The year 2003 promises to begin a time of change for the Federal Depository Library program (FDLP). In January 2003 the Hon. Bruce James was appointed Public Printer of the United States and declared his intention to accelerate the modernization of the GPO. At the spring 2003 Depository Library Council meeting in Reno NV, he stated, “The nineteenth century isn't coming back to the GPO.” Depository librarians have responded enthusiastically to this idea, attending the meeting in record numbers for a Council meeting not held in Washington, DC, and offering their ideas for the future of the FDLP.
The GPO is undergoing an internal reorganization and is engaged in several pilot projects, including one for an all-electronic depository at the University of Arizona. At the time of this writing, GPO is seeking partners for an all-electronic depository in a law library, virtual reference service, and web-based training. Of particular interest is a proposal to revamp the inspection process with locally based “consultants” who would visit libraries in their assigned geographic area once per quarter to offer advice and training.
Progress continues toward a mostly electronic FDLP, with 60% of FDLP titles being distributed online this year. Earlier this year, GPO unveiled a redesigned home page for GPO Access. The GPO Access databases continue to grow, and staff members are engaged in efforts to improve the performance of the system in the face of an average of 32 million retrievals per month.
Regardless of format, the Federal Government continues to produce an overwhelming amount of interesting and useful information. In keeping with the war on terrorism and the recent war with Iraq, this year's notable documents selections contain numerous titles relating to the military, national security, and counter-terrorism. Other topics are not lacking, however. As usual, there are documents and Web sites on topics that have been in the news lately: equal opportunity in college admissions, obesity, cloning, school safety, hormone therapy, and SARS, for example. Some other interesting topics covered this year include diversity in environmentalism, coral reefs, advertising of weight loss products and nutritional supplements, the totem poles of Sitka National Park, housing for the elderly, and depression in men.
The documents included in this Notable Documents issue were received by depository libraries from spring 2002 to spring 2003. Documents and Web sites were selected for their general interest, lasting value, research significance, or timeliness. Most of the documents are available from the Superintendent of Documents (http://bookstore.gpo.gov). Those documents that do not have a stock number or price may be available in limited quantities from the issuing agency. URLs are included for the many documents that are also available on the World Wide Web.
1
Adoption of Bioengineered Crops, by Jorge Fernandez-Cornejo, William D. McBride, et al. Washington, DC: Department of Agriculture, 2002. 67 pp. With abstr., app., fig., ftn., maps, ref., tab. (Agricultural Economic Report #810; Item 42-C; A 1.107:810) [Available online at http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/aer810/aer810.pdf.]
Genetically altered crops, such as those engineered to be pest-resistant, can greatly increase agricultural productivity, but also cause worries that their use can have unforeseen consequences for consumers and the environment. This report examines farm-level factors, such as farm size and educational attainment of farm operators, that influence the adoption of these crops and also examines the rates at which certain crops are being adopted.
2
Agricultural productivity and efficiency in Russia and Ukraine, by Stefan Osborne & Michael A. Trueblood. Washington, DC: Department of Agriculture, 2002. 33 pp. With abstr., app., fig., ftn., ill., ref., tab. [Item 42-C (online); A 1.107:813; Available online at http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/aer813/aer813.pdf.]
Since they became independent in 1992, Russia and Ukraine have seen a decline in agricultural productivity; this report describes the changes in Russian and Ukrainian agricultural production and trade and the reasons behind the changes. The report attributes the decline in productivity mainly to uncompleted economic reforms in the agricultural sector and predicts what would happen if the reforms were enacted. This interesting report shows ways that farming and food supplies can be affected by politics and economics.
3
A Soil Bioengineering Guide for Streambank and Lakeshore Stabilization, by C. Ellen Eubanks & Dexter Meadows. San Dimas, CA: Department of Agriculture Forest Service Technology and Development Program, 2002. 196 pp. With app., bibliog., fig., gloss., ill., tab. (Item 86-C; A 13.36/2:SO 3) [Available online at http://www.fs.fed.us/publications/soil-bio-guide/.]
Human activities, such as timber harvesting, industry and agriculture, have greatly changed the nation's watersheds and riparian ecosystems, often with deleterious effects. This guide demonstrates methods of soil bioengineering—using rocks, soil and vegetation native to a site to repair damaged banks and shorelines—instead of using artificial materials such as concrete. The first three chapters describe the characteristics and functions of watersheds, riparian ecosystems and streams and rivers. The remaining chapters give well-illustrated instructions on planning and conducting a repair project.
4
Race, Class, Gender, and American Environmentalism, by Dorceta E. Taylor. Portland, OR: Pacific Northwest Station, Forest Service, 2002. 54 pp. With abbrev., fig., ftn., introd., ref., tab. (General Technical Report; PNW-GTR-534; Item 83-B-06; A 13.88:PNW-GTR-534) [Electronic version at http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS19529.]
This interesting publication examines how race, social class, gender, politics, and labor market experiences affected the development of environmentalism in America in the 19th and 20th centuries. The author sees these factors as influencing the rise of four major pathways of environmental activism. Chapters focus on wilderness, wildlife, and recreation; urban environmentalism; the white working class; people of color; gender relations among people-of-color groups; and people of color and environmental justice. Interested readers will find the extensive list of references helpful.
5
A Comparative Study of Forestry in Finland, Norway, Sweden, and the United States with Special Emphasis on Policy Measures for Non-Industrial Private Forests in Norway and the United States, by Berit Hauger Lindstad. Portland, OR: Department of Agriculture, Pacific Northwest Research Station, 2002. 35 pp. With abstr., fig., ref., tab. (General Technical Report PNW-GTR-538; Item 83-B-6; A 13.88:PNW-GTR-538) [Available online at http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/pubs/gtr538.pdf.]
Forests are an important natural resource in the United States; this report compares forestry in the United States with that in three Nordic countries where it is also important. The report discusses the amount and distribution of forests in each country; ownership, use and management of the forests, and the place of forestry in the national economies. The report gives particular attention to government policies in the United States and Norway that can affect privately owned forests, and the prospects for these policies to protect the forests.
6
Biological Control of Invasive Plants in the Eastern United States, by R. Van Driesche, J.W. Amrine, Jr., et al. Morgantown, WV: Forest Service, 2002. 413 pp. With ill., ref. (Forest Service Pub. FHTET-2002-04; Item 86-F-5; A 13.110/18:2002-04) [Available online at http://www.invasive.org/biocontrol/.]
Invasive plants are species that thrive when introduced into a new environment. They can cause economic and environmental damage by crowding out native species and may harm humans—by being poisonous or allergenic, for example. This book explains how to use a plant's natural enemies to curb invasive species. The book is divided by type of habitat and has detailed descriptions of the invasive species found in that habitat. Each description explains why the plant considered a pest, how to identify it, its biology and native area, and recommendations for controlling it.
7
Measuring America: The Decennial Censuses from 1790 to 2000, by Jason G. Gauthier. Washington, DC: U.S. Census Bureau, 2002. v.p. With app., bibliog., ftn., ill., tab. [POL/02-MA (RV); S/N 003-024-09028-7; Item 146; C 3.2:M 46/2] ISBN 0-16-051209-3; $21.00. [Electronic version at http://www.census.gov/prod/www/abs/ma.html.]
In addition to providing a brief individual history of each decennial census, this useful reference volume also contains more detailed information on the questionnaires and the instructions to census recorders (initially identified as marshals and then as enumerators). Most descriptions include illustrations of the uniform printed schedules or questionnaires, use of which began in 1830. Also helpful are the tables that summarize the census by demographic, social, and economic characteristics for which information was requested. All together, this volume provides a quick overview of the history and changing information needs of the U.S. decennial census process.
8
The State of Coral Reef Ecosystems of the United States and Pacific Freely Associated States: 2002, by D.D. Turgeon, R.G. Asch, et al. Silver Spring, MD: National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, 2002. 265 pp. With abbrev., app., bibliog., fig., ftn., ill., tab. (Item 250-E-2; C 55.402:EC 7) [Available online at http://www.nccos.noaa.gov/publications/notables.html#corals.]
The United States has jurisdiction over about 7607 square miles of tropical coral reefs (p. 1). This is the first of proposed biennial reports, and tries to collect in one place the available data on the conditions of these reefs. The report details threats to coral reefs—such as storms, diseases, and pollution—discusses their importance in specific areas, and outlines government remediation efforts. It also discusses the progress of mapping efforts. There is a national overview and detailed reports of specific areas, such as Florida and Puerto Rico.
9
Neptune's Table: A View of America's Ocean Fisheries, by Anneka Wright. Washington, DC: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2002. 219 pp. With gloss., ill., ref. (S/N 003-020-00175-1; Item 250-E-2; C 55.2:N 35) ISBN 0-16-051192-5; $37.00.
This coffee-table book provides a nontechnical overview of America's ocean fishing, both commercial and recreational, from 1970 to 2000. The book describes various types of fishing and the experiences of commercial and recreational fishermen (and women). It describes the problems faced by fisheries today, such as over-fishing and habitat degradation. There are separate chapters on the fisheries of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The book contains abundant illustrations of fish, fishing activities and equipment, restaurants, and, of course, seafood, from fancy lobsters and sushi to the tuna fish sandwich.
10
Guide to Indo-Pacific Corals in International Wildlife Trade, by Andrew W. Bruckner. Silver Spring, MD: National Marine Fisheries Service, 2002. 54 pp. With ill., ref. (Item 609-C-3; C 55.208:IN 2).
This guide is intended to help law enforcement agents responsible for regulating coral trade, but it is a good general field guide for anyone interested in this topic. The guide is organized to allow the reader to quickly identify a coral that he or she has seen. The book is arranged by type of coral, and a list of descriptive questions directs the reader to the appropriate page for a particular type of coral. For each type of coral there are close-up photographs of the living organism and of its skeleton (used in jewelry and other goods).
11
Beyond Percentage Plans: The Challenge of Equal Opportunity in Higher Education. Washington, DC: U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 2002. 132 pp. With fig., ftn., tab. (CR 1.2:2003007132) [Electronic version at http://www.usccr.gov/pubs/percent2/percent2.pdf.]
This staff report examines percentage plans in California, Florida, and Texas that were created to foster diversity in higher education by using class rank as a basis for guaranteed admission. In addition, this report looks at admission standards and success predictors, national trends in college enrollment, and federal assistance in facilitating equal access. The report finds that “[a]s affirmative action comes increasingly under fire, and if percentage plans grow in popularity, it is inevitable that the numbers, and subsequently proportions, of minority students pursuing higher education will decrease” (p. xiii).
12
In Defense of the Nation: DIA at Forty Years, by Charles Francis Scanlon. Washington, DC: Defense Intelligence Agency, 2002. 377 pp. With app., gloss., ill., introd., ref. (S/N 008-000-00894-9; Item 315-F-01; D 5.202:D 36) ISBN 0-16-067553-7; $68.50.
The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) is a major player in the Defense Department given its “mission…to provide timely, objective, all-source military intelligence to warfighters, policymakers, and force planners…”(p. xi). In commemoration of the DIA's 40th anniversary in 2001, this extensively illustrated volume, which opens with a brief account of the agency's role in the aftermath of the 1998 bombings of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, organizes the DIA's story by decade. Key officials and directors of the DIA are highlighted as well as some of the major situations in which the agency was involved.
13
The Middle East in 2015: The Impact of Regional Trends on U.S. Strategic Planning, ed. by Judith Share Yaphe. Washington, DC: National Defense University Press, 2002. 248 pp. With ref., tab. (S/N 008-020-01514-8; Item 378-H-01; D 5.402:M 58) ISBN 0-16-067445-X; $19.00. [Electronic version at http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS26907.]
This volume contains a number of case studies that were presented during a conference series sponsored by the Institute for National Strategic Studies. Authors examined political, social, and economic trends and discussed issues that could affect U.S. policy in the region. It will be interesting to see how the trends identified in this book will be affected in the aftermath of the war with Iraq in spring 2003.
14
Transforming America's Military, ed. by Hans Binnendijk. Washington, DC: National Defense University Press, 2002. 435 pp. With fig., introd., ref., tab. (S/N 008-020-01515-6; Item 378-H-01; D 5.402:M 59/4) ISBN 1-57906-057-9; $35.00. [Electronic version at http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS25605.]
This book discusses an organized approach to the transformation of all branches of the U.S. military as well as working with coalition partners in such efforts. Such transformations are based on new technologies, operational concepts, and organizational structures. Of particular interest to readers may be the chapters on strengthening homeland security, controlling space, protecting cyberspace, and maintaining the technological lead.
15
Missile Defense Technologies: Tools to Counter Terrorism, by Tabatha Spitzer. Washington, DC: Missile Defense Agency, 2002. 34 pp. With fig., ill. (Item 306; D 15.9:2003004756) [Available online at http://www.acq.osd.mil/bmdo/bmdolink/pdf/terror.pdf.]
Since September 11, 2001, many federal agencies have been asking themselves what role they can play in the prevention of terrorism. The Missile Defense Agency joins the effort with this report describing technologies that the agency has funded which have counter-terrorism applications. The inventions are divided among chemical and biological countermeasures, surveillance and information collection devices, and cyber warfare devices. There is a one-page description of each invention, with its production status and contact information.
16
Jayhawk!: The VII Corps in the Persian Gulf War, by Stephen A. Bourque. Washington, DC: Department of the Army, 2002. 530 pp. With app., bibliog., fig., ftn., ill., ind. (CMH Pub 70-73-1; PIN 079241-000; LCCN 2001-028533; S/N 008-029-00378-3; Item 344; D 114.2:J 33) ISBN 0-16-051128-3; $52.00.
Although a predominant image of victory in the 1990–1991 Persian Gulf War is that of smart bombs, the war on the ground was also key to the success of coalition efforts. This substantial volume examines the ground war through a study of some the complex activities of the U.S. Army's VII Corps. The author looks at the role of technology, initiative, command and control, and the attention devoted to planning, training, and execution. Numerous illustrations and maps supplement the text.
17
Splendid Vision, Unswerving Purpose: Developing Air Power for the United States Air Force during the First Century of Powered Flight. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH: Air Force History and Museums Program, 2002. 527 pp. With app., bibliog., gloss., ill., ind., ref., tab. (LCCN 2002-153912; S/N 008-070-00779-7; Item 422-M-01; D 301.82/7:C 33) ISBN 0-16-067599-5; $69.00.
A Century of Air and Space Power. Washington, DC: Air Force and Museums Program, 2002. Folded wall chart. (Item 421-E-05; D 301.76/5:T 48/2) [Included with book above through GPO].
In telling the story of “…those who support the fighting forces by developing and acquiring new and better weapons systems…” (p. v), this large volume details the history of the U.S. Air Force's efforts to create and obtain the aeronautical weapons systems and technologies that helped make it the preeminent airpower in the world. The attractive design and hundreds of photographs that accompany the text make this a book that can be dipped into as well as read from cover-to-cover. The accompanying chart provides a quick chronological summary of major aerospace events, technological advances, and aircraft and munitions developments.
18
On Target: Organizing and Executing the Strategic Air Campaign Against Iraq, by Richard G. Davis. Washington, DC: Air Force History and Museums Program, 2002. 397 pp. With bibliog., ftn., gloss., ill., ind. (The USAF in the Persian Gulf War; LCCN 2002-15525; S/N 008-070-00780-1; Item 422-M-01; D 301.82/7:P 43) ISBN 0-16-051259-X; $45.00.
This history describes the strategic air campaign against Iraq, which was the part of the overall air operations that attacked military and economic targets in Iraq itself, during the first Persian Gulf War. While focusing on this aspect of the campaign, this book “…also places that war into its larger political and military context, especially in its tale of the interplay between the U. S. military and civilian leadership” (pp. v–vi). Chapters cover planning and deployment activities during Desert Shield and various air offensives against Iraq during Desert Storm.
19
Gradual Failure: The Air War over North Vietnam, 1965–1966, by Jacob Van Staaveren. Washington, DC: Air Force History and Museums Program, 2002. 404 pp. With bibliog., fig., ftn., gloss., ill., ind., introd. (The United States Air Force in Southeast Asia; LCCN 2002-3229; S/N 008-070-00781-9; Item 422-M-01; D 301.82/7:V 67/2) $42.00.
American strategic and military policies and actions in the 11-year conflict in Vietnam remain a rich source of historical interest. This comprehensive work examines the first phase of the Rolling Thunder campaign, the nickname given to the controversial air war against North Vietnam. Detailed chapters discuss the background and planning, the purposes and targets of the various bombing programs, the Hanoi government's responses, and the continued failure of this strategy to bring North Vietnam to the point of negotiation.
20
Building the Bombs: A History of the Nuclear Weapons Complex, by Charles R. Loeber. Albuquerque, NM: Sandia National Laboratories, 2002. 270 pp. With abbrev., app., bibliog., fig., gloss., ill., ind., ref. (SAND2002-0307P; S/N 061-000-00960-4; Item 429-A; E 1.2:B 86/9) ISBN 0-16-067187-6; $29.00.
With weapons of mass destruction so much in the news lately, this is a particularly timely book. It outlines the history of the United States' nuclear weapons from Einstein's theory of relativity to today's enormous complex of laboratories and production facilities. The book covers early nuclear research, the Manhattan Project, testing, the Cold War and its aftermath. An especially interesting chapter covers the German atomic bomb project during WWII, which was derailed by Norwegian commandos who destroyed the Germans' supply of heavy water, necessary for one method of bomb making.
21
Savannah River Site at Fifty, by Mary Beth Reed, Mark T. Swanson, et al. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Energy, 2002. 719 pp. With app., fig., ill., ind., ref. (S/N 061-000-00959-1; Item 429-A; E 1.2:SA 9/2) $65.00.
This book, generously illustrated with photos, diagrams, and snippets of oral history, documents the history of the Savannah River Site nuclear research and production facility. The book describes not only the enormous construction and engineering efforts that went into building the site, and the scientific developments that were made there, but the social impact the facility made on the South Carolina area where it is located. The book is very readable despite its technical subject matter. There are additional sections on the history of nuclear science and on environmental protection at the site.
22
Consumer's Guide to Buying a Solar Electric System. Washington, DC: Department of Energy, 2002. 25 pp. With app., ill., tab. (Item 429-B, E 1.8:SO 4/11).
This guide, prepared by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, aids business and residential consumers in deciding whether to buy a solar electric system and what type of system to buy. The guide discusses reasons for buying a solar electric system, where systems can be located, types and sizes of systems, selecting a provider, and financing the purchase. Although this booklet is targeted to the Midwest, and has information on solar programs there, the text of the guide is applicable to any area.
23
Open to All: Title IX at Thirty. Washington, DC: Commission on Opportunity in Athletics, U.S. Department of Education, 2003. 70 pp. With app., fig., ftn., gloss., ref., tab. (ED 1.2:2003007751) [Electronic version at http://www.ed.gov/pubs/titleixat30/ or http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS27414.]
This commission examined and made recommendations regarding current Federal standards for measuring equal opportunity for male and female participation in school sports under Title IX and for improving the effectiveness of Title IX. The report indicates that the recommendations were grounded in the themes of commitment, clarity, fairness, and enforcement. Controversy surrounded the release of this report as two commission members withdrew their support from several recommendations and prepared a separate minority report, which the Secretary of Education refused at that time to include as part of the commission's official report.
24
Empty Promises: The Myth of College Access in America: A Report of the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance. Washington, DC: The Committee, 2002. 63 pp. With app., fig., introd., ref. (Item 455-B-02; ED 1.2:P 94/11) [Electronic version at http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS21489.]
Following on the committee's 2001 report, Access Denied: Restoring the Nation's Commitment to Equal Educational Opportunity, this report states that “nearly one-half of all college-qualified, low- and moderate-income high school graduates—over 400,000 students fully prepared to attend a four-year college—will be unable to do so, and 170,000 of these students will attend no college at all” (p. v). Chapters discuss these financial barriers, the resulting impacts on students, and national consequences. The committee considers a number of implications for Federal policy.
25
The Nation's Report Card: Geography 2001, by Andrew R. Weiss, Anthony D. Lutkus, et al. Washington, DC: National Center for Education Statistics, 2002. 194 pp. With app., fig., ftn., tab. (NCES 2002-484; ED 1.102:2002019294) [Electronic version at http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS20081]. [Copies of this report may be ordered from ED Pubs, Education Publications Center, U.S. Dept. of Education, P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794-1398; Tel.: +1-877-433-7827; Fax: +1-301-470-1244; Web site: www.ed.gov/pubs/edpubs.html.]
Average geography scores for 4th- and 8th-graders were higher in 2001 than in 1994, while 12th-graders performed at approximately the same level. This is one of the findings of the 2001 National Assessment of Educational Progress survey on student achievement in the core subject area of geography. This report discusses average scale scores and achievement-level results for both the nation and for selected subgroups, classroom contexts for learning, and results for special-needs students.
26
Water Efficient Landscaping: Preventing Pollution and Using Resources Wisely. Washington, DC: Environmental Protection Agency, 2002. 20 pp. With bibliog., ill. (EPA 832-F-02-002; Item 431-I-1; EP 1.2:2003001814) [Available from EPA Water Resources Center (RC-4100), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Ariel Rios Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460. Also available online at http://www.epa.gov/owm/water-efficiency/final_final.pdf.]
Recent droughts saw withered gardens and restrictions on lawn watering. This guide discusses ways to create an attractive landscape without excessive use of water and pollution-causing fertilizers and pesticides. The guide gives general advice on such things as plant selection, watering methods and mulch use, with numerous illustrations and real-life examples. For further information, there is a resource list and suggestions on organizations to contact.
27
Climate Change, Wildlife, and Wildlands: A Toolkit for Teachers and Interpreters. Washington, DC: Environmental Protection Agency, 2002. 1 Container with 1 videocassette, 1 CD-ROM, 1 letter, 1 wheel card, 12 trail cards. (EPA-430-K-0-007; Item 431-I-1; EP 1.2:C 61/11/TOOLKIT) [Free copy available from Karen Scott at +1-202-564-3482 or scott.karen@epa.gov.]
This kit provides materials for teachers to demonstrate the effects of climate change on nature. The kit includes a wheel card about the pollution emitted by common household activities and methods for reducing it, a video, and flash cards about vulnerable species and habitats. The bulk of the materials in the kit are on the CD-ROM. There are fact sheets and case studies, puzzles and coloring pages, a slide show, and video. Educators can choose materials for different age groups and different settings, such as a classroom or outdoor setting.
28
Assessing and Monitoring Floatable Debris, by James Woodley. Washington, DC: Environmental Protection Agency, 2002. 57 pp. With abbrev., app., ill., gloss., ref., tab. (Item 473-A-1; EP 2.2:2003002873) [Available online at http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/debris/floatingdebris/debris-final.pdf.]
Floatable debris, trash and other types of waste that float on the surface or drift underneath the water, presents hazards to wildlife and humans. This report examines the sources of this type of pollution and the impacts it has on communities and the environment. The report also discusses techniques for assessing the prevalence of floating pollution and for remediation of it, including detailed case studies. Any community that resides near a body of water would find this publication of interest.
29
The Natural and Beneficial Functions of Floodplains: Reducing Flood Losses by Protecting and Restoring the Floodplain Environment, by the Task Force on the Natural and Beneficial Functions of the Floodplain. Washington, DC: Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2002. v.p. With app., bibliog.,fig., ill. (FEMA 409; Item 216-A-5; FEM 1.2:F 65/16).
This book presents the argument that restoring and protecting natural floodplains could lower the amount of flood damage done every year. In making the argument, the book gives a good overview of what floodplains are and how they serve wildlife and humans. The book also discusses the effects of human activities on floodplains and government efforts regarding them. Several case studies are included. This report would be of interest to anyone studying water resources or the environment.
30
World Trade Center Building Performance Study: Data Collection, Preliminary Observations, and Recommendations, ed. by Therese McAllister. Washington, DC: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, 2002. 303 pp. With abbrev., app., fig., ill., ref., tab. (FEMA 403; S/N 064-000-00029-2; Item 556-C; FEM 1.2:W 89) ISBN 0-16-067389-5; $44.00. [Also available on the Internet at http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS18973.]
This report examines data gathered after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, regarding the performance of the seven World Trade Center buildings and some additional buildings located near the complex. The report discusses the design and construction of each building, its fire protection and emergency exit systems and other relevant features, and the types of damage that each sustained on September 11. The report brings this data together to attempt to discover why the Twin Towers collapsed, and factors that aggravated or mitigated the damage to all of the buildings.
31
Advertising Nutrition and Health: Evidence From Food Advertising 1977-1997, by Pauline K. Ippolito & Janis K. Pappalardo. Washington, DC: Federal Trade Commission, 2002. 208 pp. With app., fig., tab., ref. (LCCN 2002-485686; Item 535; FT 1.2:Ad 9/6) (http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS24145).
This fascinating document has data on the type of nutrition-related claims made in food advertising for the 20-year period of 1977–1997. Beyond presenting the information and statistics, the goals of this report are to foster understanding of the economic forces driving the advertising marketplace and the incentives for such advertising provided to businesses by government policies. Many of the tables present regression analysis for diseases and affiliated claims. An appendix lists the FTC Food Advertising Cases during those 20 years.
32
Weight-Loss Advertising: An Analysis of Current Trends, by Richard L. Cleland, Walter C. Gross, et al. Washington, DC: Federal Trade Commission, 2002. 60 pp. With app., ref. (Item 535; FT 1.2:2003000735) (http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/reports/weightloss.pdf).
With Americans investing $30 billion annually in weight-loss products and services, the FTC's critical analysis of weight loss advertising is long overdue. It identifies the messages of marketers and examines the claims made in nine categories such as consumer testimonials and rapid weight-loss. Since it was found that more than half of the ads made at least one claim that was either false or unsubstantiated, the report concludes that there is room for improvement. The appendices feature list of specific products and questionable claims.
33
The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity. Rockville, MD: Office of the Surgeon General, 2001. 39 pp. With app., ref. (Item 485; HE 20.2: Ob 2) (http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS16583).
Since overweight and obesity have reached nationwide epidemic proportions, this slim publication seeks to acknowledge and document the problem; assist Americans in eating healthy, exercising, and making appropriate lifestyle changes; identify effective prevention interventions; and develop public–private partnerships. Two maps comparing obesity among adults in the U.S. in 1991 and 2000 dramatically illustrate the problem. The volume concludes with a vision for the future and appendices that list examples of federal programs, initiatives, and resources.
34
Closing the Gap: A National Blueprint to Improve the Health of Persons with Mental Retardation: Report of the Surgeon General's Conference on Health Disparities and Mental Retardation. Rockville, MD: Office of the Surgeon General, 2002. 76 pp. With app., ftn. (S/N 017-023-00209-1; Item 485; HE 20.2:2003003169) $26 (http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS24534).
This document presents the results of a national conference to address the needs of children, adolescents, and adults who have a mental retardation and thus experience poorer health and more difficulty in obtaining and paying for health care. Six goals, which are further divided into action steps and potential strategies, address increasing knowledge and understanding, improving the quality of health care, fostering health promotion and community environments, training health care providers, ensuring effective financing, and increasing sources of health care.
35
A Century of Women's Health: 1900–2000. Washington, DC: Department of Health and Human Services, 2002. 57 pp. With app., illus., ref. (Item 485-A-04; HE 20.41:2/2003001535) (http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS23448).
Included as part of the Department of Health and Human Services Women's Health Time Capsule, this booklet has been buried along with other significant and intriguing items on the grounds of the National Institutes of Health to be retrieved in 2100. It gives a review of the advances and progress of women's health during the past century. Chapters deal with preventive health, diagnosis and treatment, health education and communications, body image and health, and other topics. The appendix enumerates the items included in the capsule.
36
State Estimates of Substance Use From the 2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse: Volume I Findings, by Douglas Wright. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2002. 143 pp. With app., fig., ftn., ref., tab. (LCCN 2002-485201; Item 497-D-43; HE 20.417/6:15) (http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS24516).
State Estimates of Substance Use From the 2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse: Volume II Supplementary Technical Appendices, by Douglas Wright. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2002. 223 pp. With app., fig., ftn., ref., tab. (Item 497-D-43; HE 20.417/6:16) (http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS24516)
Together, these two volumes present the data and the methodology used in the first report of state estimates from the 2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA). As well as illicit drugs these include information on both alcohol and tobacco which are, respectively, the first and second most popular substances used in the United States. State estimates for 17 measures related to substance use are offered with Volume I displaying some of the results in color map form. Volume II has model-based tables for each state as well as descriptions of the statistical models and the data limitations.
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Cells, Genes, & Protein Machines: A Science Story for Young Readers, by Donna Kerrigan. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute, 2002. v.p. With fig., ill. (Item 507-G-2; HE 20.3152:C 33/5/KIT) [Can be ordered online at https://cissecure.nci.nih.gov/ncipubs/default.asp.]
This kit contains materials for a lesson on cells and genes aimed at children ages 5–8. The kit includes a CD-ROM, posters, coloring books, and a booklet of experiments. The CD explains, with colorful animation and Dr. Seuss-like rhyme, that genes reside within the cells of the body and tell each cell its job—whether it's a hair cell or a toe cell. The posters elaborate somewhat on the process.
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International Position Paper on Women's Health and Menopause: A Comprehensive Approach. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health, 2002. 316 pp. With abbrev., ref., tab. (Item 507-E-01; HE 20.3202:2002025320) (http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS22258).
Because women in the developed world will live more than 1/3 of their life in postmenopause, menopause and women's health is a rapidly expanding field of medical practice and research. The purpose of this report is to enhance women's health globally. Menopause and aging, sociocultural issues, hormone replacement therapy, and other topics are discussed. Future needs are identified while best clinical practices and suggested readings in systematic reviews and recent clinical trials are included.
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Blueprint for Change: Research on Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Rockville, MD: National Institute of Mental Health, 2001. 175 pp. With app., fig., ref. (Item 507-B-05; HE 20.8102:2002015523) (http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS18976).
With 1 in 10 children and adolescents suffering from a mental illness severe enough to cause functional impairment, this report reviews the current state of research and the personnel needs for such activities. It also puts forward recommendations for future research and treatment. Research areas include neuroscience, behavioral science, prevention, psychopharmacology, psychosocial interventions, and the dissemination of such research. Much of the document is made up of the appendices that have a case study of childhood depression, mental health utilization and costs, and other information.
40
High-Risk Drinking in College: What We Know and What We Need to Learn. Bethesda, MD: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2002. 71 pp. With app., fig., gloss., ref. (Item 498-C-01; HE 20.8302:2002016581) (http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS19309).
The final report of the Task Force on College Drinking: Panel on Contexts and Consequences gives an overview of college student drinking with an emphasis on “binge drinking.” Sections include a review of the epidemiology; discussions of the damage done to the student, others, and the institution; issues for college administrators and policymakers; research considerations; multidimensional factors encompassing the developmental, individual, and environmental areas; and opportunities for intervention. An extensive bibliography, statistical tables, and a short glossary of alcohol terminology are available.
41
How to Reduce High Risk College Drinking: Use Proven Strategies, Fill Research Gaps: Final Report of the Panel on Prevention and Treatment. Bethesda, MD: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2002. 56 pp. With app., ref., tab. (Item 498-C-01; HE20.8302:2002016582) (URL: http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS19313).
Although excessive college student drinking is not a new problem, there is now significant research suggesting preventive strategies. This final report summarizes relevant research, reviews public policy aspects including laws, discusses the current media and social norming approaches, makes recommendations as to what colleges and universities can do, and identifies research gaps. An appendix has responses to arguments against the lowering of the minimum legal drinking age as several states consider this action.
42
Materials in the Economy—Material Flows, Scarcity, and the Environment, by Lorie A. Wagner. Washington, DC: U.S. Geological Survey, 2002. iv, 29 pp. With fig., ftn., ill., ref., tab. (U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1221; Item 620-A; I 19.4/2:1221) [Free copy available from U.S. Geological Survey, Information Services, Box 25286, Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225. Also available online at http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/2002/c1221/c1221-508.pdf.]
There are more people in the world consuming more material goods than ever before: Can technology keep up with the demand for goods without destroying the environment? This publication examines this question through “material flows,” the life cycle of a material, such as mercury, from its acquisition through its use and disposition. The chapter on scarcity discusses ways in which technology can delay or prevent the exhaustion of nonrenewable resources. The chapter on the environment discusses pollution as a by-product of our use of materials and pollutants as materials themselves.
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Assessing Ground-Water Vulnerability to Contamination: Providing Scientifically Defensible Information for Decision Makers, by Michael J. Focazio, Thomas E. Reilly, et al. Reston, VA: U.S. Geological Survey, 2002. 33 pp. With fig., maps, ref. (USGS Circular 1224; Item 620-A; I 19.4/2:1224) ISBN 0-607-89025-8. [Available from USGS Information Services, Box 25286, Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225, Tel.: +1-888-ASK-USGS; Fax: +1-303-202-4693.]
Safe drinking water is of great concern in the United States today: managers of drinking water systems must find ways to ensure that their sources remain uncontaminated. This report discusses a number of ways that water officials can determine the ease with which local ground water could be polluted by man-made or natural contaminants. The report takes particular care to ensure that these evaluation methods are objective and scientific.
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Satellite Image Atlas of Glaciers of the World: North America, ed. by Richard S. Williams, Jr. & Jane G. Ferrigno. Washington, DC: U.S. Geological Survey, 2002. 405 pp. With fig., ill., ref., tab. (USGS Professional Paper 1386-J; Item 624; I 19.16:1386-J) ISBN 0-607-98290-X. [For sale by the U.S. Geological Survey, Information Services, Box 25286, Federal Center, Denver, CO, 80225.]
This volume is part of a series and covers the glaciers of Canada, the conterminous United States, and Mexico. There are articles on the characteristics of the glaciers in these countries, and discussions of how the glaciers were mapped. There is also an article on the history of glacier study in Canada. The articles are illustrated with photographs and maps as well as satellite images.
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Dams, Dynamos, and Development: The Bureau of Reclamation's Power Program and Electrification of the West, by Toni Rae Linenberger. Washington, DC: Bureau of Reclamation, 2002. 255 pp. With abbrev., app., bibliog., fig., ill., ind., ref., tab. (S/N 024-003-00191-1; Item 660; I 27.2:D 18/20) ISBN 0-16-067143-4; $49.00.
The Interior Department's Bureau of Reclamation is known for its water supply projects, but this oversized book concentrates on the Bureau's hydropower projects. The Bureau is the second largest producer of hydropower in the United States, surpassed only by the Army Corps of Engineers (p. 1). Mingled with the technical history of hydropower are the history and politics of the settlement and development of the western United States. The book is very readable and there are many interesting photographs, old and new. It may be of interest as Americana.
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Buried Dreams: The Rise and Fall of a Clam Cannery on the Katmai Coast, by Katherine Johnson. Anchorage, AK: National Park Service, 2002. 124 pp. With bibliog., gloss., ill., introd. (NPS D-87; Item 648; I 29.2:C 53).
The Kukak Cannery operated from 1923 through 1949 and was a significant processing site for the West Coast commercial clamming industry. The National Park Service has jurisdiction over the vestiges of this site and has produced this fascinating volume as part of its efforts to preserve and interpret meaningful elements of Alaska's history. Numerous historical and contemporary photographs beautifully complement the text, which describes the establishment and structure of the cannery; the ecology, collection, and processing of the razor clams; the lives of the cannery workers; and the site's gradual return to nature since the closing of the cannery.
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American Indians and Yellowstone National Park: A Documentary Overview, by Peter Nabokov and Lawrence Loendorf. Yellowstone National Park, WY: National Park Service, 2002. 381 pp. With app., bibliog., fig., ill., introd. (YCR-CR-02-1; LCCN 2002-410086; Item 648; I 29.2:IN 2/20).
Although there are many histories of Yellowstone National Park, the authors see gaps in these histories' representations of American Indians and offer this work as a reexamination of the roles played by Indians in the history of the park and an invitation for more such research and reassessment. The authors present an absorbing narrative of the lives and culture of the Indian peoples in and around the park area, based on analysis of numerous and sometimes little-studied archival materials and ethnographic records as well as discussions with contemporary Indian representatives.
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The Most Striking of Objects: The Totem Poles of Sitka National Historical Park, by Andrew Patrick. Anchorage, AK: National Park Service and Sitka National Historical Park, 2002. 194 pp. With abbrev., app., bibliog., ftn., ill., introd. (LCCN 2002-485781; Item 648; I 29.2:T 64/3).
Although Sitka is not an area where totem poles have historically originated, it is now a location with an incredible collection of poles, the history of which is being detailed for the first time in this volume. Illustrations appearing on almost every page complement the text, which discusses totem poles in general, the coastal Native Alaskan culture, how the these poles came to be in Sitka, and how they have been preserved over time. An appendix provides individual histories for several specific totem poles.
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First Flight: The Wright Brothers and the Invention of the Airplane, by Tom D. Crouch. Washington, DC: National Park Service, 2002. 116 pp. With bibliog., fig., ill., ind. (National Park Handbook #159; S/N 024-005-01212-5; Item 649; I 29.9/5:159) ISBN 0-912627-71-9; $6.00.
This is a readable little history of the Wright brothers' development of the first airplane. The book details how the brothers became interested in aeronautics and how they worked to solve the technical problems of flight. The book puts some emphasis on the geographical context of the Wright brothers' accomplishments—their lives in Dayton, OH, and their trips to Kitty Hawk, NC. There are many illustrations and anecdotes.
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Responding to Gangs: Evaluation and Research, ed. by Winifred L. Reed & Scott H. Decker. Washington, DC: National Institute of Justice, 2002. 334 pp. With fig., ref., tab. (Research Report; NCJ 190351; LCCN 2002-435970; Item 718-A; J 28.2:G 15).
These 10 papers comprise a selection from NIJ's more extensive collection of gang-related research. Chapters present the results of research in areas such as the evolution of street gangs; the risk factors, delinquency, and victimization risk of young women in gangs; and youth gang homicides. Various law enforcement approaches such as deterrence, the use of task forces, prosecution, and development of a GIS-based incident tracking system are discussed. While the research provides much useful information, it is clear that many questions still exist.
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Using DNA to Solve Cold Cases. Washington, DC: National Institute of Justice, 2002. 30 pp. With fig., ill., tab. (NCJ 194197; Item 717-J-1; J 28.25/2:D 44) [Available online at http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles1/nij/194197.pdf.]
Advances in DNA testing and databases are causing law enforcement agencies to reevaluate unsolved cases. This report describes these advances: it describes different types of DNA tests and their uses, DNA databases and their use, sources of DNA, and legal and other considerations for reopening old cases. The report is intended to aid law enforcement in deciding whether DNA evidence might help solve an old or new case, but could also be very interesting to the layperson.
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Federal Justice in the Mid-Atlantic South: United States Courts from Maryland to the Carolinas, 1795–1835, by Peter Graham Fish. Washington, DC: Administrative Office of the United States Courts, 2002. 352 pp. With app., fig., ftn., ill., ind., tab. (LCCN 2002-418399; Item 729; JU 10.2:C 83/6).
This well-constructed volume presents the fascinating early history of the lower federal courts in the mid-Atlantic southern states that comprise the current Fourth Circuit. Divided into three major parts (The Early Republic's Third Branch; Courts, Law and Jeffersonian Ascendancy; and National Unity, Seeds of Discord in the Age of Marshall), this book discusses topics ranging from judicial organization and power to nation-state relations, economic development, and political and social control. Not only is this the story of the district and circuit courts and judges but also of the interaction between these judges and their U.S. Supreme Court colleagues during this important period of nation building.
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The Department of Labor's 2001 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor. Washington, DC: Bureau of International Labor Affairs, 2002. 392 pp. With abbrev., app., ftn., gloss., introd. (LCCN 2002-418547; Item 745; L 1.2:C 43/7). [Electronic version at http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS22049.]
The “worst forms of child labor” can include slavery, the forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict, use of a child in prostitution or for pornographic purposes, use of children in illicit activities such as drug trafficking, and work likely to harm the health, safety, or morals of children (p. 1). This report, comprised of profiles for 124 countries and a summary for 19 territories and nonindependent countries, offers information on government policies and programs to eliminate the worst forms of child labor, the incidence and nature of child labor, and child labor laws and enforcement.
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Advancing the Campaign Against Child Labor. Washington, DC: Bureau of International Labor Affairs, 2002. 2v. With app., fig., ftn., introd., tab. (LCCN 2002-418585 [Vol. 1]; Item 745-A-01; L 29.2:C 43/2 and L 29.2:C 43/2/V. 2). [Electronic version at http://www.dol.gov/ILAB/media/reports/iclp/Advancing1/overview.htm and http://www.dol.gov/ILAB/media/reports/iclp/Advancing2/overview.htm]
Child labor in countries around the world continues to be an issue of major concern to many. Volume I—Efforts at the Country Level—consists of 33 detailed profiles that describe each country's situation regarding the incidence and nature of child labor, children's participation in school, child labor law and enforcement, representative efforts to address child labor and to promote school, and selected data on government expenditures. Volume II—Addressing the Worst Forms of Child Labor—provides a look at strategies and describes three such projects.
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Library of Congress Motion Pictures, Broadcasting, Recorded Sound: An Illustrated Guide. Washington, DC: Library of Congress, 2002. 88 pp. With ill., introd. (LCCN 00-50019; S/N 030-001-00180-6; Item 813-C; LC 40.8:M 58) ISBN 0-16-050932-7; $19.00.
One of the Library of Congress's series of informative and enjoyable guides to its collections, this latest publication focuses on the variety, depth, and importance of its audiovisual collections. “Thanks to recorded sound and moving images, our times will be better known and understood than preceding centuries” (p. 5). Chapters interweave historical background, information about the Library of Congress's collections and activities, and numerous illustrations to present an interesting overview of the development and impacts of sound recordings, motion pictures, radio, and television in American history.
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ICESat: Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite, by Jay Zwalley and Christopher Shuman. Greenbelt, MD: Goddard Space Flight Center, 2002. 21 pp. With abbrev., fig., ill., ref. (FS-2002-9-047-GSFC; Item 830-C; NAS 1.2:IC 2/2).
This booklet would be a good accompaniment to a science class. It describes the mission of the Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat), particularly its mission to document changes in the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. The satellite will also examine the distribution of clouds and aerosols in the region, and land surface and vegetation around the world. In discussing the reasons for these missions, the booklet covers such issues as climate change and sea level rise. There is also an explanation of how the satellite works and how its data is interpreted.
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Memoirs of an Aeronautical Engineer, Flight Tests at Ames Research Center: 1940–1970, by Seth B. Anderson. Washington, DC: NASA History Office, 2002. 177 pp. With gloss. ill., ind. (NASA Monograph in Aerospace History 26; S/N 033-000-01247-1; Item 830-I; NAS 1.21:2002-4526) ISBN 0-9645537-4-0; $26.00.
In his memoir, aeronautical engineer Seth Anderson gives a brief history of Ames Research Center in California and describes his personal experiences with flight-testing many different aircraft for performance and safety, including WWII fighter planes, a blimp and even a flying saucer. The text is very readable, with a glossary to explain technical terms. A pictorial section comprises the largest part of the memoir, showing the aircraft, grounds, and people of the research center.
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Biography of an Ideal: A History of the Federal Civil Service. Washington, DC: U.S. Office of Personnel Management & U.S. Civil Service Commission, 2002. 224 pp. With app., illus., ind., introd. (S/N 006-000-01527-1; Item 295; PM 1.2:B 52) ISBN 0-16-051262-X; $50.00.
The year 2003 is the 120th anniversary of the Civil Service Act of 1883, which was a milestone in the history of the federal government and its personnel system. While not an in-depth account, this publication does describe the initial premerit years of public service (which was not originally a “spoils system”), development of the merit system, the beginning of modern personnel administration, the second period of civil service reform in the late 1970s, and postreform activities.
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The National Security Strategy of the United States of America. Washington, DC: President of the United States, 2002. 38 pp. (PR 43.2:2002026306) [Electronic version at http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS22467.]
This publication expresses the themes of the Bush Administration's national security strategy, a strategy that “…will be based on a distinctly American internationalism that reflects the union of our values and our national interests” (p. 1). These themes include strengthening alliances to defeat global terrorism, working with others to defuse regional conflict, limiting the spread of weapons of mass destruction, promoting free markets and free trade, encouraging the development of democracy in other societies, and transforming America's national security institutions.
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Human Cloning and Human Dignity: An Ethical Inquiry. Washington, DC: President's Council on Bioethics, 2002. 202 pp. (Item 851-J-16; Pr 43.8:B 52/2002023924) (http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS21820).
As the first report from the President's Council on Bioethics, this avoids narrow considerations to instead see human cloning as a “…turning point in human history….” (Letter of Transmittal). The majority recommends that a 4-year moratorium be placed on attempts to create cloned cells for medical research while a substantial minority sees such a delay as hindering important research and the development of medical therapies. There is a helpful glossary of terms and the Appendix includes personal statements by some Council members.
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A New Era: Revitalizing Special Education for Children and Their Families. Washington, DC: President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education, 2002. 96 pp. with a CD-ROM. With fig., ftn., gloss., ref. (LCCN 2002-495026; Item 851-J-16: PR 43.8:SP 3/R 32) [Electronic version at http://www.ed.gov/inits/commissionsboards/whspecialeducation/reports/index.html] [Copies of this report may be ordered from ED Pubs, Education Publications Center, U.S. Dept. of Education, P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794-1398; Tel.: +1-877-433-7827; Fax: +1-301-470-1244; e-mail: edpubs@inet.ed.gov].
This commission was charged with developing recommendations in connection with the reauthorization of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Findings and recommendations are made in a number of areas including federal regulations and monitoring; assessment and identification; finance; accountability and flexibility; teacher and administrator preparation, training, and retention; and research and information dissemination.
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National Strategy for Homeland Security. Washington, DC: Office of Homeland Security, 2002. 90 pp. With abbrev., app., ill., introd. (LCCN 2002-418605; S/N 040-000-00759-8; Item 556-C; PR 43.14:H 75) ISBN 0-16-051156-1; $17.00. [Electronic version at http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS20641.]
This is the first elucidation of a national strategy for homeland security and the basis for one of the most far-reaching reorganizations in the history of the U.S. federal government: the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security. It identifies six key mission areas including domestic counter-terrorism, protecting critical infrastructure, and intelligence and warning. The strategy sees four foundations to homeland security: law, science and technology, information sharing and systems, and international cooperation.
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Balkan Battlegrounds: A Military History of the Yugoslav Conflict, 1990–1995. Washington, DC: Central Intelligence Agency, 2002. 531 pp. With app., gloss., ill., ind., maps, ref. (S/N 041-015-00218-0; Item 856-A-2; PREX 3.2:B 19/V.1-2) ISBN 0-16-066472-1; $188.00.
This book is an exhaustive military history of the armed conflicts in the former Yugoslavia from 1990 to 1995. It is based on unclassified CIA intelligence reports. Aside from describing in detail the actual battles, this book does a good job of sorting out the many factors that caused the breakup of Yugoslavia: the government and politics, economics, military strategy, and ethnic tensions. The narrative is accompanied by 80 maps to allow the reader to locate and follow the course of the battles and other significant events.
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Substance Use in Popular Music Videos. Washington, DC: Office of National Drug Control Policy, 2002. 40 pp. With app., fig. (LCCN 2002-435574; Item 857-R; PrEx 26.2:Su 1/2) (http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS24613).
The third study examining the depiction of substance portrayal in the mass media popular with U.S. adolescents, this looks at music videos. Two hundred fifty-eight videos were examined with results presented for the presence of illicit drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Although less frequently found here than in other media, 45% of the sample portrayed at least one of these substances. When present, they were generally consumed with such consumption usually shown to be a pleasant and rewarding experience.
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The Invention and Development of the Radiosonde, with a Catalog of Upper-Atmospheric Telemetering Probes in the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, by John L. Dubois, Robert P. Multhauf, and Charles A Zeigler. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution, 2002. 82 pp. With abstr., app., fig., ill., ref. (Smithsonian Studies in History and Technology #53; Item 910-F; SI 1.28:53)
Today much of our weather data is gathered from rockets and satellites, but weather balloons still provide important information. This book is a history of the radiosonde, a balloon carrying a device that collects atmospheric data and transmits it back to earth via radio. The development of the radiosonde is traced from early experiments with balloons and kites, ala Benjamin Franklin, to the present day. As well as being the history of an invention, this book is, in part, a history of the study of weather and the atmosphere.
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Cenozoic Mammals of Land and Sea: Tributes to the Career of Clayton E. Ray, ed. by Robert J. Emry. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution, 2002. 377 pp. With abstr., app., bibliog., fig., ill., ref., tab. (Smithsonian Contributions to Paleobiology #93; Item 910-G; SI 1.30:93) [Limited copies available from Managing Editor, Smithsonian Contributions and Studies Series, Smithsonian Institution Press, 750 Ninth Street NW, Suite 4300, Washington, DC 20560-0950.]
This volume is dedicated to retired Smithsonian curator Clayton E. Ray and contains a biography of him and a bibliography of his works. The bulk of the book, however, consists of papers by his colleagues on fossil species of mammals from the Cenozoic era, his area of expertise. Some of the species covered include early dolphins and seals, vampire bats, and giant wombats. The papers are written in scientific and technical language that may not be suitable for all readers, but the topics should attract anyone interested in fossils and extinct species.
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Anthropology, History, and American Indians: Essays in Honor of William Curtis Sturtevant, ed. by William L. Merrill & Ives Goddard. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press, 2002. 367 pp. With fig., ftn., ill., ref., tab. (Smithsonian Contributions to Anthropology Number 44; LCCN 2001-42020; Item 921-A; SI 1.33:44) [To request a free copy of an available Smithsonian Contributions and Studies Series publication, write to: Managing Editor, Smithsonian Contributions and Studies Series, Smithsonian Institution Press, 750 Ninth St NW, Suite 4300, Washington, DC 20560-0950.]
While many are undoubtedly familiar with the well-known Handbook of North American Indians, they may not recognize the name of its general editor, William Curtis Sturtevant, a long-time research anthropologist and a leading scholar in the study of the New World's indigenous peoples. This festschrift in his honor includes 31 essays and one bibliography, divided into six themes: “William Curtis Sturtevant”, “Anthropologists, Historians, and American Indians”, “Worlds Transformed”, “Anthropology Evolving”, “Collections in Anthropological Research”, and “Nature in Culture.” This collection presents an interesting look at the range of scholarly approaches and issues in studying native cultures.
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The Final Report and Findings of the Safe School Initiative: Implications for the Prevention of School Attacks in the United States, by Bryan Vossekuil, Robert A. Fein, et al. Washington, DC: U. S. Secret Service and U. S. Department of Education, 2002. 62 pp. With app., ftn., introd., ref. (LCCN 2002-435495; Item 974; T 34.8:SCH 6/2.) [Electronic version at http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS22579.] [Copies of this report may be ordered from ED Pubs, Education Publications Center, U.S. Dept. of Education, P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794-1398; Tel.: +1-877-433-7827; Fax: +1-301-470-1244; e-mail: edpubs@inet.ed.gov.]
This initiative closely examined 37 incidents of targeted school attacks from 1974 through mid-2000. The report's findings are organized around characterizing the attacker and conceptualizing, signaling, advancing, and resolving the attack. The implications of 10 key findings for the prevention of school violence are then discussed. The report proposes that a strategy of threat assessment may be useful in preventing some future attacks.
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Alcohol and Highway Safety 2001: A Review of the State of Knowledge, by R. K. Jones & J. H. Lacey. Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2002. 224 pp. With fig., ftn., introd., ref., tab. (DOT HS 809 383; Item 982-I-27; TD 1.102: AL 1.) [Electronic version at http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS21785.]
While it seems that “…the size of the alcohol-crash problem has declined significantly in recent years…”, research shows that “… some 12,500 persons are killed each year in crashes in which one or more drivers had a BAC [blood alcohol concentration] of .10+” (p. xiv). This document presents the current thinking, as represented by a review of research studies since 1990, in several areas: an overview of the alcohol-crash problem; the effects of alcohol on people; drinking patterns; characteristics of drinking drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists; and various countermeasures to deal with the alcohol-crash problem. The report concludes with recommendations and an extensive list of references.
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Wildlife Habitat Connectivity across European Highways, by Fred G. Bank, C. Leroy Irwin, et al. Washington, DC: Federal Highway Administration, 2002. 60 pp. With abbrev., app., ill., ref. (Pub. No. FHWA-PL-02-011; Item 982-G-21; TD 2.30/5:02-011) [Free copy available from international@fhwa.dot.gov. Also available online at http://www.international.fhwa.dot.gov/Pdfs/wildlife_web.pdf.]
When highways cross wildlife habitats they prevent animals from roaming in their natural patterns. This fragmenting can adversely affect the health of the habitat and threaten the safety of motorists and animals through highway collisions. This report is the result of an “international technology scan” in which five European countries were visited to see how they addressed the problem. Solutions range from vegetation-covered overpasses to allow animals to cross the highway in safety to specially designed drainage systems that do not entrap lizards and other small animals.
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U.S. International Travel and Transportation Trends. Washington, DC: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 2002. 49 pp. With fig., ftn., introd., ref., tab. (BTS02-03; Item 982-N-01; TD 12.2:T 68/4) [Electronic version at http://www.bts.gov/publications/us_international_travel_and_transportation_trends/.]
International travel and transportation were negatively impacted by the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and although slowly rebounding since that time, may be adversely affected again by concerns about war in the Middle East region. Through text, tables, and charts, this report describes recent trends for North American and overseas travel into and out of the United States. Special attention is paid to international air travel. The report concludes that while the demand for international travel is uncertain, “…it is clear that pressure on border and gateway infrastructure as well as inland transportation systems, will continue, especially given new security concerns” (p. 38).
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Report to Congress of the U.S.-China Security Review Commission: The National Security Implications of the Economic Relationship between the United States and China. Washington, DC: The Commission, 2002. v.p. With abbrev., app., bibliog., fig., ftn., ind., introd., tab. (Item 1089; Y 3.2:C 44/C 76) [Electronic version at http://www.uscc.gov/anrp02.htm.]
Documentary Annex: Report to Congress of the U.S.-China Security Review Commission. Washington, DC: The Commission, 2002. v.p. With fig., ftn. (Item 1089; Y 3.2:C 44/D 65)
Believing that the U.S. “relationship with China is one of the most important bilateral relationships of our nation” (p. 1), the Commission examines many economic and national security aspects of the relationship in its first report. Among these are China's perception of the United States, China's growth as a regional economic power, trade and investment, political and civil freedoms, China's presence in U.S. capital markets, cross-strait security issues, and technology transfers. The large documentary annex includes commissioned research papers, translated materials, and selected briefings, papers, and reports.
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Meeting Our Nation's Housing Challenges: Report of the Bipartisan Millennial Housing Commission Appointed by the Congress of the United States. Washington, DC: The Commission, 2002. 126 pp. and a CD-ROM. With abbrev., app., fig., ftn., tab. (S/N 052-003-01495-5; Item 556-C; Y 3.2:H 81/2/R 29) ISBN 0-16-051157-7; $23.00. [Electronic version at http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS19766.]
While federal assistance for housing has helped many people, an urgent problem still exists for many poor households who cannot find affordable housing since the demand for such housing exceeds the supply. After a brief discussion of America's housing challenges and the federal role in housing, a substantial portion of this report details principal and supporting recommendations to Congress. The included CD-ROM contains hearing testimony and statements submitted during other commission-sponsored meetings.
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Research-Based Principles for Adult Basic Education Reading Instruction, by John Kruidenier. Washington, DC: National Institute for Literacy, 2002. 136 pp. With app., introd., ref., tab. (Item 1089-V; Y 3.L 71:2AD 9/2).
By presenting “the best information available about how adults learn to read” (p. vii), this publication hopes to aid educators and policy makers who work with adult reading instruction and inspire researchers to develop new lines of study in this area. Principles, trends, ideas, and comments are identified in the areas of reading assessment profiles, alphabetics (phonemic awareness and word analysis), fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and computer technology and adult basic education reading instruction.
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Report to Congress: Assessing Medicare Benefits. Washington, DC: Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. 2002. 125 pp. With app., fig., ftn., tab., ref. (Item 1050-A; Y3.M 46/3:2/2002022343) (http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS21275).
MedPac is an independent agency created to advise Congress on issues affecting Medicare. This report assesses the Medicare benefit package by examining the existing package along with several possible changes that would provide better access to care without increasing overall resources devoted to such efforts. As would be expected, there are many statistical tables outlining and helping to explain the various scenarios and recommendations. An appendix notes sources of additional coverage for Medicare beneficiaries.
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The Ethics of Armed Humanitarian Intervention, by C. A. J. Coady. Washington, DC: U.S. Institute of Peace, 2002. 46 pp. With bibliog., ftn., introd. (Peaceworks no. 45; Item 1063-K-11; Y 3.P 31:19/NO.45) [Electronic version at http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS22868.]
As this author sees it, “…the moral issues raised by the question whether to wage humanitarian war go to the heart of the ethical justifications available for any form of military intervention” (p. 5). This succinct and interesting document discusses, among other things, the just war tradition and defense against aggression, the burdens to be met for just war and humanitarian intervention, and some of the issues to be faced in the future.
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A Quiet Crisis in America: A Report to Congress. Washington, DC: Commission on Affordable Housing and Health Facility Needs for Seniors in the 21st Century, 2002. 490 pp. (LCCN 2002-495039; S/N 052-003-01492-1; Item 1089; Y 3.2:H 81/3/C 86) ISBN 0-16-051088-0; $48.00. http://www.seniorscommission.gov/pages/final%5Freport/pdf%5index.htm.
By 2020, one in every six Americans will be 65 years or older and this will result in an increased need for affordable housing, health care, and supportive services. Charged by Congress to address this crisis, the Commission offers five major recommendations with further subdivisions. A minority report follows. The report includes a “Best Practices” section touching on such topics as affordability, community wide approach to care, and others. One point clearly articulated is that there needs to be a greater connection between elderly housing and health care.
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Russia's Uncertain Economic Future: Compendium of Papers Submitted to the Joint Economic Committee, Congress of the United States. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2002. 485 pp. With fig., ftn., ref., tab. (S. Prt. 107-50; S/N 552-070-28324-2; Item 1000-B; Y 4.EC 7:R 92) ISBN 0-16-068528-1; $36.00. [Electronic version at 〈http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS21440〉.]
This document is a compilation of reports prepared by a variety of experts on the Russian economy. Many reports look at the challenges facing the Russian economy such as the removal of barriers and the creation of a system of incentives; financial reform (including tax and banking changes); the breakup of monopolies in energy, transportation, and agriculture; and the development of human capital and a new social contract. Also examined are the long-term prospects for Russia's economic governance as well as the relationship of Russia's economic future and U.S. interests.
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Security in the Information Age: New Challenges, New Strategies, by Sen. Robert F. Bennet, Kenneth I. Juster, et al. Washington, DC: Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress, 2002. 134 pp. With fig., ref., tab. (S/N 052-070-07340-3; Senate Print 107-69; Item 1000-B; Y 4.EC 7:SE 2) ISBN 0-16-051135-6; $10.50. [For sale by the Superintendant of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Stop SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-0001; Tel. +1-202-512-1800; Fax: +1-202-512-2250; http://bookstore.gpo.gov.]
The growth of networked computing has led to fears that an attack on or via computer networks could seriously threaten national security by disrupting essential services such as banking, utilities, health care, and transportation. This publication is an anthology of papers examining various aspects of infrastructure protection. The papers identify critical infrastructure elements and get different perspectives, such as those from business and the military, on protecting them in an organized manner.
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The Long-Term Implications of Current Defense Plans, by Lane Pierrot & Gregory T. Kiley. Washington, DC: Congressional Budget Office, 2003. 122 pp. With fig., ftn., introd., tab. (A CBO Study; S/N 052-070-07356-0; Item 1005-C; Y 10.2:IM 7/2) ISBN 0-16-051268-9; $21.00. [Electronic version at http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS26870.]
The CBO's analysis projects that “…defense resources could reach levels greater than those sustained during the Cold War. However, the fraction of the country's economic activity that they constitute, and their share of the total federal budget, could be significantly smaller than during the Cold War” (p. xiii). While this report briefly notes implications for operation and support items such as training, there are more extensive discussions for each individual branch of the American armed forces as to the implications for the investment funding of research, development, testing, and evaluation or procurement of weapons systems.
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Issues in Designing a Prescription Drug Benefit for Medicare. Washington, DC: Congressional Budget Office, 2002. 52 pp. With app., fig., tab. (LCCN 2002-495292; Item 1005-C; Y10.2: M46/8) (http://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/LPS24321.)
With Medicare beneficiaries representing 15% of the U.S. population, there has been a recently recognized need for a Medicare prescription drug benefit. This study explores the key design choices and their costs and coverage consequences facing policymakers as it reviews four proposals made from 1999 to 2000. As with most Congressional Budget Office publications, there are ample statistical tables and graphs. Particularly interesting is the appendix reviewing studies as to how drug coverage affects the use of other health care services.
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4 Girls Health. Washington, DC: Department of Health and Human Services. Reviewed April 2003. (http://www.4girls.gov/index2.htm).
With colorful and catchy graphics, this site is designed primarily to address the health issues of young women from the ages of 10 to 16 but also touches upon some common social situations. A Parent/Caregiver section is especially rich with resources and links to information. Included also are the full text of publications in eight categories such as risky behavior, disabilities, and fitness/nutrition. A glossary has definitions of such concepts as eating disorders while other sections offer tips on relationships, families, and self-esteem.
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AAD: Access to Archival Databases. Washington, DC: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. Reviewed May 2003. (http://www.archives.gov/aad/).
This site allows users to search for and get specific items from more than 30 of NARA's archival series of electronic databases; at this time, this represents access to over 50 million unique records. Series run the gamut from various war casualty and prisoner of war files to major collective bargaining settlements to indexes of NASA photographs. Helpful information is provided for researchers on getting started in searching for records, understanding a data file's context, and AAD system terminology.
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American Indian and Alaska Native Roundtable Report on Long Term Care: Final Report 2002, by Jo Ann Kauffman. Rockville, MD: Indian Health Service. 120 pp. With ftn. Reviewed April 2003 (http://www.ihs.gov/PublicInfo/PublicAffairs/PressReleases/Press_Release_2002/Final_LTC_Report_ALL.pdf).
Although not easy to navigate without a sidebar Table of Contents, this report nevertheless is an important exploration of the long-term health care issues of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Five chapters, written by different authors, are formed around discussion papers related to such topics as Medicaid financing and the integration of the teachings of elders and tribal values into any plan. Attachments serving as appendices offer a Nursing Home Survey Report, a university study on functional limitations affecting long-term care, and other background information.
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Antibiotic Resistance. Washington, DC: Food and Drug Administration. Reviewed April 2003. (http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/anti_resist.html.)
An increasing health concern is the disease-causing microbes that have become resistant to drug therapy. A brief introduction to the problem is followed by three sections—general background, recommendations/strategies, and veterinary/industry information. Links are provided to several articles and other discussions such as when and how to take antibiotics. Information on the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System, prevention tips for consumers, the recent FDA ruling requiring relevant labeling, and a thorough fact sheet are available.
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Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center. Beltsville, MD: Agricultural Research Service. Reviewed April 2003. (http://nps.ars.usda.gov/locations/locations.htm?modecode=12-35-00-00.)
This site has information, including research, related to how dietary factors interact with genetic, physiological, sociological, and environmental factors to affect the health of the diverse U.S. population. Diversity here encompasses lifestyle and environment as well as the more common ethnic and gender groupings. Twenty research projects, such as one investigating the health benefits of diets high in barley and oats, are listed here along with links to the research groups and laboratories in the Human Nutrition Research Center.
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CDC Wonder. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control. Reviewed February 2003. (http://wonder.cdc.gov/.)
This site is a convenient, single point of access to the wealth of information provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). For users who choose to register, enhanced features suitable for the health professional are offered while for the anonymous user, access to more than 30 numerical databases is available. These databases encompass a range from AIDS cases, cancer surveillance, NIOSH mortality, tuberculosis surveillance, to assisted reproductive technology reports. Included are a helpful FAQ section and a link to the CDC's health topics search feature.
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Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Mental Health. Reviewed April 2003. (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/childmenu.cfm.)
Beginning with introductory material on the mental health and treatment of children and adolescents that includes a variety of medication charts and a lengthy FAQ section, this goes on to offer more specific research reports. Those reports cover such topics as autism, ADHD, depression, and bipolar disorders as well as other NIMH footnoted research articles, several Surgeon General's reports, and relevant organizations both within and outside the agency. Finally, links designed for the practitioner and researcher and to the general NIMH are given.
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Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology and Environmental Teratology. Bethesda, MD: National Library of Medicine. Reviewed April 2003. (http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?DARTETIC.htm.)
This bibliographic index to more than 100,000 references about teratology (the biological study of malformations) and other aspects of developmental and reproductive toxicology is part of the National Library of Medicine's Toxicology and Environmental Health Information Program. It offers the DART Core which is a subset of Medline/PubMed and the DART Special which captures material not in Medline. One can search by subject, words in the title, chemical name, the Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) registry number, or author. Results are displayed by relevancy and a search history is available.
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Dream Anatomy Learning Station. Bethesda, MD: National Library of Medicine. Reviewed April 2003. (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/dreamanatomy/da_learning.html).
As a companion educational site to the Dream Anatomy exhibition at the National Library of Medicine, this has a collection of images and artifacts representing human anatomical illustrations from 1500 to the present. It includes lesson plans for grades 6–12, a fascinating gallery of anatomy illustrations, and a short “History of Anatomy” timeline beginning in 275 BCE. It traces changing anatomical representation from the “Body Part as Body Art” to realism. Of particular note are the changes brought about by the introduction of the printing press, color, and the X-ray.
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Easy-To-Read Health and Medical Sites. Bethesda, MD.: National Library of Medicine. Reviewed April 2003. (http://nnlm.gov/hip/easy.html).
A true consumer-orientated site if ever there was one, this is a straightforward gateway to many health-related resources. At the top of the introductory page are broad subject categories such as accidents and injuries, cancer, child health, drugs and medicine, teeth, and others. Most noteworthy among these are the long sections devoted to Spanish-language sites and short videos covering a wide range of topics. A variety of governmental, educational, and organizational groups sponsor the sites.
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Evaluation of Continuums of Care for Homeless People: Final Report, by Martha R. Burt, Dave Pollack, et others. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2002. 214 pp. With abbrev., app., fig., introd., ref., tab. Reviewed May 2003. (http://www.huduser.org/publications/pdf/continuums_of_care.pdf).
Calling itself the first comprehensive examination of Continuums of Care, this report examines systems which are meant to provide an integrated complement of services for homeless people including “…prevention, outreach and assessment, emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and affordable housing, plus supportive services in all components” (p. ix). The study looks at local homeless assistance systems, how clients navigate through the system, the involvement of mainstream agencies and services, coordination of services for homeless people, and implications from its findings.
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Flu in the United States. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Infectious Diseases. Reviewed April 2003. (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/flu/fluvirus.htm).
In preparation for the winter months, one can consult this site for a comprehensive discussion of the flu. There are sections with statistics on the prevalence of cases; background of the disease including symptoms, how it is transmitted, and treatment; prevention and control; a description, with pictures, of the viruses; questions and answers; and information for health care providers including who should be vaccinated, the current supply of vaccine, and preventing the flu among travelers. An interesting section offers a history of the flu describing, among others, the 1918–1919 pandemic.
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Food and Nutrition Research Briefs. Beltsville, MD: Agricultural Research Service. Reviewed April 2003. (http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/fnrb/fnrb0103.htm).
A resource truly designed for the consumer, this offers a dozen or so short but specific reviews of the latest research findings in the areas of food and nutrition. They range from a description of the benefits of calcium and Vitamin D for preventing tooth loss in seniors to improved baby formulas. At the end of each, links are given to a person involved with the research and the responsible agency. Beyond the initial page that has the current offerings, the index leads to the quarterly listing and text of briefs from 1995 to date.
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Gateway to Government Food Safety Information. Washington, DC: Food and Drug Administration. Reviewed April 2003. (http://www.foodsafety.gov/).
Serving as a true gateway, this is a rich resource for answering all sorts of questions about food safety. There are sections on news and safety alerts, consumer advice, national food safety programs, items of interest to children and teachers, videos, assistance for industry, and if these do not meet one's needs, a search and site index. Here are found the latest FDA actions on bioterrorism legislation as well as foodborne disease fact sheets, either a general overview or specific ones such as the one describing E. coli infection.
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MEDLINEplus: Medical Dictionary. Bethesda, MD: National Library of Medicine. Reviewed April 2003. (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mplusdictionary.html.)
MEDLINE now offers a medical dictionary of 60,000 words by using Merriam-Webster's online medical dictionary. To begin, a simple search screen is provided. For each word the pronunciation; the part of speech, here referred to as “function;” and a short definition are given. In some cases, if the word is not found, a list of similar words is given and there may be links for related words or medical conditions. This is a good place to begin for brief definitions of terms rather than definitive explanations.
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Men and Heart Disease: An Atlas of Ethnic and Racial Disparities in Mortality. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control. Reviewed April 2003. (http://www.cdc.gov/cvh/mensatlas/index.htm).
A companion to the “Women and Heart Disease” site also reviewed here, this atlas depicts men's mortality from cardiovascular disease, principally heart disease and stroke. It begins with some general information including risk factors and proceeds to look at the five major racial and ethnic groups for geographic, racial, and ethnic inequalities. Links to international resources and the full text of publications such as “High Blood Pressure Fact Sheet” are offered. A free paper copy of the atlas can be ordered here.
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Nutrient Data Laboratory. Beltsville, MD: Agricultural Research Laboratory. Reviewed April 2003. (http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/).
It is hard not to get excited about the wealth of information available here. For instance, there is a scanned copy of a 1931 document related to converting nitrogen into proteins as well as a link to the more recent USDA classic, Nutritive Value of Foods for 2002. Major datasets offering chart and data formats as well as documentation cover such topics as retention factors for 16 vitamins and other substances after cooking, the oxalic acid content of selected vegetables, and the trans fatty acids content of 214 foods.
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Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy Information. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health. Reviewed April 2003. (http://www.nih.gov/PHTindex.htm).
This offers a calm and authoritative voice in the recent storm over current medical research and treatment related to hormone therapy for women. Included is the latest statement from the National Institutes of Health on the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study, press releases on ovarian cancer risk, a report from a 2002 scientific workshop, and information on alternative remedies such as black cohosh. Other sections are devoted to osteoporosis, breast cancer risks, and menopause in general.
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The President's Council on Bioethics. Washington, DC: The President's Council on Bioethics. Reviewed April 2003. (http://www.bioethics.gov/).
It is rare indeed to find literature included within a government document or Web site but here one finds such works as a short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne and a poem by Gerald Manley Hopkins. These serve to round out and place in perspective the work of the President's Council on Bioethics. Areas of Council focus include cloning, stem cells, and the patenting of human life. Links to related sites list many comparable government groups in several countries.
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Real Men, Real Depression. Bethesda, MD: National Institute of Mental Health. Reviewed April 2003. (http://menanddepression.nimh.nih.gov/).
Although an estimated 6 million men suffer from depression, they are much less likely to acknowledge and seek treatment for this disease than women are. This very comprehensive site is part of a national information campaign seeking to remedy that situation. It is structured around the real-life stories of a cross section of men. Connected to and skillfully interwoven with these narratives are full-text publications; advice for families and friends; clinical trials; and resources for help, both long term and in an immediate crisis situation.
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Report to Congress Regarding the Terrorist Awareness Information Program. Washington, DC: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, 2003. 102 pp. With app., fig., ftn., tab. [Available online at http://www.darpa.mil/body/tia/TIA%20DI.pdf.]
This is a description, requested by Congress of the Defense Department's controversial Total Information Awareness Program, now renamed the Terrorist Awareness Information Program (TIA). The purpose of the TIA would be to combine information technologies to aid in the detection of terrorists. The report describes the components of this system, and discusses how the programs can sift through mountains of information and differentiate terrorist activity from similar-but-lawful activity and also from deliberate misinformation. Privacy concerns and relevant laws are discussed in detail. This is a “must read.”
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Science Behind the News: Understanding Cancer. Bethesda, Md.: National Cancer Institutes. Reviewed April 2003. (http://press2.nci.nih.gov/sciencebehind/cancer/cancer01.htm.)
This Web site is designed somewhat unusually as a tutorial with straightforward forward and backward navigational buttons supplemented by an index which allows one to skip the sequential ordering to find information by subject. It presents cancer-related topics such as what cancer is, how it is detected and diagnosed, its causes, the link between genes and cancer, and its prevention. Each page or slide is accompanied by either an illustration or a graphical chart with statistics.
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Science.gov. Washington, DC. Science.gov Alliance. Reviewed March 2002. (http://www.science.gov).
This site brings together scientific information scattered over many Federal web sites. The agencies involved chose, which of their information resources would be included. The types of items included are databases of full text and bibliographic information and selected web sites. Information can be located via links organized by subject or via the site's search engine. Particularly interesting is the Science Education link, which leads to instructional materials on science.
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Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Atlanta, GA.: Centers for Disease Control. Reviewed April 2003. (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/index.htm).
It is unusual that an illness develops so quickly but it is reassuring that just as quickly the Centers for Disease Control can create an informational web site. Included here are a fact sheet with all the basic information such as the cause, spread, prevention, and travel precautions; guidelines and recommendations for clinicians; a case count for the U.S. by state; and the texts of CDC updates. Links are given to the World Health Organization as well as to several other countries including Canada and Taiwan, the latter being available in Chinese.
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Social Security Online: History. Baltimore, MD: Social Security Administration. Reviewed May 2003. (http://www.ssa.gov/history/).
The Social Security Administration touches practically every American's life in some way. This site provides access to a comprehensive and interesting collection of materials on the history of the social security program in the United States and the agency responsible for its administration. Included are presidential statements, oral histories, and a detailed chronology of the development of social insurance as well as more in-depth research resources such as legislative histories, reports studies, speeches, and articles.
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UniGene. Bethesda, MD: National Center for Biotechnology. Reviewed April 2003) (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=unigene).
With the openness and ubiquity of the Web, significant scientific information such as this is now available not only to the researcher but also to the student and layperson. The site has sequencing in gene-orientated clusters with each cluster representing a unique, well-characterized gene. Additionally, many novel expressed sequence tags (EST) are here. Organisms include human, rat, cow, fruit fly, and wheat among others. Links go to other sites such as the Cancer Genome Anatomy Project and to references with links to full-text articles.
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Women and Heart Disease: An Atlas of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Mortality. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control. Reviewed April 2003. (http://www.cdc.gov/cvh/womensatlas/index.htm).
This atlas, a companion to the “Men and Heart Disease” atlas, includes more than 200 maps that highlight geographic, racial, and ethnic inequalities in heart disease mortality among women from five major ethnic and racial groups. Much of the information is structured by state including interactive maps and fact sheets. The ethnic groups are American Indian/Alaska native, Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, Hispanic, and White women. Totals are also given for all women.