stronger effects than major discriminatory events, especially on emotional health. The effects of perceived everyday discrimination on changes in depressive symptoms and self-rated health are independent of general stress. Efforts to reduce discrimination, including perceptions of discrimination, can be beneficial for health in old age. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Conversion to agriculture and plantations, development, and fire suppression have reduced the extent of savannas in the southeastern United States, and there is a need to catalog and classify the remaining savannas for both restoration and resource management purposes. The Big Savannah was a wet savanna in North Carolina that was destroyed in the 1950s, and subsequent vegetation classifications have generally not accommodated well the unique natural plant community of the Big Savannah. Vegetation reminiscent of that described for the Big Savannah was discovered north of the original site and designated as Wells Savannah. To evaluate the uniqueness of the savanna vegetation at Wells Savannah, we compiled a data set from permanent quadrats with information on vegetation and environmental variables from other Outer Coastal Plain savannas to compare with similar data from the natural community at Wells Savannah. We also inventoried an additional 26 quadrats on a tract adjacent to Wells Savannah that had experienced fire suppression. Results from multivariate analyses demonstrated clear differences between the Wells Savannah quadrats and other regional wet savanna quadrats based on both vegetation and soils. A number of species and several soil characteristics (higher clay percentage, and higher available iron and boron) distinguish Wells Savannah from other wet savannas. Although the fire suppressed quadrats near Wells Savannah had lower species richness, typical savanna species such as Ctenium aromaticum and Calamovilfa brevipilis were still present. Further exploration of fire-suppressed tracts in the area may yield more wet savanna inclusions similar to the former Big Savannah. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthma is the most common chronic condition of childhood, and its prevalence has increased over recent decades. However, many children and adolescents with asthma are not being managed in accordance with guideline recommendations. The objective of this study was to analyze prescribing patterns for asthma medications in 6- to 18-yr-olds, with a focus on those aged 6-11 yr. Data from patients enrolled for ≥6 months in PharMetrics were analyzed between June 1, 1995, and September 30, 2008. PharMetrics contains data from 45 million US patients from 85 health care plans, including standard and mail order prescription records. Prescriptions for asthma medication for each patient were recorded. The overall asthma cohort included 659,169 patients; 34,950 (5%) were classified as having severe asthma. The 6- to 11-yr-old subgroup consisted of 374,068 patients (56.7% of the overall asthma cohort). Almost 40% of the population received no medication (severe asthma 1.0%; non-severe asthma 37.6%), with almost identical findings in the 6- to 11-yrold subgroup. In patients with non-severe and severe asthma, frequency of medication use was as follows: short-acting β2-agonists (53% and 92%), oral steroids (23% and 64%), leukotriene receptor antagonists (17% and 49%); inhaled corticosteroids alone (15% and 80%) and in combination with long-acting β2-agonists (10% and 22%), respectively. Results for patients in the 6- to 11-yr subgroup were similar to those of the overall cohort. In conclusion, a considerable proportion of children and adolescents with asthma do not receive any asthma medication. Among those who do receive medication, adherence to current guidelines is questionable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima), an invasive shrub species, has successfully invaded large extents of several riparian zones in the western United States and northern Mexico. Mapping the distribution and abundance of saltcedar over these large areas through a multi-seasonal, cost-effective monitoring approach using satellite remote sensing is very essential. Ground truth surveys were conducted at 79 locations where the spectral reflectance measurements of vegetation, type of plant species, plant heights, soil samples and GPS co-ordinates were recorded. All the sampling was designed to coincide with the satellite overpass period. The Landsat TM colour-composite spectral ratio image (normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI), R1,5 and R1,7 as green, blue and red) can clearly identify and map the areas infested with saltcedar. The Landsat image analysis shows that these spectral ratios can be applied to multiple satellite overpasses for monitoring the seasonal progression of the saltcedar growth over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Longleaf pine communities occupy a small fraction of their original extent in the southeastern United States and are in great need of restoration and conservation management. Recent anthropogenic disturbances, such as pine straw raking, may interfere with seedling survival and, hence, restoration efforts. We examined the effects of mechanized straw raking on longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) seedlings (pre-grass stage, or <3-yr-old) in natural, fire-maintained plant communities in Croatan National Forest, North Carolina, by testing the effects of number of rakings (0–4 times during a 2-yr period (1992–1994)) and community type (pine-turkey oak, dry savanna, and mesic savanna) on seedling densities in 1-m2 quadrats. Despite initial differences in densities of seedlings among communities, analyses of variance did not detect significant differences among communities as averaged over time and raking treatment. Both raked and unraked quadrats exhibited declines in seedling density during the study, but the declines were greater for raked quadrats. After 2yr, initial densities were, on average, reduced by 34% in unraked quadrats and by 47%, 63%, 78%, and 77% in quadrats raked one, two, three, and four times, respectively. In quadrats raked four times, censuses performed after each raking indicated significant declines in densities in response to all but the first raking. Raking either injures pine seedlings directly and/or modifies microsite conditions in ways unfavorable for seedling survival. Having established a link between raking and mortality, we now recommend additional work to reveal the causal mechanisms. Land management decisions should accommodate the potential adverse effects of mechanized raking on pine regeneration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ABSTRACTObjective:With the availability of multiple echinocandins in the US, recommended dosages and dosing schedules vary by agent but actual utilization practices are unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe the utilization and dosage pattern of intravenous echinocandins for treatment of fungal infections in US hospitals.Methods:The Premier Perspective Database was used to describe echinocandin use in 332 US hospitals. Adult patients hospitalized from January, 2006 through June, 2007 with at least one billing record for anidulafungin (Eraxis), caspofungin (Cancidas†), or micafungin (Mycamine‡) were included. Hospitalizations with > 1 echinocandin or ≥ 1 dosage with an FDA approved indication for fungal prophylaxis were excluded. Mixed multivariable models were developed to identify factors associated with mean daily dose. Eraxis, a registered trade name owned by Pfizer, Inc., New York, NY, USA†Cancidas, a registered trade name owned by Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA‡Mycamine, a registered trade name owned by Astellas Pharma US, Inc., Deerfield, IL, USAResults:The number of unique patient hospitalizations was 708 for anidulafungin, 15 739 for caspofungin, and 1199 for micafungin. A single echinocandin was utilized at 88.6 of hospitals. Micafungin patients had the highest prevalence of cancer, bone marrow transplant, solid organ transplant, HIV/AIDS, fungal infection, and neutropenia. Mean day 1 dose of echinocandin therapy was 171.2 ± 85.4 mg, 79.7 ± 25.6 mg, and 154.3 ± 67.3 mg; and mean day 2 onwards dose was 98.7 ± 39.4 mg, 53.1 ± 12.5 mg, 122.6 ± 39.4 mg for anidulafungin, caspofungin and micafungin, respectively. Commonly used loading doses were 200 mg (55.6) for anidulafungin, 70 mg (57.2) for caspofungin, and 200 mg (21.2) for micafungin. The first-day dose of echinocandin therapy (vs. subsequent days) was most strongly associated with mean daily dose.Conclusions:In hospital practice, the mean dosages were consistent with the recommended loading and maintenance dosages for caspofungin and anidulafungin. Patients frequently received a loading dose of > 150 mg on day 1 of micafungin which was inconsistent with recommended dosing schedules. Micafungin maintenance dosages > 100 mg were also commonly used. Lack of information on reason for initiating echinocandin therapy was an important study limitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the rate that species accumulate with area has long been regarded as an important component of fine-scale community structure and several studies have examined this rate in meta-analyses, few if any studies have systematically examined fine-scale species-area relationships using a consistent survey protocol over a large region. We examined fine-scale species-area relationships using the extensive database of the Carolina Vegetation Survey (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, USA), including 1472 plots wherein vascular plant richness was recorded for each of six subplot sizes regularly spaced on a log10 scale, from 0.01 to 1000 m². Contrary to prevailing theory, our data closely and consistently fit an Arrhenius (power law) species-area model, echoing broader-scale patterns. Species accumulation rate (Z) values fell within a narrow range (95% between 0.2 and 0.5) despite a 30-fold range in 1000-m² richness. When we added regional- and global-scale richness estimates to our results, a Preston-type triphasic curve emerged. We suggest that (1) fine-scale species-area relationships are remarkably consistent and (2) full-scale species-area curves reveal scale dependencies in diversity data that are not accounted for by current species-area theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates trends in computer uses in U.S. education, based on articles published in the "Computers in the Schools" journal. Summary of articles in the journal; Categories of computer uses; Implication of computer uses on teacher education.

Discusses a study which investigated the effects of future growth in income on the poverty rates of the elderly in the U.S. Overview of the nation's poverty line; Data and methods used; Findings.

The concept of the Protestant work ethic (PWE), originally proposed by Weber (1958), was examined in a study of 422 American college students. Although the PWE has been heavily studied, no definitive conclusions have been reached regarding its genesis and whether it is dispositional in nature or more heavily reliant on demographic variations. Mirels and Garrett's (1971) PWE Scale was used to measure the ethic. The authors hypothesized that older, graduate, and non-American students would express a greater belief in the ethic. The results indicated that it was the younger, undergraduate, and non-American students who expressed greater belief in the PWE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on the serious water problems which exist in all countries while focusing on environmental problems associated with water problems at the Kesterson National Wildlife Refuge in central California. Consequences faced by the environment for the deliberate abuse of water; Discussion on th situation at this refuge; Solutions to the problems faced by the refuge. INSET: Teaching ideas.

The problem of tax evasion and subsequent revenue loss is an important one for our nation. Noncompliance with tax laws causes multibillion dollar annual losses for the U.S. treasury. An investigation of psychological variables is suggested as the most promising route to increase tax compliance. Hence, a review of the legal, economic, sociological, and psychological literature concerning the motivation and causes of noncompliance with tax laws is presented. Theoretical models and empirical studies addressing the issue of tax evasion are reviewed. An individual's feelings of equity and sense of norm commitment may be the crucial factors in the decision to comply or evade legally mandated taxes, superseding the notion of sanctions as the most effective deterrent. A legal reasoning model is one suggested alternative in the search for a causal explanation of noncompliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the perceptions of the undergraduate students on unequal status dating relationship in academia in the U.S. Evaluation of the three types of dating relationships; Unethical labeling on the professor-undergraduate student dating relationship; Indication of possible gender effect.

Objectives. This study examined socioeconomic differentials in risk of death from a number of causes in a large cohort of Black men in the United States. Methods. For 20 224 Black men screened for the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial between 1973 and 1975, data were collected on median family income of Black house- holds in zip code of residence, age, cigarette smoking, blood pressure. serum cholesterol previous heart attack, and drug treatment for diabetes. The 2937 deaths that occurred over the 16-year follow-up period were grouped into specific causes and related to median Black family income. Results. There was an inverse association between age-adjusted all-cause mortality and median family income. There was no attenuation of this association over the follow-up period, and the association was similar for the 22 clinical centers carrying out the screening. The gradient was seen for most of the specific causes of death, although the strength of the association varied. Median income was markedly lower for the Black men screened than for the White men, but the relationship between income and all-cause mortality was similar. conclusions. Socioeconomic position is an important determinant of mortality risk for Black men. Even though Blacks lived in areas with substantially lower median family income than Whites, the association of income with mortality was similar for Blacks and Whites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Visual Acuity Impairment Survey (VAIS) pilot study was carried out in three large metropolitan areas of the United States to determine whether it would be feasible to conduct a large two-stage survey of the prevalence of visual acuity impairment and its causes. The study was conducted in conjunction with the Health Interview Survey (HIS), performed by the National Center for Health Statistics and the Census Bureau. In the first stage, a simple vision screening test was administered to 1,868 adults in their homes by specially trained Census Bureau interviewers. All those who failed the test, and a sample of those who passed it, were invited to a local clinic for a check on the accuracy of the screen and a detailed eye examination to establish the cause of the impairment. About 89 per ¢ of the HIS interviewees took the vision screening test in the home and agreed to have the results released, making it possible for the clinic to invite them for an examination. The principal obstacle to the success of the feasibility study was a low rate (< 50 per ¢) of participation in the clinic examination by the target population. Such low participation would leave the survey open to a serious question about its representativeness. The methods and findings of the pilot study arc presented because the lessons may be of value to those attempting similar studies in the future. Suggestions are made for methodological modifications that may enhance the chances for success. (Am J Public Health 1986; 76:160-165.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the marginal cost of municipal wastewater services in the U.S. Wastewater systems typically consist of facilities for the collection, pumping, transportation, treatment, and disposal of wastewater. Two demand characteristics dictate, to a large degree, the concept of marginal cost that properly reflects the opportunity cost of using wastewater services. First, when demand for wastewater services is growing over time, this growth is generally the result of consumers' long-term decisions: consumers either choose to purchase durable equipment that uses water and generates wastewater, or, more importantly, they choose to reside in an area served by a municipal wastewater system. The second characteristic of wastewater demands concerns the lack of knowledge of price elasticities for wastewater use.