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OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that a feedback-based intervention would reduce human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine missed opportunities. METHODS: In a longitudinal cluster randomized controlled trial of 48 pediatric primary care practices, we allocated half the practices to receive a sequential, multicomponent intervention phased over consecutive periods. In a prior trial (period 1), communication skills training reduced missed opportunities for the initial HPV vaccine dose at well visits but not at acute/chronic visits. The current trial (period 2) evaluated the added value of performance feedback to clinicians after communication training. Performance feedback consisted of an introductory training module, weekly electronic "Quick Tips," and 3 individualized performance feedback reports to clinicians. We fit logistic regression models for the primary outcome of HPV vaccination missed opportunities using generalized estimating equations with independence working correlation, accounting for clustering at thepracticelevel. RESULTS: Performance feedback resulted in a 3.4 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -6.8, 0.0) percentage point greater reduction in missed HPV vaccine opportunities for the intervention versus control group during acute/chronic visits for subsequent HPV vaccinations (dose 2 or 3). However, during well visits for HPV vaccination dose #1, intervention practices increased missed opportunities (worsened) by 4.2 (95% CI: 1.0, 7.4) percentage points more than control practices, reducing the prior period 1 improvements and blunting the overall effect of performance feedback. We did not observe differences for the other visit/dose categories. CONCLUSIONS: Performance feedback improved HPV vaccination for one subset of visits (acute/chronic, subsequent HPV vaccinations due), but not for well visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, no method utilizing satellite imagery exists for detailing the locations and functions of critical infrastructure across the United States, making response to natural disasters and other events challenging due to complex infrastructural interdependencies. This paper presents a repeatable, transferable, and explainable method for critical infrastructure analysis and implementation of a robust model for critical infrastructure detection in satellite imagery. This model consists of a DenseNet-161 convolutional neural network, pretrained with the ImageNet database. The model was provided additional training with a custom dataset, containing nine infrastructure classes. The resultant analysis achieved an overall accuracy of 90%, with the highest accuracy for airports (97%), hydroelectric dams (96%), solar farms (94%), substations (91%), potable water tanks (93%), and hospitals (93%). Critical infrastructure types with relatively low accuracy are likely influenced by data commonality between similar infrastructure components for petroleum terminals (86%), water treatment plants (78%), and natural gas generation (78%). Local interpretable model-agnostic explanations (LIME) was integrated into the overall modeling pipeline to establish trust for users in critical infrastructure applications. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of a convolutional neural network approach for critical infrastructure identification, with higher than 90% accuracy in identifying six of the critical infrastructure facility types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The implementation of evidence-based practices in critical care faces specific challenges, including intense time pressure and patient acuity. These challenges result in evidence-to-practice gaps that diminish the impact of proven-effective interventions for patients requiring intensive care unit support. Research is needed to understand and address implementation determinants in critical care settings.Methods: The Handoffs and Transitions in Critical Care-Understanding Scalability (HATRICC-US) study is a Type 2 hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial of standardized operating room (OR) to intensive care unit (ICU) handoffs. This mixed methods study will use a stepped wedge design with randomized roll out to test the effectiveness of a customized protocol for structuring communication between clinicians in the OR and the ICU. The study will be conducted in twelve ICUs (10 adult, 2 pediatric) based in five United States academic health systems. Contextual inquiry incorporating implementation science, systems engineering, and human factors engineering approaches will guide both protocol customization and identification of protocol implementation determinants. Implementation mapping will be used to select appropriate implementation strategies for each setting. Human-centered design will be used to create a digital toolkit for dissemination of study findings. The primary implementation outcome will be fidelity to the customized handoff protocol (unit of analysis: handoff). The primary effectiveness outcome will be a composite measure of new-onset organ failure cases (unit of analysis: ICU).Discussion: The HATRICC-US study will customize, implement, and evaluate standardized procedures for OR to ICU handoffs in a heterogenous group of United States academic medical center intensive care units. Findings from this study have the potential to improve postsurgical communication, decrease adverse clinical outcomes, and inform the implementation of other evidence-based practices in critical care settings.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04571749 . Date of registration: October 1, 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Layered with myriad considerations, school closure and rezoning processes in urban school systems are politically fraught with the potential for damaging consequences. This article explores the politics and impacts of a closure and rezoning process in Richmond, Virginia, through the lens of themes applicable to urban school systems and students across the nation. These include the intersection of closure and rezoning with growing White reinvestment in urban school systems, as well as the importance of focusing on diversity and equity during a time of intense pressure to close schools. Research Methods/Approach: Drawing on the case of Richmond, Virginia, we use an explanatory sequential mixed methods research design, employing qualitative methods to examine the political process of a 2013 school closure and elementary school rezoning effort and quantitative and spatial methods to examine its impact on racial composition and segregation in attendance zones and schools. Findings and Implications: We find that the political process of redrawing elementary school attendance boundaries in Richmond was associated with a dramatic increase in racial segregation between elementary attendance zones over a short period of time. Leadership changes and political considerations drove a rapid and antagonistic decision-making process that minimized broad-based public participation and privileged the voices of White families in a city school system that is less than 10% White. Despite a contentious and opaque decision-making process and starkly segregative impacts, community response and support for school diversity points to the potential for leveraging urban population shifts to increase rather than decrease diverse school settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years there has been growing recognition of the role of trauma in substance abuse treatment; however, only 20% of outpatient treatment programs report offering trauma services. We conducted a secondary analysis of the 2012 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS) and explore how demographic, population served, and organization variables distinguish those programs that offer trauma services from those that do not. In this article, we present the findings, which revealed that organizational structure, process, and population served variables were the most important predictors of trauma services. Implications for social work practice in the addictions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though many water utilities in the United States perform some form of water meter testing, little has been published concerning utility meter accuracy-testing procedures. Although AWWA's Manual M6, Water Meters-Selection, Installation, Testing, and Maintenance (2012), provides much useful information concerning accuracy-testing principles, the recent development of static residential water meters has introduced new questions about accuracy-testing procedures that are not addressed in the current edition of M6. This article discusses the results of a study performed at the Utah Water Research Laboratory (UWRL) that involved sending a set of meters to various utility meter shops around the country to be tested. The UWRL tested the meters both before and after the tests were performed at each utility. Each utility forwarded a copy of its accuracy test results to the UWRL, and the results from each utility were then compared with the UWRL test results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the humor of American writer Kurt Vonnegut. The author argues that Vonnegut should not be classified as a black humorist because he had a sense of compassion in his comedy. He discusses Vonnegut's background in writing science fiction, explores his work writing for magazines, and analyzes several his book "The Sirens of Titan." He examines how Vonnegut was able to incorporate elements of sadness into his humor and describes the impact his comic parables had on American culture.

This study describes the epidemiology of pediatric volleyball-related injuries treated in US hospital emergency departments. Data for children younger than 18 years obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission from 1990 through 2009 were analyzed. An estimated 692 024 volleyball-related injuries to children younger than 18 years occurred during the study period. The annual number of injuries declined significantly by 23% during the study period; however, the annual injury rate remained unchanged, and the number of volleyball-related concussions/closed head injuries increased significantly. Upper (48%) and lower (39%) extremity injuries occurred most frequently, as did strains/sprains (54%). Contact with the net/pole was associated with concussions/closed head injury our findings indicate opportunities for making volleyball an even safer sport for children. Protective padding, complying with US volleyball standards, should cover all volleyball poles and protruding hardware to prevent impact-related injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This research study examines the impact of the level of state tax code progressivity on selected children's health outcomes. Specifically, it examines the degree to which a states tax code ranking along the progressive-regressive continuum relates to percentage of low birthweight babies, infant and child mortality rates, and percentage of" uninsured children. Using data merged from a number of public data sets, the authors find that the level of state tax code progressivity is a factor in state rates of infant and child mortality. States with lower median incomes and regressive tax policies have the highest rates of infant and child mortality. With regard to the percentage of children 17 years of age and below who lack health insurance, it is found that larger states with regressive tax policies have the largest percentage of uninsured children. In general, more heavily populated states with more progressive tax codes have healthier children. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of tax policy and the well-being of children as well as for social work education, social work practice, and social work research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to describe the epidemiology of pediatric submersion events occurring in portable pools in the United States. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of fatal and nonfatal submersion events involving children younger than 12 years in portable pools was conducted using injury and fatality data compiled by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission from 2001 through 2009. RESULTS: There were 209 fatal and 35 nonfatal submersion cases reported to the commission from 2001 through 2009. The majority (94%) involved children younger than 5 years, 56% involved boys, 73% occurred in the child's own yard, and 81% occurred during the summer months. The number of submersion events increased rapidly from 2001 to 2005 and then leveled off from 2005 to 2009. CONCLUSIONS: The use of portable pools in residential settings poses a significant risk of submersion-related morbidity and mortality to children, especially in the <5-year-old age group. No single strategy will prevent all submersion deaths and injuries; therefore, layers of protection are recommended. Industry is advised to engage in development of protective devices that are effective and affordable for portable pools, including isolation fencing, pool alarms, and safety covers. A strong and pervasive consumer education campaign is needed to make consumers aware of the dangers of portable pools, because these small, inexpensive, consumer-installed pools may not generate the same sense of risk as an in-ground pool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Over the past several decades, cheerleaders have been performing fewer basic maneuvers and more gymnastic tumbling runs and stunts. As the difficulty of these maneuvers has increased, cheerleading injuries have also increased. Objective: To describe the epidemiology of cheerleading fall-related injuries by type of cheerleading team and event. Design: Prospective injury surveillance study. Setting: Participant exposure and injury data were collected from US cheerleading teams via the Cheerleading RIO (Reporting Information Online) surveillance tool. Patients or Other Participants: Athletes from 412 enrolled cheerleading teams who participated in official, organized cheerleading practices, pep rallies, athletic events, or cheer- leading competitions. Main Outcome Measure(s): The numbers and rates of cheerleading fall-related injuries during a 1-year period (2006-2007) are reported. Results: A total of 79 fall-related injuries were reported during the 1-year period. Most occurred during practice (85%, 67/79) and were sustained by high school cheerleaders (51%, 40/79). A stunt or pyramid was being attempted in 89% (70/79) of cases. Fall heights ranged from 1 to lift (0.30-3.35 m) (mean = 4.7 ± 2.0 ft [1.43 ± 0.61 m]). Strains and sprains were the most common injuries (54%, 43/79), and 6% (5/79) of the injuries were concussions or closed head injuries. Of the 15 most serious injuries (concussions or closed head injuries, dislocations, fractures, and anterior cruciate ligament tears), 87% (13/15) were sustained while the cheerleader was performing on artificial turf, grass, a traditional foam floor, or a wood floor. The fall height ranged from 4 to 11 ft (1.22-1.52 m) for 87% of these cases (13/15). Conclusions: Cheerleading-related falls may result in severe injuries and even death, although we report no deaths in the present study. The risk for serious injury increases as fall height increases or as the impact-absorbing capacity of the surfacing material decreases (or both). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Cheerleading-related injuries are on the rise. To date, no epidemiologic studies of cheerleading stunt-related injuries have been published. Objective: To describe and compare cheerleading stunt- related injuries by type of cheerleading team (All Star, college, high school, middle school, or recreation league) and event (practice, pep rally, athletic event, or cheerleading competition). Design: Prospective injury surveillance study. Setting: Participant exposure and injury data were collected from US cheerleading teams via the Cheerleading RIO (Reporting Information Online) surveillance tool. Patients or Other Participants: Athletes from enrolled cheerleading teams who participated in official, organized cheerleading practices, pep rallies, athletic events, or cheerleading competitions. Main Outcome Measure(s): The numbers, types, and rates of cheerleading stunt-related injuries during a 1-year period (2006-2007) are reported. Results: Stunt-related injuries accounted for 60% (338/567) of the injuries sustained by US cheerleaders who participated in the study and 96% (22/23) of the concussions and closed head injuries (CHIs) reported during the study. Collegiate cheerleaders were more likely to sustain a concussion or CHI than were cheerleaders on other types of teams (P = .02, odds ratio = 3.10, 95% confidence interval = 1.20, 8.06). Most injuries occurred while the cheerleader was spotting or basing another cheerleader (34%, 115/338), and these injuries comprised 32% (51/161) of all stunt-related strains and sprains. Four cheerleaders (1.2%, 4/335) were admitted to the hospital, and 9 cheerleaders (2.7%, 9/335) required surgery. Conclusions: Cheerleading stunts pose an increased risk for injury, especially in terms of sustaining a concussion or CHI. Spotters and bases were most likely to be injured during the performance of cheerleading stunts and were at risk for sustaining strain and sprain injuries. The ankle, lower back, and wrist were the sites most likely to be reinjured while performing cheerleading stunts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Describe the association of consumer products and activities with dental injuries among children 0–17 years of age treated in United States emergency departments. Design: A retrospective analysis of data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, 1990–2003. Results: There was an average of 22 000 dental injuries annually among children <18 years of age during the study period, representing an average annual rate of 31.6 dental injuries per 100 000 population. Children with primary dentition (<7 years) sustained over half of the dental injuries recorded, and products/activities associated with home structures/furniture were the leading contributors. Floors, steps, tables, and beds were the consumer products within the home most associated with dental injuries. Outdoor recreational products/activities were associated with the largest number of dental injuries among children with mixed dentition (7–12 years); almost half of these were associated with the bicycle, which was the consumer product associated with the largest number of dental injuries. Among children with permanent teeth (13- to 17-year olds), sports-related products/activities were associated with the highest number of dental injuries. Of all sports, baseball and basketball were associated with the largest number of dental injuries. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate dental injuries among children using a national sample. We identified the leading consumer products/activities associated with dental injuries to children with primary, mixed, and permanent dentition. Knowledge of these consumer products/activities allows for more focused and effective prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the procedures in keeping urban school teachers in the U.S. According to the author, in order to keep urban teachers, school administrators must offer safety, support, autonomy and the freedom to manage student behaviors. She suggests that discipline among the students is instilled by so that it can provide safety for its faculty. She adds that programs that involve parents and the community will be put into practice and that teachers will be treated like professionals. Details regarding the need for urban teachers are included.

The article reports on the stereotypical perceptions that technology education (TE) receives from the American public. TE's lack of a unified name, its failure to recruit a substantial number of females and minority undergraduate students, and failure to identify the scope of TE to non-TE teachers were believed to be the reasons it is still being stereotyped by the public. The article mentions that most TE professionals used the term Industrial Arts when defining TE thus concealing the genuine meaning of TE from the public. It is also suggested that TE should start clearing its name by addressing first the way it is perceived in the education community.

OBJECTIVE. The goal was to examine the influence of sociodemographic characteristics and health care system factors on the utilization of hospital resources by US children ≤17 years of age with a diagnosis of traumatic brain injury. METHODS. A retrospective analysis of data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database, from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2000, was performed. National estimates of traumatic brain injury-associated hospitalization rates and resource use were calculated with Kids' Inpatient Database sample weighting methods. RESULTS. Of 2 516 833 encounters between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2000, 25 783 cases involved patients ≤ 17 years of age with a recorded diagnosis of traumatic brain injury. On the basis of these data, there were an estimated 50 658 traumatic brain injury-associated hospitalizations among children ≤17 years of age in the United States in 2000. The traumatic brain injury-associated hospitalization rate was 70 cases per 100 000 children ≤I7 years of age per year; 15- to 17-year-old patients had the highest hospitalization rate (125 cases per 100 000 children per year). Pediatric inpatients accrued more than $1 billion in total charges for traumatic brain injury-associated hospitalizations in this study. In tire multivariate regression models, older age, Medicaid insurance status, and admission to any type of children's hospital were associated with a longer length of stay for pediatric traumatic brain injury-associated hospitalizations. Older age, longer length of stay, and in-hospital death predicted higher total charges for traumatic brain injury-associated hospitalizations. CONCLUSION. Pediatric traumatic brain injury is a substantial contributor to the health resource burden in the United States, accounting for more than $1 billion in total hospital charges annually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE. TO describe the epidemiology of cheerleading-related injuries among children in the United States. DESIGN. A retrospective analysis of data for children 5 to 18 years old from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1990-2002. METHODS. Sample weights provided by the NEISS were used to make national estimates of cheerleading-related injuries. Injury rates were calculated for the most frequently occurring types of injury using cheerleading participation data. RESULTS. An estimated 208 800 children (95% confidence interval [CI]: 166 620-250 980) 5 to 18 years of age were treated in US hospital emergency departments for cheerleading-related injuries during the 13-year period of 1990-2002. The number of injuries increased by 110% from 10 900 in 1990 to 22 900 in 2002, with an average of 16 100 (95% CI: 12 848-19 352) injuries per year (P < .01). The average age of injured children was 14.4 years (median: 15.0 years); 97% were female; and 85% of injuries occurred to children 12 to 17 years old. The number of injuries per 1000 participants per year was greater for 12- to 17-year-olds (8.1) than for 6- to 11-year-olds (1.2) for all cheerleading-related injuries combined (P < .01; relative risk [RR]: 6.49; 95% CI: 6.40-6.58), as well as for injuries grouped by body part injured and type of injury. The body parts injured were lower extremity (37.2%), upper extremity (26.4%), head/neck (18.8%), trunk (16.8%), and other (0.8%). Injury diagnoses were strains/sprains (52.4%), soft tissue injuries (18.4%), fractures/dislocations (16.4%), lacerations/avulsions (3.8%), concussions/closed head injuries (3.5%), and other (5.5%). Children in the 12- to 18-year age group were more likely to sustain strains or sprains to the lower extremity than 5- to 11-year-olds (P < .01; RR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.50-1.88). The majority of patients with cheerleading-related injuries was treated and released from the emergency department (98.7%). Patients sustaining fractures or dislocations were more likely to be admitted to the hospital than those sustaining other types of injury (P < .01; RR: 5.30; 95% CI: 3.29-6.43). CONCLUSIONS. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report numbers, rates, and trends of cheerleading-related injuries to children using a nationally representative sample. Cheerleading is an important source of injury to girls. The number of cheerleading-related injuries more than doubled during the 13-year study period. A set of uniform rules and regulations directed at increasing the safety of cheerleading, that are universally enforced, should be implemented. Mandatory completion of a safety training and certification program should be required of all cheerleading coaches. Establishment of a national database for cheerleading-related injuries would facilitate the development and evaluation of injury-prevention strategies based on epidemiologic evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To compare mini-and full-sized trampoline-related injuries in the United States. Methods. A retrospective analysis of data was conducted for all ages from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS)of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission from 1990 to 2002. We compared 137 minitrampoline-related injuries with 143 full-sized trampoline-related injuries, randomly selected from all full-sized trampoline-related injuries reported to the NEISS during the study period. Results. Patients ranged in age from 1 to 80 years (mean [SD]: 13.9 [17.7]) and 2 to 52 years (mean [SD]: 11.0 [8.0]) for mini-and full-sized trampoline-related injuries, respectively. Most patients were younger than 18 years (82% mini, 91% full-sized). Thirty-two percent of minitrampoline-and 19% of full-sized trampoline-related injuries were to children who were younger than 6 years; girls predominated (63% mini, 51% full-sized). Children who were younger than 6 years were more likely to be injured on a minitrampoline than on a full-sized trampoline,when compared with 6-to 17-year-olds (odds ratio [OR]: 2.43; 95% confidence interval [CI ]:1.33-4.47). The majority of injuries occurred at home (87% mini, 89% full-sized). All patients who were injured on a minitrampoline were treated and released,whereas 5% of patients who were injured on a full-sized trampoline were admitted to the hospital. On minitrampolines, children who were younger than 6 years were at risk for head lacerations (OR: 4.98; 95% CI: 1.71-16.03), and children who were 6 to 17 years were at risk for lower extremity strains or sprains (OR: 6.26; 95% CI: 1.35-59.14). Children who were 6 to 17 years and injured on a full-sized trampoline were at risk for lower extremity strains or sprains (OR: 4.85; 95% CI:1.09-44.93). Lower extremity strains or sprains were the most common injury sustained by adults (18 years and older; 33% mini, 15% full-sized). Conclusions. Injury patterns were similar for mini-and... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris), is a circular migratory pest of many crops in the United States that overwinters in the southern states. Northward migrant Population arrival to the not-them states occurs earlier in the north central states compared with northeastern states. Migrant leafhopper arrival to the north varies from year to year depending on factors influencing the development of spring migrants in the overwintering areas and on timing of weather systems capable of transporting the migrants northward. An estimate of the potato leafhopper minimum temperature survival, the geographic limits of the potato leafhopper overwintering range, leafhopper spring development in the overwintering areas, and the identification of the spring migration initiation northwards can help to predict the leafhopper arrival time in the northern states. In the current study, geographic information system (GIS) was used to estimate the potato leafhopper minimum temperature survival and premigrant development. The minimum winter temperature was estimated by overlaying minimum temperature isolines with potato leafhopper collection data taken during the winter. The geographic limits of the overwintering range were estimated using the minimum temperature survival to create a condition-based model by using ArcMap-GIS 8.2. The estimated over- wintering range was larger and covered areas further north than previously estimated and included Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky, Virginia, and Maryland. The use of degree-day accumulation to estimate days of first adult emergence in the overwintering areas resulted in earliest adult emergence in the south central region. First adult emergence in south central and southeastern areas occurred before the detection of potato leafhoppers in the north central United States. These data suggested that the difference in Population arrival between the north central states and the northeastern states was more dependent on factors affecting the migration and weather conditions encountered along the migration pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to describe the epidemiology of childhood bathtub-related injuries and to recommend methods for prevention of bathtub-related slips and falls. A consecutive series of 204 children, who were treated for bathtub-related injuries in a pediatric emergency department during a 3-year period were included in the study. The age range was 4 months to Hi years (mean 3.1, SD 2.8, median 2.8 years). Slips and falls accounted for 82.3% (168/204) of mechanisms of injuries. Lacerations, the most common injury type, accounted for 66.7% (136/204) of cases. The most frequent anatomic location of injury was the head or face (68.1%, 139/204). Adult supervision was present during 84.8% (67/79) of the injuries among children younger than 5 years. Parents changed the bathing environment after the patients' injury in 82.3% (65/79) of cases. Injuries due to slips and falls are the most common type of childhood bathtub-related injury. Increased supervision alone will not be sufficient to prevent these injuries, given that adult supervision is already present in most cases. These injuries are most effectively prevented by passive methods, such as providing an effective slip-resistant bathtub surface. The large number of bathtub-related injuries associated with slips and falls argues for exploring a higher coefficient of friction standard for bathtubs, which may lead to fewer injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article will discuss current issues surrounding the administration of capital punishment in the U.S. with insights from Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery". The story itself shows the atavistic nature lurking beneath humankind's civilized surface and leads the reader to examine such notions as scapegoating, ritual cleansing, gender, class structure, arbitrary condemnation, and sanctioned violence. There may be more truth in Jackson's short story than the reader cares to confront. This opens the possibility that fiction can give us more insight into value issues than other sources can. Although fiction is made up of imaginary elements, it is true to reality and human experience. The legal historical reality of capital punishment and its subsequent implementation as it has existed and still exists in our culture purports to establish and maintain what amounts to a legal fiction of its own. In this story, Jackson presents us with a glimpse into humankind's past and brings the reader to question the justification and use of capital punishment in our culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the ways in which the fight for a Martin Luther King Jr. holiday in Henrico County, Virginia mobilized the Afro-American community into political action. Discussion on the movement of Afro-Americans into the suburban rings of U.S. cities; Observation on Afro-American settlement patterns in Henrico County; Analysis of the struggle for a holiday for King.

This article presents a study that investigates the changes in the factors that influence the decision to continue priesthood. During the period of time encompassed by this study (1970-1985) a great deal of change has occurred in the Catholic Church. However, the dynamics underlying the role commitment process have changed very little. The cost of celibacy, although weaker than in 1970, is still a priest's principal consideration in the commitment process. This finding has implications for church policy-making as well as for the future of Catholic leadership. The data on which this study is based, as well as other studies on personnel projections for Catholic priests in the U.S., indicate that the number of priests available for active ministry will continue to decline. Concurrently, the number of Catholics in the U.S. will continue to increase. Thus, if nothing is done to reverse these trends a "crisis" is inevitable. The restrictions against married priests is a matter of church discipline, not church doctrine. It does not involve a theological change. Opening the priesthood to married men will produce quantitative as well as qualitative outcomes. Quantitatively, the number of priests available for active ministry will increase and by enlarging the eligibility pool the quality of priests can be enhanced. It has been argued that by accepting a policy of optional celibacy the Church would be embarking on a path of radical change.

The article evaluates the impact of the increased number of AIDS patients on the delivery of healthcare services in the U.S. It is crucial for healthcare workers to learn how to provide medical care for persons with AIDS as well as how to interact with and related to them. Moreover, ethnic and cultural differences of both the AIDS population and healthcare workers must be addressed to relieve the feelings of risk, stress, and discomfort. Each healthcare setting must identify the most effective means to educate all levels of staff on a continual basis.

Field efficacy of 2 strains of entomopathogenic nernatode, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar, were examined against alfalfa snout beetle larvae, Otiorhynchus ligustici (L.), in an established alfalfafield. Both strains wereapplied at 2.5 and 15billion IJs per hectare using 2 different spray nozzle configurations. H. bacteriophora 'NC' reduced the insect larval population to 0.33--2.3 larvae per 54,900 cm3, significantly below the levels in the untreated controls, and reduced the incidence of snout beetle larval feeding and alfalfa stand death. NC occurred in 23--70% of the soil cores during the 1st growing season, but did not persist beyond the 1st growing season. The high rate of H, bcateriophora 'Oswego' reduced the insect larval population to 1.3 larvae per 54,9W cm3, significantly below the levels of the untreated controls but not as low as NC. Oswego also reduced the incidence ofsnout beetle larval feeding and alfalfa stand death. Oswego could be found in 73--99% of the soil cores during the Ist growing season and persisted for the entire 700 d of the trial. After 700 d, Oswego could be found in 24--44% of the soil cores taken within the treated plots. Evidence of nematode recycling was observed in both nematode strains. Data suggests that the NC strain would be more appropriate in situations where a biopesticide is desired, and the Oswego strain is more appropriate where long-term insect suppression is desired within more stable ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the advantages of collaborative structures to organize drug treatment and criminal justice services in the U.S. Background on the significance of structured behavioral and multi-modal treatment approaches; Nature of drug addiction; Factors that led to a crisis in public health, public safety and allied health and social services systems in the country.

Gibberella zeae, causal agent of Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat and barley and Gibberella ear rot (GER) of corn, may be transported over long distances in the atmosphere. Epidemics of FHB and GER may be initiated by regional atmospheric sources of inoculum of G. zeae; how- ever, little is known about the origin of inoculum for these epidemics. We tested the hypothesis that atmospheric populations of G. zeae are genetically diverse by determining the genetic structure of New York atmospheric populations (NYAPs) of G. zeae, and comparing them with populations of G. zeae collected from seven different states in the northern United States. Viable, airborne spores of G. zeae were collected in rotational (lacking any apparent within-field inoculum sources of G. zeae) wheat and corn fields in Aurora, NY in May through August over 3 years (2002 to 2004). We evaluated 23 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) loci in 780 isolates of G. zeae. Normalized genotypic diversity was high (ranging from 0.91 to 1.0) in NYAPs of G. zeae, and nearly all of the isolates in each of the populations represented unique AFLP haplotypes. Pairwise calculations of Nei's unbiased genetic identity were uniformly high (>0.99) for all of the possible NYAP comparisons. Although the NYAPs were genotypically diverse, they were genetically similar and potentially part of a large, interbreeding population of G. zeac in North America. Estimates of the fixation index (GST) and the effective migration rate (Nm) for the NYAPs indicated significant genetic exchange among populations. Relatively low levels of linkage disequilibrium in the NYAPs suggest that outcrossing is common and that the populations are not a result of a recent bottleneck or invasion. When NYAPs were compared with those collected across the United States, the observed genetic identities between the populations ranged from 0.92 to 0.99. However, there was a significant negative correlation (R = -0.59, P < 0.001) between genetic identity and geographic distance, suggesting that some genetic isolation may occur on a continental scale. The contribution of long-distance transport of G. zeae to regional epidemics of FHB and GER remains unclear, but the diverse atmospheric populations of G. zeae suggest that inoculum may originate from multiple locations over large geographic distances. Practically, the long-distance transport of G. zeae suggests that management of inoculum sources on a local scale, unless performed over extensive production areas, will not be completely effective for the management of FHB and GER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]