1.   And it occurred amid a collective American ignorance about Islam, many scholars and Muslim leaders say, that is as misguided as McCarthyism.

2.   All these changes are occurring amid an almost total lack of detailed information about substance abuse among welfare recipients.

3.   But the booming business in so-called performance enhancers such as androstenedione and creatine is occurring amid conflicting claims about their effectiveness and safety.

4.   Instead, the bidding will occur amid the quiet hum of computers.

5.   It was the third quarter-point cut since July, and occurred amid an outlook for slowing inflation.

6.   The blast occurred amid a new wave of fighting in Dagestan.

7.   The debate over how much companies should tell the public occurs amid a general trend toward more and wider disclosures about hazardous chemicals.

8.   The drop occurred amid optimism the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates as U.S. economic growth and inflation show little evidence of picking up speed.

9.   The debate occurred amid fresh evidence that the race was tightening.

10.   The decade-long trend of increasing interest in dietary supplements is occurring amid relaxed government regulation.