DIET AND THE GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Data are presented to suggest that a geographical predisposing factor (G.P.F.) in multiple sclerosis (M.S.) may reflect regional dietary differences, and, further, that this factor is directly related to milk production or consumption. A number of biochemical hypotheses are proposed which would predict a resultant weakened blood-brain barrier or immunological defence, or the production of defective myelin, which would then increase susceptibility to the aetiological agent, possibly a virus. From the standpoint of brain development, two different ideas emerge--one, that differences in the composition of bovine and human milk, particularly during weaning, lead to the G.P.F.; the other, that drinking of milk beyond the normal nursing period is detrimental. More epidemiological studies are needed, with emphasis on diet, especially during periods of rapid brain development. Cow's milk may be an unfortunate substitute for human milk in infancy or a risky food source thereafter, or both. Epidemiological data raise these questions but do not provide ready answers. The milk correlation could be spurious, but at least ideas based on such a correlation pay attention to the most important epidemiological clue in M.S.--namely, the geographical distribution of the disease.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/22234/1/0000668.pd

Quasi-Experimental Analysis of Targeted Economic Development Programs: Lessons from Florida

The authors highlight three sources of endogeneity bias that typically haunt analyses of local government policies, and offer an empirical methodology for estimating program impacts given such concerns. They investigate Florida’s experience with implementing two common targeted economic development policies, community redevelopment areas (CRAs) and enterprise zones (EZs). Developing a simple application decision model as a guide, they find significant differences in policy implementation for small cities compared with larger cities. Florida’s small-city program implementation offers a unique opportunity to compare areas that received state-level approval for the programs with all areas that qualified for but did not receive designation using a quasi-experimental framework. In so doing, the authors explicitly address the potential for endogeneity bias caused by programrationing on the part of administrators and by nonrandom targeting of distressed areas. Consistent with existing research, they do not find evidence validating the efficacy of targeted development programs for small cities.Yeshttps://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/manuscript-submission-guideline

Spatial and temporal trends of gas and particle phase atmospheric DDT and metabolites in Michigan: Evidence of long‐term persistence and atmospheric emission in a high‐DDT‐use fruit orchard

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/94663/1/jgrd13089.pd

Urban, agricultural, and environmental protection practices for sustainable water quality

Sustainable water management often emphasizes water resource quantity, with focus on availability and use practices. However, only a subset of the available water may be usable when also considering water quality. Water quality management is examined within three broad sectors—urban, agriculture, and environmental systems—to investigate how water quality sustainability (WQS) is defined by each and across the three sectors. The definitions determined for both urban and agricultural WQS mention downstream human and ecosystem use; however, regulatory policy does not always support these definitions. This challenge of managing water quality locally and downstream, coupled with interactions across multiple sectors, has led to a fragmented approach to water quality management. Legislation typically divides water quality management into compartments without considering the entire system. Within the United States, there is an uneven distribution of responsibility regarding water quality protection, and notable policies which counteract efforts to improve water quality. The review suggests that despite a growing intention to use a single system approach where water is considered as a limited resource that must supply all competing interests, one does not yet exist and is even hindered by current policies and regulations. Recent policy is signaling a shift toward increasing interagency coordination; however, the basic definitions of WQS remain disconnected across sectors. It is the conclusion of this review that sustainable water quality is not currently practiced in the United States