In recent decades, the worldwide prevalence of allergic disease has increased considerably. The atopic march is a model aimed at explaining the apparent progression of allergic diseases from atopic dermatitis (AD) to allergic asthma (AA) and to allergic rhinitis (AR). It hypothesizes that allergic disease begins, typically in children, with the development of AD, then AA, and finally progresses to AR. This theory has been widely studied in cross-sectional and long-term longitudinal studies and it has been found that as prevalence of AD declines, prevalence of AA increases. A similar relationship is reported between AA and AR. The legitimacy of the atopic march model is, however, currently debated. Epidemiological evidence and criticism of longitudinal studies point to an overstatement of the atopic march’s prevalence and incorrect mechanisms, opening a discussion for alternative models to better explain the pathophysiological and epidemiological processes that promote this progression of allergic diseases. Albeit, risk factors for the development and progression of allergic disease, particularly AD, are critical in identifying disease progression. Investigating the role of age, severity, family history, phenotype, and genetic traits may give a better indication into the progression of allergic diseases. In addition, studies following patients from infancy into adulthood and a general increase in longitudinal studies would help broaden the knowledge of allergic disease progression and the atopic march.

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Soybeans occupy the unique position of common denominator in crop production for much of the Eastern half of the U.S. The interdependence between the soybean economy and those of corn, cotton, and rice means that policy changes directed toward one crop can have very decided effects upon the others.Effective policy and program decisions need continuing research as input in formulating and evaluating these decisions. Detailed analyses of inter- and intraregional interdependence among crops, and of production alternatives involving soybeans, are especially needed because it is no longer certain that an expanding demand will provide a safety valve for soybean and related commodity programs [4,9].

In recent years, several studies have examined acreage response of major crops to various economic, technical, and institutional stimuli. These studies focused primarily upon the influence of government farm programs on producers' production decisions. While the influence of government programs has recently diminished and market forces are more direct determinants, this less stable situation has likely increased informational needs on potential production response. Previously developed response models require updating, additional refinement, or reformulation for continued usefulness in the current situation.

The soybean economy experienced balanced growth in both total demand and total supply since the early 1940's, but in recent years encountered excess production. Since the soybean economy is effectively interdependent with that of corn, cotton, and rice, programs for these commodities must be tailored to current and potential conditions relating to soybeans. Detailed analyses of sources of increased production, of associated inter-regional effects, and of production alternatives in the soybean area are needed to provide basic information for formulation of new programs. My primary purpose is to discuss the need for expanded research on soybean production patterns. However, most of the emphasis, herein is on developing a comprehensive information framework as an initial step to accomplish the research task.