Search

The purpose of this study was to explore the beliefs and attitudes of secondary agriculture teachers regarding global agricultural issues. A randomized national sample of 417 teachers were surveyed using a modified version of the International Agricultural Awareness and Understanding Survey (Wingenbach, Boyd, Lindner, Dick, Arispe, & Haba, 2003). Results revealed agriculture teachers had positive personal beliefs about global agriculture. Teachers also had favorable attitudes about what students should learn related to global agricultural issues. Teachers mostly learned about global agriculture through activities that do not require travel, with watching television and professional development workshops as the most frequently reported activities. Few teachers had traveled outside the United States. Teacher beliefs and attitudes about what students should learn did vary based on selected international experiences, with teachers who had participated in international experiences having slightly stronger beliefs and more favorable attitudes. However, these differences had little practical significance.

Aim: To qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the formation and maturation of peri‐implant soft tissues around 'immediate' and 'delayed' implants. Materials and Methods: Miniaturized titanium implants were placed in either maxillary first molar (mxM1) fresh extraction sockets or healed mxM1 sites in mice. Peri‐implant soft tissues were evaluated at multiple timepoints to assess the molecular mechanisms of attachment and the efficacy of the soft tissue as a barrier. A healthy junctional epithelium (JE) served as positive control. Results: No differences were observed in the rate of soft‐tissue integration of immediate versus delayed implants; however, overall, mucosal integration took at least twice as long as osseointegration in this model. Qualitative assessment of Vimentin expression over the time course of soft‐tissue integration indicated an initially disorganized peri‐implant connective tissue envelope that gradually matured with time. Quantitative analyses showed significantly less total collagen in peri‐implant connective tissues compared to connective tissue around teeth around implants. Quantitative analyses also showed a gradual increase in expression of hemidesmosomal attachment proteins in the peri‐implant epithelium (PIE), which was accompanied by a significant inflammatory marker reduction. Conclusions: Within the timeframe examined, quantitative analyses showed that connective tissue maturation never reached that observed around teeth. Hemidesmosomal attachment protein expression levels were also significantly reduced compared to those in an intact JE, although quantitative analyses indicated that macrophage density in the peri‐implant environment was reduced over time, suggesting an improvement in PIE barrier functions. Perhaps most unexpectedly, maturation of the peri‐implant soft tissues was a significantly slower process than osseointegration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The primary aim of this paper is to accelerate the number of randomized experimental studies of the reliability and validity in-home tele-neuropsychological testing (tele-np-t). Method We conducted a critical review of the tele-neuropsychology literature. We discuss this research in the context of the United States' public and private healthcare payer systems, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding system's telehealth lists, and existing disparities in healthcare access. Results The number of tele-np publications has been stagnant since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are less published experimental studies of tele-neuropsychology (tele-np), and particularly in-home tele-np-t, than other tele-np publications. There is strong foundational evidence of the acceptability, feasibility, and reliability of tele-np-t, but relatively few studies of the reliability and validity of in-home tele-np-t using randomization methodology. Conclusions More studies of the reliability and validity of in-home tele-np-t using randomization methodology are necessary to support inclusion of tele-np-t codes on the CMS and CPT telehealth lists, and subsequently, the integration and delivery of in-home tele-np-t services across providers and institutions. These actions are needed to maintain equitable reimbursement of in-home tele-np-t services and address the widespread disparities in healthcare access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing availability of satellite imagery has supported a rapid expansion in forward‐looking studies seeking to track and predict how climate change will influence wild population dynamics. However, these data can also be used in retrospect to provide additional context for historical data in the absence of contemporaneous environmental measurements. We used 167 Landsat‐5 Thematic Mapper (TM) images spanning 13 years to identify environmental drivers of fitness and population size in a well‐characterized population of banner‐tailed kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spectabilis) in the southwestern United States. We found evidence of two decoupled processes that may be driving population dynamics in opposing directions over distinct time frames. Specifically, increasing mean surface temperature corresponded to increased individual fitness, where fitness is defined as the number of offspring produced by a single individual. This result contrasts with our findings for population size, where increasing surface temperature led to decreased numbers of active mounds. These relationships between surface temperature and (i) individual fitness and (ii) population size would not have been identified in the absence of remotely sensed data, indicating that such information can be used to test existing hypotheses and generate new ecological predictions regarding fitness at multiple spatial scales and degrees of sampling effort. To our knowledge, this study is the first to directly link remotely sensed environmental data to individual fitness in a nearly exhaustively sampled population, opening a new avenue for incorporating remote sensing data into eco‐evolutionary studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Early triage and treatment after TBI have been shown to improve outcome. Identifying patients at risk for increased intracranial pressure (ICP) via baseline computed tomography (CT) , however, has not been validated previously in a prospective dataset. We hypothesized that acute CT findings of elevated ICP, combined with direct ICP measurement, hold prognostic value in terms of six-month patient outcome after TBI. Data were obtained from the Progesterone for Traumatic Brain Injury, Experimental Clinical Treatment (ProTECTIII) multi-center clinical trial. Baseline CT scans for 881 participants were individually reviewed by a blinded central neuroradiologist. Five signs of elevated ICP were measured (sulcal obliteration, lateral ventricle compression, third ventricle compression, midline shift, and herniation). Associations between signs of increased ICP and outcomes (six-month functional outcome and death) were assessed. Secondary analyses of 354 patients with recorded ICP monitoring data available explored the relationships between hemorrhage phenotype/anatomic location, sustained ICP ≥20 mm Hg, and surgical intervention(s). Univariate and multi-variate logistic/linear regressions were performed; p < 0.05 is defined as statistically significant. Imaging characteristics associated with ICP in this cohort include sulcal obliteration (p = 0.029) and third ventricular compression (p = 0.039). Univariate regression analyses indicated that increasing combinations of the five defined signs of elevated ICP were associated with death, poor functional outcome, and time to death. There was also an increased likelihood of death if patients required craniotomy (odds ratio [OR] = 4.318, 95% confidence interval [1.330–16.030]) or hemicraniectomy (OR = 2.993 [1.109–8.482]). On multi-variate regression analyses, hemorrhage location was associated with death (posterior fossa, OR = 3.208 [1.120–9.188] and basal ganglia, OR = 3.079 [1.178–8.077]). Volume of hemorrhage >30 cc was also associated with increased death, OR = 3.702 [1.575–8.956]). The proportion of patient hours with sustained ICP ≥20 mm Hg, and maximum ICP ≥20 mm Hg were also directly correlated with increased death (OR = 6 4.99 [7.731–635.51]; and OR = 1.025 [1.004–1.047]), but not with functional outcome. Poor functional outcome was predicted by concurrent presence of all five radiographic signs of elevated ICP (OR = 4.44 [1.514–14.183]) and presence of frontal lobe (OR = 2.951 [1.265–7.067]), subarachnoid (OR = 2.231 [1.067–4.717]), or intraventricular (OR = 2.249 [1.159–4.508]) hemorrhage. Time to death was modulated by total patient days of elevated ICP ≥20 mm Hg (effect size = 3.424 [1.500, 5.439]) in the first two weeks of hospitalization. Sulcal obliteration and third ventricular compression, radiographic signs of elevated ICP, were significantly associated with measurements of ICP ≥20 mm Hg. These radiographic biomarkers were significantly associated with patient outcome. There is potential utility of ICP-related imaging variables in triage and prognostication for patients after moderate-severe TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With community colleges educating up to one-half of all U.S. undergraduates, more focus on internationalization is warranted in order to ensure student competitiveness in today's global labor pool. This ex post facto study of 2006 survey data from the American Council on Education (ACE) found a low level of internationalization occurring at most community colleges. Delineating community colleges according to their urban, suburban, or rural Carnegie classification found classification to impact overall institutional internationalization: rural community colleges are experiencing significantly less internationalization than their urban and suburban counterparts. Of the four dimensions of internationalization examined, (a) institutional support; (b) academic requirements, programs, and extracurricular activities; (c) faculty policies and opportunities; and (d) international students, institutional support was the most important indicator of internationalization. (Contains 1 table.)

The Student Volunteer Movement (SVM) for Foreign Missions was founded in 1886 at a Conference in the Mt. Hermon University, an organization designed to recruit college and university students in the United States and later of course through the Western world, for missionary service abroad. The primary leader of the SVM was A. T. Pierson, a major leader not just in SVM but in the overall mission focus. Because of its amazing work, the SVM ranks as one of the great student movements in the Christian church in the twentieth century. Though it was predated by other student missionary organizations in the United States, Great Britain, and Europe, it captivated the student world in a unique way. Before it began its dramatic decline in the 1920s, the SVM had fired the missionary zeal of students around the world and had been influential in enrolling more than 20,000 students to work in foreign missions. Its significant impact on the worldwide mission of the church in its day does provide the potential example of student interest and raises the hope that this movement will reoccur and encourage today's growing student interest in world mission.

Many refugee children have exposure to trauma prior to arrival and during resettlement. Mental health screening in primary care among resettled refugee children is needed. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to screen refugee children age 4–18 years at their Domestic Medical Examination and three other primary care visits in their first year of resettlement. We tested the association between time and SDQ score or intervention/referral, and differences based on geographic origin. SDQ scores were highest upon arrival (Ps <.0005). Referrals were most common at the six-month visit compared to arrival and one month (Ps <.01). Iraqi children had higher SDQ scores at all visits (Ps <.03). The SDQ can be used in primary care to screen newly arrived refugee children. Practitioners should screen at arrival to identify difficulties. Those with difficulties continuing at six months may need an intervention or referral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Despite expansion of telecommunication strategies across health services and data supporting feasibility of videoconference-based neuropsychological assessment, relatively little is known about teleneuropsychology (TeleNP) use in practice. The current COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity for greater use of TeleNP and understanding of neuropsychologists' experience with this unique assessment medium. Methods: During the course of a no-cost global webinar related to practical/ethical considerations of TeleNP practice, attendees were invited to engage in a 26-question survey about their TeleNP use and related COVID-19 concerns. TeleNP practices before the COVID-19 pandemic and early on during the global outbreak were queried among survey participants, along with examination of TeleNP intentions following COVID-19. Results: Multiple countries were represented across five continents, with two-thirds of respondents being from the United States. Approximately one-fourth of respondents reported using TeleNP for clinical interview, feedback, and intervention prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and approximately one-tenth of individuals used TeleNP for testadministration. Increased use of TeleNP for clinical interview, feedback, and intervention was reported within the first few weeks of the global COVID-19 outbreak, though the use of TeleNP for testing remained relatively unchanged. Most respondents indicated an intention for future use of TeleNP. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the use of TeleNP is increasing, although use of remote TeleNP testing is still developing. Findings also illustrate increasing use of TeleNP in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and encourage follow-up investigation in future studies to understand the changing practices and rates of TeleNP provision over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How do minorities differ from Whites in their interactions with the broader consumeristic health culture in the United States? We explore this question by investigating the role that acculturation plays in minority and White patients' views of prescription drugs and the direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) of prescription drugs. Drawing on data from six race-based focus groups, we find that patients' views of prescription drugs affect their responses to DTCA. While both minorities and Whites value the information they receive from DTCA, level of acculturation predicts how minorities use the information they receive from DTCA. Less acculturated minorities have healthworlds and cultural health toolkits that are not narrowly focused on prescription drugs. This results in skepticism on the part of less acculturated minorities toward pharmaceuticals as treatment options. In this article, we argue that researchers must consider the role acculturation plays in explaining patients' health dispositions and their consumeristic health orientations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theory: Despite high rates of psychiatric illnesses, medical students and medical professionals often avoid psychological help. Stigma may prevent medical students from seeking psychological help when experiencing distress, which may hinder their job performance and mental health. Compassionate values—preferred principles that guide attitudes and behaviors to focus on the wellness of others—may be a relevant predictor of medical students' perceptions of psychological help. The present study examined the association between medical students' compassionate values, help-seeking stigma, and help-seeking attitudes in a convenience sample of medical students. Hypotheses: Rating compassionate values as more important than self-interested values will be associated with less stigma, which in turn will be associated with more positive help-seeking attitudes. Method: There were 220 medical students in their 2nd year of medical training who were recruited in-class and through e-mail between January and March of 2017 at Des Moines University. Students were provided an anonymous online link to a survey composed of validated measures assessing values, psychological distress, and stigma and attitudes related to psychological help. Results: The survey response rate was 41%, leaving a final sample of 91. For every 1 SD increase in the relative importance of compassionate values over self-interested values, help-seeking stigma decreased 0.40 SDs, and help-seeking attitudes increased 0.23 SDs. Conclusions: Prioritizing compassionate values more strongly than self-interested values is associated with medical students' perceiving psychological help-seeking more positively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last two decades, the number of infants exposed to opioids in utero has quadrupled in the United States, with some states reporting rates as high as 55 infants per 1000 births. Clinical studies report that children previously exposed to opioids during gestation show significant deficits in social behavior, including an inability to form friendships or other social relationships. To date, the neural mechanisms whereby developmental opioid exposure disrupts social behavior remain unknown. Using a novel paradigm of perinatal opioid administration, we tested the hypothesis that chronic opioid exposure during critical developmental periods would disrupt juvenile play. As oxytocin is a major regulator of sociability, the impact of perinatal morphine exposure on oxytocin peptide expression was also examined. Juvenile play was assessed in vehicle- or morphine-exposed male and female rats at P25, P35, and P45. Classical features of juvenile play were measured, including time spent engaged in social play, time not in contact, number of pins, and number of nape attacks. We report that morphine-exposed males and females spend less time engaged in play behavior than control males and females, with a corresponding increase in time spent alone. Morphine-exposed males and females also initiated fewer pins and nape attacks. Together, these data suggest that male and female rats exposed to morphine during critical developmental periods are less motivated to participate in social play, potentially due to alterations in oxytocin-mediated reward signaling. [Display omitted] • Morphine-exposed males and females spend less time engaged in play behavior than control males and females. • Perinatal morphine-exposed rats spent more time alone vs. control males and females. • Perinatal morphine was associated with age-dependent changes in OT cell counts in the PVN and SON. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the laws governing right of privacy and the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, related to video, audio or photographic content that is private in nature and exposed publicly, against the consent of the subject in the U.S. Topics discussed include Bollea v. Gawker Media court case addressing the same; Toffoloni v. LFP Publishing Group, LLC. court case addressing magazine's publication of private, nude photographs; and.

Under the doctrine of prior appropriation, those that divert and apply water resources to a beneficial use gain a future right of use. Further, individuals may contract with the federal Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) for the delivery of federal project water. Under either method, individuals are required to use their water appropriation for a beneficial purpose to acquire and maintain their rights of use. What constitutes a beneficial purpose or a beneficial use of water resources has traditionally been defined by state law. Following some states' legalization of marijuana, the BOR announced a new policy with regard to water use, one that prohibits the use of federal project water subject to the BOR's regulatory authority to grow marijuana. This policy directly contradicts the historical right of the western states to define for themselves what constitutes a beneficial use of water resources. This Comment takes no position on the propriety or validity of state laws that legalize marijuana; rather, it seeks to examine the issue of state and federal power over water use as it has arisen in the context of BOR policy. Ultimately, this Comment concludes that the ability of states to define beneficial use should and likely does take precedence over the limited authority of the BOR to control federal project water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obesity and smoking are independently associated with socioeconomic disadvantage and adverse health effects in women of reproductive age and their children, but little is known about co-occurring obesity and smoking. The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between co-occurring obesity and smoking, socioeconomic status, and health biomarkers and outcomes in a nationally representative sample.Methods: Data from non-pregnant women of reproductive age were obtained from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys reported between 2007 and 2010. Linear and logistic regressions were used to examine associations between obesity and smoking alone and in combination with educational attainment and a range of health biomarkers and outcomes.Results: Prevalence of co-occurring obesity and smoking was 8.1% (~4.1 million U.S. women of reproductive age) and increased as an inverse function of educational attainment, with the least educated women being 11.6 times more likely to be obese smokers than the most educated. Compared to women with neither condition, obese smokers had significantly poorer cardiovascular and glycemic biomarker profiles, and higher rates of menstrual irregularity, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, physical limitations, and depression. Obese smokers also had significantly worse high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, physical mobility, and depression scores than those with obesity or smoking alone.Conclusions: Co-occurring obesity and smoking is highly associated with low educational attainment, a marker of socioeconomic disadvantage, and a broad range of adverse health biomarkers and outcomes. Interventions specifically targeting co-occurring obesity and smoking are likely necessary in efforts to reduce health disparities among disadvantaged women and their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents comments on issues concerning the American English language as of December 1954. Latin plurals in the book industry; College words pertaining to music; Past tense of the verb in the expression tread water.

Extension has enhanced the lives of U.S. citizens through adult education in a myriad of ways. However, as budgets get tighter, accountability becomes increasingly more important. Over the years, Extension has reported low level impacts rather than the long-term successes that those working within the system know are occurring. Without enhanced evaluation-driven environments, Extension systems will continue to inadequately report programmatic successes, resulting in a lower perceived public value of Extension programs. The use of evaluation can create an atmosphere which encourages organizational thinking resulting in the types of accountability reports which are adequate for decision making. This study examined how Extension professionals' perceptions of evaluation use related to their evaluation behaviors. The findings suggest a substantial percentage of Extension professionals are doing just enough evaluation to complete mandatory reports. It also showed that Extension professionals who valued their own personal use, but not necessarily organizational use of their evaluations, were more likely to conduct in-depth evaluations. Recommendations for enhancing evaluation driven work environments include clearer communication from administration demonstrating the value of evaluation beyond the role it plays in accountability and working directly with Extension professionals to promote evaluation-oriented conversations rather than just delivering state-led in-service trainings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the necessity of global coordination of food safety policy and management in providing a safe food supply in the globalized economy. It notes that global coordination of food safety management involves collaborative efforts of the national governments and private industries to secure the safety of products. Moreover, the U.S. has played a central role in the development of an international consensus in the modernization of food safety policy.

Cooperative Extension's role as a relevant provider of nonformal education is dependent upon its ability to improve and adjust in response to internal and external pressures. Periodically conducting needs assessments focused on the Extension organization can aid in Extension's efforts to deliver quality educational programs by pinpointing priority areas in need of improvement. A qualitative analysis of the final reports from the University of Florida's IF AS Extension annual county program review process was conducted to identify challenges and threats facing county Extension offices. Common challenges were marketing deficits, loss of human capital, and technology barriers. Common threats were the economy, increased numbers of urban residents, and insufficient facilities. Developing and implementing strategic plans to resolve the needs identified in this study may increase the effectiveness and efficiency of Extension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investment of tax dollars means 4-H must distinguish itself from its youth-development peers. Such an argument can be developed by examining organizational research, the historical contributions and tradition of 4-H, and the contributions of the modern 4-H program. Although the context of 4-H has broadened beyond food production, it continues to contribute positively to the development of the U.S. economy. Extension's challenge is to prove 4-H's worth by demonstrating a clear return-on-investment to stakeholders. Doing so may be exactly what is required to justify the continuation of public funds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses nonconjugal relationships in the United States and Canada. The author examines law and legislation that allows people who are legally unable to marry because they are same-sex partners or related by blood to share benefits and decision-making authority that was traditionally reserved for married couples. The author suggests that the provision of legal standing for nonconjugal relationships represents a radical challenge to the privilege of the heteronormative married family structure in these countries.

The United Nations lntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that, in the foreseeable future, climate change will exacerbate water problems worldwide. In the United States, we are likely to see more severe flooding, more frequent droughts, and a rush to secure legal rights to water supplies. Sustainable management of water resources for present and future generations will become all the more imperative as we face increasing pressure on limited supplies. The quest for sustainable management has stimulated a movement for greater recognition of private property rights to attain efficient use and allocation of water. The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have encouraged nations in the developing world to conform to a market paradigm by privatizing their water supplies. Affected communities are often less than enthusiastic. Throughout the world, attempts to privatize water resources have triggered a "morality play of rights versus markets, human need versus corporate greed." The controversy, however, is not limited to developing countries. One of the most divisive issues in contemporary natural resources law in the United States is whether interests in water are property. Absent legally recognized property rights, water markets are unlikely to thrive. According to the Restatement of Property, the term "property" describes "legal relations between persons with respect to a thing. " Of course, not all economic relationships give rise to property rights. Judicial treatment of water is all over the map. The Court of Federal Claims awarded California irrigators millions of dollars as compensation for a regulatory taking of their water rights when flows were curtailed to protect endangered salmon, but a different panel of the same court subsequently took that opinion to task for failing to consider whether interests in water are property. Other federal and state courts have reached contradictory results as well. To unbundle the concept of property in water, this Article uses a web of interests as a strong yet flexible metaphor for property, complemented by a patterning definition representing elemental strands of the web. If the interest in question is not an irrevocable interest in the exclusive possession and use of a discrete, marketable asset, it is not property for purposes of regulatory takings under the Fifth Amendment. Viewed through this lens, interests in water in mast jurisdictions are not takings property, although they may be a form of property for purposes of due process or common law claims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine research productivity in the Journal of Agricultural Education from 1996 to 2005 and explain factors that contributed to that productivity. In Volumes 37 to 46, 333 articles were published. The most productive institutions were determined by frequency of the institutional affiliation of article authors. The most productive authors were determined in a similar manner and were also ranked according to appearances as "any author" or "'lead author. "' A qualitative approach was then taken to develop a better understanding of the factors that contributed to that productivity. The most productive institutions were doctoral-granting institutions. Iowa State University was the leading institution and Texas A&M University closely followed All of the productive institutions were located in the North-Central and Southern Regions of the American Association for Agricultural Education. The most productive author published 31 articles, and the most productive lead author published 15 articles as lead author. Quality research experience while a doctoral student was identified as an important factor to productivity. Participants identified intrinsic motivation as more important than external recognition and reported that departmental culture had little influence on productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The failure of the levee and floodwall section on the east bank of the 17th Street drainage canal was one of the most catastrophic breaches that occurred during Hurricane Katrina. It produced a breach that rapidly scoured a flow pathway below sea level, so that after the storm surge had largely subsided, floodwaters still continued to stream in through this breach for the next two and a half days. This particular failure contributed massively to the overall flooding of the Metropolitan Orleans East Bank protected basin. Slightly more than half of the loss of life, and a similar fraction of the overall damages, occurred in this heavily populated basin. There are a number of important geotechnical and geoforensic lessons associated with this failure. Accordingly, this paper is dedicated solely to investigating this single failure. Geological and geotechnical details, such as a thin layer of sensitive clay that was laid down by a previous hurricane, proper strength characterization of soils at and beyond the toe of the levee, and recognition of a water-filled gap on the inboard side of the sheet pile cutoff wall are judged to be among the most critical factors in understanding this failure. The lessons learned from this study are of importance for similar flood protection systems throughout other regions of the United States and the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trends in cocaine use over the past 2 decades were compared across levels of education in a population-based US sample of adults. Significant inverse associations between educational achievement and cocaine use after 1990 were driven by dramatic decreases in persistent cocaine use among more highly educated adults, whereas persistent cocaine use remained relatively unchanged among those who did not finish high school. This emerging health disparity highlights the need for improved interventions that target persistent cocaine users with low educational achievement. (Am J Public Health. 2007;97:1790-1793. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2006.091108) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the state practices of intimate relationship recognition in Canada and the United States. The assignment of legal status to common-law relationships is the main issue in Canada. This is regardless of whether the individuals in the relationship want that status. In the United States, on the other hand, lawmaking attention has been focused at the strengthening of heterosexual marriage.

This article argues that, considering the current trends of polarization between adherents of different religions, courses on world religions should no longer focus only on the transmission of knowledge, but include material from human rights studies, inter‐religious dialogue, and peace studies as well. According to the author, due to their specific charters, confessional educational institutions (including institutions of higher education) in particular are well placed to use this interdisciplinary approach, since it changes academic learning about other religions and can lead to profound transformations, connecting the learning process with the core teachings of religions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To determine whether marijuana use predicts later development of depression after accounting for differences between users and non-users of marijuana. Design An ongoing longitudinal survey of 12 686 men and women beginning in 1979. Setting The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth of 1979, a nationally representative sample from the United States. Participants A total of 8759 adults (age range 29–37 years) interviewed in 1994 had complete data on past-year marijuana use and current depression. Measurements Self-reported past-year marijuana use was tested as an independent predictor of later adult depression using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies—Depression questionnaire. Individual’s propensity to use marijuana was calculated using over 50 baseline covariates. Findings Before adjusting for group differences, the odds of current depression among past-year marijuana users is 1.4 times higher (95% CI: 1.1, 1.9) than the odds of depression among the non-using comparison group. After adjustment, the odds of current depression among past-year marijuana users is only 1.1 times higher than the comparison group (95% CI: 0.8, 1.7). Similarly, adjustment eliminates significant associations between marijuana use and depression in four additional analyses: heavy marijuana use as the risk factor, stratifying by either gender or age, and using a 4-year lag-time between marijuana use and depression. Conclusions After adjusting for differences in baseline risk factors of marijuana use and depression, past-year marijuana use does not significantly predict later development of depression. These findings are discussed in terms of their relevance for understanding possible causal effects of marijuana use on depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nonlinear dynamic properties of a fibrous peaty organic soil beneath a levee in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta in California are described herein. Thin-walled tube samples were obtained from four locations between the levee crest and the free field such that the in situ vertical effective stresses (σ[sub vo][sup ′]) ranged from about 12 kPa in the free field to about 135 kPa beneath the levee crest. The peaty organic soil was very soft and highly compressible in the free field with initial water contents (w[sub o]) of 236–588% and shear wave velocities (V[sub s]) of typically 22–27 m/s, and moderately firm beneath the levee crest with w[sub o] of 152–240% and V[sub s] of typically 88–129 m/s. Stress–strain measurements in a cyclic triaxial device showed that the normalized secant shear modulus (G/G[sub max]) and equivalent damping ratio (ξ) versus cyclic shear strain amplitude (γ[sub c]) relations were dependent on the consolidation stress (σ[sub vc][sup ′]). Tests involving prior overstraining followed by reconsolidation showed that the effects of sample disturbance were likely small. Stress history, creep, and loading frequency effects were also examined. Tests on reconstituted specimens provided supplementary data on the functional relation between maximum shear modulus (G[sub max]) and consolidation stress conditions. Summary relations are provided for G/G[sub max] and ξ versus γ[sub c] and for G[sub max] versus σ[sub vc][sup ′]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observed hydroxyl (OH) and hydroperoxy (HO2) radicals, collectively called HOx, were compared with OH and HO2 calculated by a box model that used the regional atmospheric chemistry mechanism and was constrained to the ancillary measurements during the PM2.5 Technology Assessment and Characterization Study-New York (PMTACS-NY) summer 2001 intensive in New York City. The measurements are described in the companion paper, Ren et al. (HOx concentrations and OH reactivity observations in New York City during PMTACS-NY2001, Atmospheric Environment, this issue). This comparison enables an investigation of HOx chemistry in this polluted urban atmosphere. For HO2, the observed concentrations and diurnal variation were usually well reproduced by the model calculations, with an observed-to-modeled ratio of 1.24, on average, for day and night. For OH, the model was generally able to match the measured concentrations during daytime with an observed-to-modeled ratio of about 1.10, but the calculations significantly underestimated OH during nighttime. The budgets of HOx show that its production was dominated by the photolysis of HONO, accounting for ∼56% of HOx production on average, during daytime due to relatively high HONO concentrations, while nighttime HOx production was mainly from the O3 reactions with alkenes. The OH reactivity measurements agree with the calculations to within 10% for both the composite diurnal variation and individual days. Calculations indicate that the reactions of OH with NO2, hydrocarbons, CO, NO, and carbonyls accounted for about 32%, 25%, 12%, 10% and 7% of total OH loss, respectively, in this urban area. Modeled instantaneous O3 production from HO2 and RO2 reactions with NO was 150±100 ppbv day−1. O3 production rates from measured HO2(P(O3)obsHO2) was greater than modeled HO2(P(O3)calcHO2) at higher values of NO. Average daily cumulative P(O3)obsHO2 was ∼140 ppbv day−1, a factor of 1.5, greater than average daily P(O3)calcHO2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Focuses on the attempt of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to regulate the disclosure rules in the international securities market. Analysis of the international securities theory; Agenda of the International Accounting Standards Board; List of accommodations given to foreign issuers.

Focuses on the effects of culture and identity conflict on the social state of Indigenous people, which was presented in the novel "Almanac of the Dead," by Leslie Marmon Silko. How the book described the social acceptance of Indigenous people; Differences in the value systems of Caucasian society and Native people; Experiences of Indigenous people in America on the arrival of Europeans.

Presents an index of the social conditions in the United States and compares the statistical profile of the society in 1997 versus 1997. Effect of increase in education spending to overall academic performance; Effect of technology and sexual attitudes to family relationships; Unemployment rate.

Focuses on the failure of the Tapo Canyon tailings dam resulting from the Northridge, California earthquake. Geologic conditions at the site; Factors on the characteristics of the embankment failure; Sediment boils in the tailings.

Focuses on a proposal for reform of federal securities fraud laws in the United States. U.S. Supreme Court's rulings in the cases, Chiarella v. United States and Dirks v. SEC; Definition of an equal access rule; Reasons to define insider trading.

The intervention by Congress in the private funding of federal election campaigns is fundamentally misconceived. The field should be deregulated. Proponents of intervention believe that the unregulated private financing of election campaigns subverts our representative institutions. This is because, they believe, first, that disparities in campaign spending often decide elections; second, that the pattern of campaign contributions received by a legislator significantly influences that legislator's lawmaking behavior; and, third, that the private financing of political activity injects the economic inequalities of the marketplace into the sphere of political rights. However, a whole view of the complex worlds of elections and legislation suggests that these beliefs, despite their superficial plausibility, are unsupported by reason and experience. In fact, the private market for political finance, left unregulated, should consistently deny to any discrete group of participants the market power necessary to influence elections or legislation significantly. Furthermore, the partial regulation attempted to date has been easily circumvented, and more comprehensive regulation is substantially barred by the constitutional sanctity of political speech and association. Finally, a system of private political finance, free from government intervention, is reconcilable with the legitimate operations of our representative government and with the true meaning of political equality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information about a study, which describes how changes in teaching methods bring change in the elementary-school social studies curriculum. During the study, a project was advanced to examine theory and practice on how to change teaching style of a group of teachers. The main objective of the project was to introduce a program, which aimed at developing selected competencies in the teachers and enhancing instructional programs in all schools of the United States. In each elementary school, this clear objective was to be completed successfully by change agents. These change agents were selected teachers who were assigned to introduce change process in social studies.

Focuses on topics related to American speech. Observations on the American use of the English language; Citations on the use of the suffix -nik; Use of the term leisure in American culture.

Discusses several issues related to the English language. Usage of the term instant from different sources; Details on the dialect in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Origin of the term tanto and phrase walk home.

Presents a list of geographical words or phrases that developed in the U.S. as of December 1961. Back; Wisconsin badgers; Dumb bull; Pritch.

Discusses several issues related to the English language. Application of the English term split-level to refer to blouses and dresses; Information on some words used in the U.S. Air Force; Definition of the term watergap.

Discusses several issues related to language. Distribution of the usage of the term pinkie in the U.S.; Details on the shifts in gender and meaning of nouns designating the sexes; Information on the slang language at Wayne University.

Covers various issues and topics related to the American English language. Factors that determine one's feeling in regard to number combinations in linguistic; Origin of the word copesetic; Views on the idiomatic use of the words next and last.