bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Visualization of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator Mutations in the Clinical Laboratory Setting
Authors: Strom Charles M , Clark David D , Hantash Feras M , Rea Larry , Anderson Ben , Maul Diana , Huang Donghui , Traul Donald , Chen Tubman Christina , Garcia Renee , Hess P Patrick , Wang Hong , Crossley Beryl , Woodruff Evelyn , Chen Rebecca , Killeen Myra , Sun Weimin , Beer Jonathan , Avens Heather , Polisky Barry , Jenison Robert D
Published: March 2004

Background: The recommendation for population- based cystic fibrosis (CF) carrier screening by the American College of Medical Genetics for the 25 most prevalent mutations and 6 polymorphisms in the CF transmembrane regulatory gene has greatly increased clinical laboratory test volumes. We describe the development and technical validation of a DNA chip in a 96-well format to allow for high-throughput genotype analysis.

Methods: The CF Portrait™ chip contains an 8 × 8 array of capture probes and controls to detect all requisite alleles. Single-tube multiplex PCR with 15 biotin-labeled primer pairs was used to amplify sequences containing all single-nucleotide polymorphisms to be interrogated. Detection of a thin-film signal created by hybridization of multiplex PCR-amplified DNA to complementary capture probes was performed with an automated image analysis instrument, NucleoSight™. Allele classification, data formatting, and uploading to a laboratory information system were fully automated.

Results: The described platform correctly classified all mutations and polymorphisms and can screen ∼1300 patient samples in a 10-h shift. Final validation was performed by two separate 1000-sample comparisons with Roche CF Gold line probe strips and the Applera CF OLA, Ver 3.0. The CF Portrait Biochip made no errors during this validation, whereas the Applera assay made seven miscalls of the IVS-8 5T/7T/9T polymorphism

Conclusions: The CF Portrait platform is an automated, high-throughput, DNA chip-based assay capable of accurately classifying all CF mutations in the recommended screening panel, including the IVS-8 5T/7T/9T polymorphism.
Analytical and Clinical Evaluation of the Bayer ADVIA Centaur Automated B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Assay in Patients with Heart Failure: A Multisite Study
Authors: Wu Alan H B , Packer Milton , Smith Andrew , Bijou Rachel , Fink Daniel , Mair Johannes , Wallentin Lars , Johnston Nina , Feldcamp Carolyn S , Haverstick Doris M , Ahnadi Charaf E , Grant Andrew , Despres Normand , Bluestein Barry , Ghani Farooq
Published: March 2004

Background: B-Type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is released from the left ventricle of the heart into the circulation in response to ventricular stretching and volume overload. Increased BNP concentrations are associated with heart failure (HF).

Methods: We evaluated the analytical and clinical performance of the Bayer ADVIA Centaur® BNP assay. Studies included precision, analytical correlation (against the Shionogi ShionoRIA™ and Biosite Triage® BNP assays), BNP results for blood collected in plastic tubes containing EDTA vs other collection tubes, high-dose hook effect, detection limits, and interferences. The clinical performance was tested on 2243 blood samples collected from 983 apparently healthy individuals, 538 patients with chronic disease but without HF (renal insufficiency, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and hypertension), and 722 patients with HF (New York Heart Association classes I-IV).

Results: The ADVIA Centaur assay had total imprecision (CV) of 3.4%, 2.9%, and 2.4% at BNP concentrations of 48, 461, and 1768 ng/L, respectively. The Passing–Bablok correlations to the ShionoRIA and Triage were as follows: ADVIA Centaur = 1.11(ShionoRIA) − 1.19 ng/L (r = 0.98); ADVIA Centaur = 0.78(Triage) + 5.89 ng/L (r = 0.92), respectively. Of the different blood collection tubes, only EDTA plastic tubes (with and without the barrier gel) were acceptable. The lower detection limit was 0.5 ng/L, and there were no interferences from common analytes, other neuropeptides, or unusual antibodies. BNP exhibited different reference intervals according to age and gender. BNP concentrations increased progressively as the severity of HF increased.

Conclusions: The ADVIA Centaur is the first commercially available BNP assay for use on an automated immunochemistry platform. This assay has good analytical and clinical performance characteristics for diagnosing HF.
Quantitative Real-Time PCR with Automated Sample Preparation for Diagnosis and Monitoring of Cytomegalovirus Infection in Bone Marrow Transplant Patients
Authors: Hong Kyeong Man , Najjar Hazim , Hawley Mary , Press Richard D
Published: March 2004

Background: In bone marrow and stem cell transplant patients, the widespread use of preemptive cytomegalovirus (CMV) antiviral therapy necessitates faster, more precise, and more sensitive quantitative laboratory methods for serial viral load monitoring.

Methods: We developed a novel CMV viral load assay using real-time PCR of plasma DNA prepared by an automated robotic workstation. Fluorescent hybridization probes directed at the glycoprotein B (gB) gene (or EcoRI D region) of CMV were used to detect and quantify PCR products. The β-globin gene was amplified in parallel to control for the efficiency of the extraction and PCR steps.

Results: The assay was linear (R = 0.999) from a lower detection limit of 125 copies/mL to 5 × 109 copies/mL with a PCR efficiency of 1.975 (gB) or 2.02 (EcoRI D). The viral loads determined by PCRs directed at these two different viral targets were no different (n = 53; R = 0.928). The interassay CV was 3.5%, and the intraassay CV was 1–4%. Compared with a commercially available quantitative competitive PCR assay (Roche MONITOR; R = 0.59), the mean CMV viral load by real-time PCR was 3.1 times higher (mean ratio; P = 0.002). The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the real-time assay were 96% and 100%, respectively (n = 147), compared with 74% and 98% for a qualitative PCR assay (Roche AMPLICOR). On a subset of samples, the diagnostic sensitivity of viral culture was no greater than 50% (n = 44). Of 1115 clinical referral samples from 252 patients, 10% of the samples and 18% of the patients had low-level CMV viremia (median, 500 copies/mL). In this predominantly (85%) bone marrow transplant testing cohort, serial CMV viral load results were the predominant clinical trigger for the initiation, monitoring, and cessation of preemptive antiviral therapy.

Conclusions: The combination of automated DNA preparation and semiautomated real-time fluorescent PCR detection allows for a sensitive, precise, and accurate high-throughput assay of CMV viral load that can be used as the laboratory trigger for preemptive antiviral therapy.
Between-Method Variation in Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Test Results
Authors: Cole Laurence A , Sutton Jaime M , Higgins Trefor N , Cembrowski George S
Published: March 2004

Background: Results on sera and calibrators vary 1.4- to 2.3-fold among commercial human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) assays. The relative contributions of calibrators, standards, hCG charge isoforms, and major structural variants to this variation have not been quantified.

Methods: Purified hCG was separated by isoelectric focusing into four fractions with pI ranges of 3–4, 4–5, 5–6, and 6–7. These four fractions together with pure hCG, hyperglycosylated hCG, hCG β-subunit (hCGb), nicked hCG, and hCGb core fragment (hCGbcf) were tested in nine commonly used commercial serum assays for hCG. The compositions of pure hCG preparations, standards, and commercial hCG preparations were determined by immunoassay.

Results: The three pure hCG preparations and the four hCG charge isoforms each showed parallel responses in the nine commercial hCG assays. Although wide variations were found in the detection of hCG structural variants by the nine assays (range for hyperglycosylated hCG, 468-1544 IU/L; for hCGb, 3187-5535 IU/L; for nicked hCG, 2736-4240 IU/L; and for hCGbcf, <2–130 IU/L), this did not correlate with the between-method variation observed in results for the three pure hCG preparations. Commercial preparations of hCG and calibrators showed great variation in their content of hCG structural variants (from 34% to 100% intact hCG).

Conclusions: Intermethod differences in hCG results were not explained by changes in responses attributable to hCG charge isoforms or to hCG structural variants, but wide variation was observed in concentrations of hCG structural variants in calibrators and in detection of these structural variants. Differences in assay specificity and in composition of the calibrators are the most likely sources of between-method variation.
Partitioning of Nongaussian-Distributed Biochemical Reference Data into Subgroups
Authors: Lahti Ari , Hyltoft Petersen Per , Boyd James C , Rustad Pål , Laake Petter , Solberg Helge Erik
Published: March 2004

Background: The aim of this study was to develop new methods for partitioning biochemical reference data, covering in particular nongaussian distributions.

Methods: We recently proposed partitioning criteria for gaussian distributions. These criteria relate to proportions of the subgroups outside each of the reference limits of the combined distribution (proportion criteria) and to distances between the subgroup distributions as correlates of these proportions (distance criteria). However, distance criteria do not seem to be ideal for nongaussian distributions because a generally valid relationship between proportions and distances cannot be established for these.

Results: Proportion criteria appear preferable to distance criteria for two additional reasons: (a) The prevalences of the subgroup populations may have a considerable effect on stratification, but these are hard to account for by using distance criteria. Two methods to handle prevalences are described, the root method and the multiplication method. (b) Tied reference values, another complication of the partitioning problem, could also be hard to take care of using distance criteria. Some solutions to the problems caused by tied reference values are suggested.

Conclusions: Partitioning of biochemical reference data should preferably be based on proportion criteria; this is particularly true for nongaussian distributions. Both of the described complications of the partitioning problem, the prevalences of the subgroups and tied reference values, are hard to deal with using distance criteria, but the proposed methods make it possible to account for them when proportion criteria are applied.
Osteoclast-Derived Serum Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase 5b in Albers-Schönberg Disease (Type II Autosomal Dominant Osteopetrosis)
Authors: Alatalo Sari L , Ivaska Kaisa K , Waguespack Steven G , Econs Michael J , Väänänen H Kalervo , Halleen Jussi M
Published: March 2004

Background: Albers-Schönberg disease, or autosomal dominant osteopetrosis type II (ADO2), is caused by ineffective osteoclastic bone resorption resulting from mutations in the chloride channel 7 (ClCN7) gene. Individuals with ADO2 have increased numbers of large ineffective osteoclasts in addition to increased serum total tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) activity.

Methods: We investigated the serum activity of the osteoclast-derived 5b isoform of TRACP (TRACP 5b) and concentrations of the bone formation marker osteocalcin in clinically affected individuals, unaffected gene carriers, and healthy controls from 10 ADO2 families with known ClCN7 gene mutations. Bone fracture prevalence was studied in association with the serum markers.

Results: Similar to total TRACP, TRACP 5b was significantly increased in clinically affected individuals compared with age-matched controls. TRACP 5b correlated significantly with total TRACP (r = 0.833; P <0.001), suggesting that most of the TRACP in the serum of ADO2 patients is osteoclast-derived TRACP 5b. Osteocalcin was significantly increased in affected adults and slightly decreased in affected children. TRACP 5b and total TRACP were significantly increased in clinically affected individuals with severe fractures (P <0.05).

Conclusions: The results indicate that in ADO2, serum TRACP 5b reflects the number of osteoclasts and that the extremely high serum TRACP 5b activity is a specific indicator of the disease. Similar to total TRACP, TRACP 5b appears to be a potentially useful marker to stratify individuals with ClCN7 gene mutations into clinically affected and unaffected gene carriers. It may also have a prognostic value in the prediction of fractures in patients with a ClCN7 gene mutation.
Cardiac Measures of Driver Workload during Simulated Driving with and without Visual Occlusion
Authors: Backs Richard W. , Lenneman John K. , Wetzel Jacob M. , Green Paul
Published: March 2004

Cardiac (heart rate, pre-ejection period, and respiratory sinus arrhythmia), performance, and visual demand measures of driver workload were obtained from 15 male university students who drove a simulated course multiple times at a fixed speed of 72.4 km/h. The course contained curves of 3 different radii (582, 291, and 194 m) and was driven with and without visual occlusion of the road scene to manipulate driver workload. Visual occlusion of the road scene significantly reduced driving performance but did not affect the cardiac measures. Driving performance significantly deteriorated and visual demand significantly increased as curve radius decreased. The cardiac measures were differentially affected by curve radius, indicating different modes of autonomic control for the 291-m curve as compared with the 582- and 194-m curves. The patterns of dissociation across the cardiac, performance, and visual demand measures were interpreted as being capable of isolating the perceptual demands of driving from the central and motor processing demands. A potential application of this research is that the combination of psychophysiological and visual occlusion methodologies are a powerful research tool to assess performance and processing resource cost trade-offs associated with using advanced in-vehicle technologies.
Assessing Workload through Physiological Measurements in Bus Drivers Using an Automated System during Docking
Authors: Collet Christian , Petit Claire , Champely Stephane , Dittmar Andre
Published: March 2004

The aim of the experiment was to test the effect of an automated system of bus docking on drivers' mental workload. Reduced workload is thought to be brought about by helping the driver to maneuver, as he or she is required only to monitor proper functioning of the system. However, the true impact of the system on drivers must be studied to guarantee good acceptance and minimal distraction from traffic. Workload was estimated by electrodermal activity recording while drivers tested 5 scenarios involving (or not involving) the docking system. Results showed that docking precision was improved when the system was used. When drivers monitored the functioning of the system, their workload was higher than that observed during manual docking; however, reduced workload was evidenced after a learning process. The docking system was also shown to increase workload in the event of dysfunction, especially when drivers had to take over control. Despite this particular situation, and after habituation, such a system could be integrated into buses to improve safety during boarding and egress.
Performance in a Complex Task and Breathing under Odor Exposure
Authors: Danuser Brigitta , Moser Denise , Vitale-Sethre Tanja , Hirsig René , Krueger Helmut
Published: March 2004

We investigated the influences of odor exposure on performance and on breathing measures. The task was composed of tracking, short-term memory, and peripheral reaction parts. During rest or while performing the task, 12 participants were exposed to 4 different odors in 2 intensities. The higher intensity of the malodors induced a short-term decrement in mean inspiration flow (Vi/Ti) after stimulus onset and impaired performance in the short-term memory task, as compared with control trials; no effect was found for the positively judged odors. The study suggests that a distractor as simple as a bad smell may pull a person off task, however briefly, and may result in a detriment to performance. Actual or potential applications of this research involve designing or securing tasks in such a way that a brief withdrawal of attention does not have fatal consequences.
Two Urinary Catecholamine Measurement Indices for Applied Stress Research: Effects of Time and Temperature until Freezing
Authors: Elfering Achim , Grebner Simone , Semmer Norbert K. , Byland Christa , Gerber Hans
Published: March 2004

Research on stress at work often involves the analysis of urinary adrenaline and noradrenaline. It is usually assumed that samples have to be cooled quickly and stored at refrigerator temperature before freezing. This is often difficult to achieve in field studies. This experimental study therefore tests the robustness of results when samples are not cooled immediately. Samples of 9 men and women, collected at 3 points in time, were immediately frozen, kept for a variable delay in a warm room, or stored in a refrigerator before freezing. Two indices were calculated: (a) the ratio of hormones to liquid volume, period of excretion, and body weight; and (b) the ratio of hormones to urinary creatinine. The reliability of high performance liquid chromatography analysis was satisfactory, as was the comparability of the 2 indices. Unfavorable storage up to 24 hr did not cause bacteria-driven decreases of catecholamines, regardless of storage temperature or sampling time. Results suggest high stability for at least 24 hr without cooling, provided the samples are immediately acidified. Cooling may therefore be handled less restrictively than has been assumed. The application of this research is to facilitate research in settings where samples are collected at different places, such as participants' homes or different workplaces.
Sensitivity and Diagnosticity of the 0.1-Hz Component of Heart Rate Variability as an Indicator of Mental Workload
Authors: Nickel Peter , Nachreiner Friedhelm
Published: March 2004

We investigated whether the 0.1-Hz component of heart rate variability (HRV) allows one to discriminate among levels of mental work stress induced by different types of tasks (diagnosticity) as well as among those induced by different levels of difficulty (sensitivity). Our 14 participants were presented 14 tasks of the Advisory Group for Aerospace Research and Development Standardized Tests for Research with Environmental Stressors battery in a repeated-measures design. Sufficient sensitivity was obtained for a discrimination between work and rest, but we found no support for a more fine-grained sensitivity. Concerning diagnosticity, only the grammatical reasoning task could be discriminated from all other tasks, indicating for this task a level of mental strain comparable to rest, which was in contrast with the results both for perceived difficulty and performance. We propose that HRV is an indicator for time pressure or emotional strain, not for mental workload, given that it seems to allow discrimination between tasks with and without pacing. Application of this research argues against using HRV as a measure of mental and especially cognitive workload, particularly where system safety or occupational risks may be at stake (e.g., when evaluating operator tasks or interface design in control room operations).s
Brain Potentials after Clicking a Mouse: A New Psychophysiological Approach to Human-Computer Interaction
Authors: Nittono Hiroshi , Hamada Aya , Hori Tadao
Published: March 2004

As a first step in developing a new psychophysiological technique to assess mental workload in human-computer interaction (HCI), we recorded event-related brain potentials for visual stimuli triggered by voluntary mouse clicks. Twelve university students clicked a mouse button at their own pace. Each click triggered 1 of 3 alphabetic letters assigned to frequent standard, rare target, and rare nontarget stimuli. Counting target stimuli was required. Both rare stimuli elicited a P3 (P300) wave, the amplitude of which was larger when the stimuli were triggered by mouse clicks than when the same stimuli were presented automatically without mouse clicks. Postmotor potentials associated with clicking were small in amplitude (<2 GmV) and did not temporally overlap with the P3. The findings suggest that the P3 can be recorded for a computer's response to the user's intentional action and may be used as a measure of perceptual-central processing resources allocated to the HCI task. Actual or potential applications of this research include the evaluation of the user's attentional state during HCI by recording brain potentials in the “mouse click” or action-perception paradigm.
Effects of a Psychophysiological System for Adaptive Automation on Performance, Workload, and the Event-Related Potential P300 Component
Authors: Prinzel Lawrence J. , Freeman Frederick G. , Scerbo Mark W. , Mikulka Peter J. , Pope Alan T.
Published: March 2004

The present study examined the effects of an electroencephalographic- (EEG-) based system for adaptive automation on tracking performance and workload. In addition, event-related potentials (ERPs) to a secondary task were derived to determine whether they would provide an additional degree of workload specificity. Participants were run in an adaptive automation condition, in which the system switched between manual and automatic task modes based on the value of each individual's own EEG engagement index; a yoked control condition; or another control group, in which task mode switches followed a random pattern. Adaptive automation improved performance and resulted in lower levels of workload. Further, the P300 component of the ERP paralleled the sensitivity to task demands of the performance and subjective measures across conditions. These results indicate that it is possible to improve performance with a psychophysiological adaptive automation system and that ERPs may provide an alternative means for distinguishing among levels of cognitive task demand in such systems. Actual or potential applications of this research include improved methods for assessing operator workload and performance.
Stress Response Caused by System Response Time when Searching for Information on the Internet
Authors: Trimmel Michael , Meixner-Pendleton Monika , Haring Sandra
Published: March 2004

System response time (SRT) is suspected to be a stress-inducing factor when searching for information during human-computer interactions. In this study 26 volunteers, grouped into skilled and unskilled Internet users, completed three tasks of searching for information on the Internet, whereupon they rated their strain. Heart rate, nonspecific skin conductance responses, and skin conductance level after SRTs lasting 2, 10, and 22 s were analyzed. Results showed physiological stress responses of higher heart rates and enhanced electrodermal activity related to SRT duration, independent of expertise. For persons experiencing high strain, a higher overall heart rate and a heart rate of 114 beats per minute were observed for the 22-s condition. As no significant effect of expertise on stress response was found, this indicates that no long-term habituation took place. To avoid stress, short SRTs and/or effective coping mechanisms are recommended. The potential application of this research is the suggestion of using a fast Internet connection to reduce the stress response.
Preparing Computers for Affective Communication: A Psychophysiological Concept and Preliminary Results
Authors: Whang Min Cheol , Lim Joa Sang , Boucsein Wolfram
Published: March 2004

Despite rapid advances in technology, computers remain incapable of responding to human emotions. An exploratory study was conducted to find out what physiological parameters might be useful to differentiate among 4 emotional states, based on 2 dimensions: pleasantness versus unpleasantness and arousal versus relaxation. The 4 emotions were induced by exposing 26 undergraduate students to different combinations of olfactory and auditory stimuli, selected in a pretest from 12 stimuli by subjective ratings of arousal and valence. Changes in electroencephalographic (EEG), heart rate variability, and electrodermal measures were used to differentiate the 4 emotions. EEG activity separates pleasantness from unpleasantness only in the aroused but not in the relaxed domain, where electrodermal parameters are the differentiating ones. All three classes of parameters contribute to a separation between arousal and relaxation in the positive valence domain, whereas the latency of the electrodermal response is the only differentiating parameter in the negative domain. We discuss how such a psychophysiological approach may be incorporated into a systemic model of a computer responsive to affective communication from the user.
Real-Time Assessment of Mental Workload Using Psychophysiological Measures and Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Wilson Glenn F. , Russell Christopher A.
Published: March 2004

The functional state of the human operator is critical to optimal system performance. Degraded states of operator functioning can lead to errors and overall suboptimal system performance. Accurate assessment of operator functional state is crucial to the successful implementation of an adaptive aiding system. One method of determining operators' functional state is by monitoring their physiology. In the present study, artificial neural networks using physiological signals were used to continuously monitor, in real time, the functional state of 7 participants while they performed the Multi-Attribute Task Battery with two levels of task difficulty. Six channels of brain electrical activity and eye, heart and respiration measures were evaluated on line. The accuracy of the classifier was determined to test its utility as an on-line measure of operator state. The mean classification accuracies were 85%, 82%, and 86% for the baseline, low task difficulty, and high task difficulty conditions, respectively. The high levels of accuracy suggest that these procedures can be used to provide accurate estimates of operator functional state that can be used to provide adaptive aiding. The relative contribution of each of the 43 psychophysiological features was also determined. Actual or potential applications of this research include test and evaluation and adaptive aiding implementation.
Handle Dynamics Predictions for Selected Power Hand Tool Applications
Authors: Lin Jia-Hua , Radwin Robert G. , Richard Terry G.
Published: March 2004

This study uses a previously developed single-degree-of-freedom mechanical model to predict the power hand tool operator handle kinematic response to impulsive reaction forces (Lin, 2001). The model considers the human operator as a lumped parameter passive mechanical system, consisting of stiffness, mass moment of inertia, and viscous damping elements. Six power nutrunners were operated by 9 volunteers (3 men, 6 women) in the laboratory, and corresponding handle kinematics were compared against model predictions. A full-factorial experiment considered torque buildup time and work location. Normalized forearm flexor EMG was measured to quantify muscle exertions and used to proportionally adjust the stiffness parameter. The measured handle displacement for actual tool operation strongly correlated to the model predictions ( R = .98) for all handle configurations. The overall model prediction error was 3% for predicting tool handle responses to impulsive reaction forces for various tool and workstation parameters. This model should make it possible for designers to identify conditions that minimize the torque reaction experienced by power hand tool operators.
Performance in a Complex Multiple-Task Environment during a Laboratory-Based Simulation of Occasional Night Work
Authors: Sauer Jürgen , Wastell David G. , Robert G. , Hockey J. , Earle Fiona
Published: March 2004

A study was carried out to examine the impact of occasional night work on simulated process control using a complex task environment. The 21 student participants were tested during 2 6-hr simulated shifts (daytime and night). In addition to the primary system management task, the simulation allowed measurement of fault diagnosis behavior, monitoring and control actions, and two secondary tasks–alarm reaction time and system status checks (prospective memory)–as well as subjective state. Consistent with predictions from compensatory control theory, night work did not impair system performance, although monitoring and control were reduced (supported by subjective reports of increased use of risky “corner-cutting” strategies). Secondary tasks showed an increase in alarm reaction time during night work, but there was no effect on prospective memory and no clear pattern of change in subjective state. Actual or potential applications of this research include the design of complex systems for nighttime operation.
Melioration and the Transition from Touch-Typing Training to Everyday Use
Authors: Yechiam Eldad , Erev Ido , Yehene Vered , Gopher Daniel
Published: March 2004

Previous research shows that success in touch-typing training does not ensure its continuation into everyday use. It is postulated that an important contributor to this problem is melioration–that is, maximizing local rates of reinforcement. In the context of typing, melioration implies an intuitive tendency to choose typing strategies that lead to a better immediate performance level than that obtained by touch-typing. One such strategy is visually guided typing, in which the performer looks at the keys to locate their position. The present research describes a training approach that changes the reinforcement structure by increasing the attractiveness of looking at the screen while typing. This approach is implemented by using a secondary task that requires typists to respond to signals appearing on the screen. In an experiment that evaluated this solution, 22 students were given a touch-typing training course followed by a period in which they had to type their own homework. The results showed that under a modified reinforcement condition, the effect of melioration on touch-typing scores in the posttraining phase decreased. In addition, the experimental manipulation facilitated the acquisition and maintenance of the touch-typing skill. Actual or potential applications of this research include research in training, choice behavior, and human-computer interaction.
CAN JAPANESE AID BE AN EFFECTIVE TOOL OF INFLUENCE? Case Studies of Cambodia and Burma
Authors: Oishi Mikio , Furuoka Fumitaka
Published: March 2004

This article investigates the emerging pattern of Japan's peacemaking in Southeast Asia, which is characterized by the heavy use of economic aid. Case studies of Cambodia and Burma suggest that Japan's strength lies in mediation between conflicting parties, not in promoting certain values such as human rights.
SINGAPORE AND ASEAN IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY: The Case of Free Trade Agreements
Authors: Daquila Teofilo C. , Huy Le Huu
Published: March 2004

Given the slow pace of global and regional trade liberalization initiatives, Singapore has forged free trade agreements for economic and strategic reasons. Other ASEAN countries and ASEAN itself have also become interested in establishing FTAs with countries outside the grouping. In the future, ASEAN could form an ASEAN or an East Asian Economic Community.
DOES PARTY ALLIANCE HAVE A DECISIVE EFFECT ON GUBERNATORIAL ELECTIONS IN JAPAN?
Authors: Hiromoto Masayuki
Published: March 2004

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect that party alliance has on gubernatorial elections in Japan. The results of the analysis reveal that party coalitions backing candidates are not the most important determinant of election victory and that the electorate's choice of candidates differs from the choice of political parties.
LAOS IN 2003: Counterrevolution Fails to Ignite
Authors: Thayer Carlyle A.
Published: March 2004

In 2003, Laos became embattled from within by anti-communist resistance forces that launched a “revolution” to seize state power. The government responded with force and took measures to shore up its legitimacy. Economic prospects brightened. But adverse reporting on human rights delayed a trade bill before the U.S. Congress.
SOUTH KOREA IN 2003: A Question of Leadership?
Authors: Lee Hong Yung
Published: March 2004

In 2003, South Koreans focused attention on the political problems of newly elected President Roh. As elections set for early 2004 approached, the president, once above suspicion, faced the specter of financial scandal implicating at least his top aides. His party split, his labor policies generated unrest, and his political future became increasingly unclear.
NORTH KOREA IN 2003: Pendulum Swing between Crisis and Diplomacy
Authors: Park Kyung-Ae
Published: March 2004

The two most pressing problems that faced North Korea in 2003 were how to resist pressure on nuclear issues from the international community and how to cope with a crippled economy. For the former, North Korea demonstrated superficial flexibility by participating in multilateral talks but, in substance, persisting in its demands. For the latter, the country showed substantive flexibility by stepping up economic reform, recruiting young, reform-minded new faces into the leadership, and pushing for economic cooperation with the South.
RUSSIA AND THE CIS IN 2003: Regional Reconstruction
Authors: Buszynski Leszek
Published: March 2004

Russia's position in Asia has been consolidating according to two developments. The first was the restructuring of Russia's presence in the former Soviet Union. Various new groupings have arisen that offer Russia alternatives to the Commonwealth of Independent States. The second was the expansion of Russia's role in the Asia Pacific region and the Korean peninsula, as energy supplier to China and Japan, and as an arms seller.
JAPAN IN 2003: Muddling Ahead?
Authors: Uriu Robert
Published: March 2004

The year 2003 was a study of contrasts for Japan. In the first half, news on the economic front was all bad. With Japan headed for a new period of recession, which would have been its third in the last 10 years, the already deep pessimism about the economy sank even lower. Prime Minister Koizumi was besieged by critics from all sides, but by the end of the year, the domestic situation had brightened. In foreign policy, Japan responded to crises on the Korean Peninsula and in Iraq by continuing to increase its military capabilities and roles. The decision to dispatch its military forces to a still unstable Iraq represents a potential watershed event for postwar Japan.
PAKISTAN IN 2003: Political Deadlock and Continuing Uncertainties
Authors: Talbot Ian
Published: March 2004

This article surveys three key areas. The first is the political deadlock over the Legal Framework Order. The second is international uncertainties, including Pakistan's uneasy peace process with India. Third, the article examines Pakistan's continuing economic uncertainties, despite the post-9/11 improvement in the external trading account.
SRI LANKA IN 2003: Seeking to Consolidate Peace
Authors: DeVotta Neil
Published: March 2004

Bolstered by international support, Sri Lanka's government and separatist Tamil rebels continued evaluating ways to end two decades of ethnic carnage. The absence of conflict saw the economy improve and the rebels strengthen their capabilities. But peace talks over the contentious northeast were suspended, and the president initiated a constitutional crisis when she sought to undermine the government. This and other factors ensured that Sri Lanka in 2003 was far from consolidating peace.
BANGLADESH IN 2003: Vibrant Democracy or Destructive Politics?
Authors: Jahan Rounaq
Published: March 2004

The year 2003 saw a continuation of the confrontational politics that has plagued Bangladesh for decades. Partisanship continued to affect the functioning of government and civil society organizations. Controversy emerged over judicial appointments to the higher courts. The government's successes were marred by corruption and deteriorating law and order.
INDONESIA IN 2003: Terror's Aftermath
Authors: Kipp Rita Smith
Published: March 2004

Several bombings that targeted international capital or the Indonesian government put a chill on tourism and foreign investment, but despite high-profile investigations and trials, doubts that these were home-grown acts of Islamic terrorism remain pervasive. Military action in Aceh, continuing corruption, and lack of progress on legal reform suggest to many that post-New Order reformasi has stalled.
THAILAND IN 2003: Riding High Again
Authors: Mutebi Alex M.
Published: March 2004

This article surveys the key political and economic highlights of Thailand in 2003. With his party in full control of the political scene buoyed by a resurgent economy he helped to engineer, the prime minister continued to tower over almost all aspects of Thai life, changing the face of Thailand.
THE PHILIPPINES IN 2003: Troubles, None of Them New
Authors: Montesano Michael J.
Published: March 2004

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo announced her decision to run for reelection in 2004. The Philippines suffered a failed coup, divisive politics, and Communist and separatist insurgencies. Economic growth was sluggish, with large fiscal deficits and a deteriorating balance of payments. In foreign affairs, Manila continued its rapprochement with Washington.
Who invented the laser: An analysis of the early patents
Authors: MYERS ROBERT A. , DIXON RICHARD W.
Published: March 2004

The laser and the transistor are two of the most important inventions of the 20th century. Basic agreement exists that Bardeen, Brattain, and Shockley invented the transistor. Inventorship priority over the laser has been contested. By mobilizing patent and patent-related sources, traditional scientific literature, published commentaries, interviews with several of the surviving principals, and the Townes papers in the Library of Congress, we are able to suggest an invention priority for the laser that we believe improves on previous scholarship. We conclude that there is no single inventor of the laser, but that the most fundamental U.S. contributions were made by Townes, Schawlow, and Bloembergen. We believe the logic used here for deciding invention priority, which includes a careful study of patent claims, may be useful in other cases where inventorship is of interest.
A comparative study of cyclotron development at Cambridge and Liverpool in the 1930s
Authors: HINOKAWA SHIZUE
Published: March 2004

This article describes the process of cyclotron development in Britain in the 1930s by focusing on the relationships between John D. Cockcroft, James Chadwick, and the Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Company, Ltd. There is a difference of about one year in the completion dates of the cyclotrons built by Cockcroft at Cambridge University's Cavendish Laboratory and by Chadwick at the University of Liverpool. This time discrepancy seems to be a consequence of the differing relationships the two men had with Met-Vick. Analysis of British cyclotron development points to three major changes that took place in scientific research: the emergence in university laboratories of researchers specializing in developing experimental instruments; alterations in the relationship between university research laboratories and companies; and the need for special funding sources to enable university laboratories to construct experimental instruments.
Chemistry in the Académie Royale des Sciences
Authors: HOLMES FREDERIC LAWRENCE
Published: March 2004

In the received history, chemistry began to transform from cookery to science toward the end of the 17th century with the introduction of sustained systematic experiment, color indicators, and the mechanical philosophy. Robert Boyle is usually considered the chief promoter of these improvements. In fact, the mechanical philosophy played a marginal part in the development of chemistry during Boyle's time and he was too eager an alchemical adept to establish the cooperative enterprise that precipitated modern chemistry. While Boyle sought the philosopher's stone, members of the Paris Academy of Sciences set the course of modern chemistry by developing a style of thorough, repeated, systematic experimentation and accurate measurement that resemble the practices that historians customarily credit to the late 18th century. The present paper makes this case by reconstructing the Academy's program of experiments to determine the constituents of chemical “mixts,” mainly parts of plants, as recorded in the laboratory notebooks of Claude Bourdelin. These experiments typically employed maceration or a similar technique to “loosen” the ingredients of the substance under investigation followed by distillation at various temperatures. The academicians tested the several fractions of distillate thus produced with many reagents, including color indicators of acidity. Some of the preliminary steps lasted for weeks, and some of the distillations for days. To reassure themselves that their procedures did not destroy or discard important constituents, they weighed both raw materials and end products and totted up the sum in a manner worthy of Lavoisier.
From explanation to description: Molecular and phenomenological theories of piezoelectricity
Authors: KATZIR SHAUL
Published: March 2004

The second half of the 19th century saw the rise of new corpuscular theories in physics. Piezoelectricity, discovered in 1880, underwent a development reverse to that of most fields of physics. The first molecular theories were soon replaced by a continuum-phenomeno-logical theory, which guided most research in the field, while, at the same time, physicists continued to propose molecular models. This article studies the reasons for the peculiar development of piezoelectric theory, through a close look at the models suggested and the developments in the field. It argues that the transition originated in a failure of the molecular model to account for new experimental results. Furthermore, later explanatory theories remained speculations, since they failed to derive any relations left unaccounted for by the phenomenological theory and since their basic premises were doubtful. Protagonists also raised general claims about the necessity of a phenomenological theory. Yet they did not derive their position from a doctrinal antagonism to molecular explanation. The same physicists studied both the secure phenomenological theory and speculative explanation simultaneously. They advanced in two mostly separated kinds of researches: molecular-atomistic and phenomenological-positivistic. Nevertheless, the separation between these approaches was not complete. This suggests that physicists embodied the same persona in elaborating “positivistic” theory as in elaborating “realistic” molecular theory.
Absolute Pitch, Speech, and Tone Language: Some Experiments and a Proposed Framework
Authors: DEUTSCH DIANA , HENTHORN TREVOR , DOLSON MARK
Published: March 2004

Absolute pitch is generally considered to reflect a rare musical endowment; however, its characteristics are puzzling and its genesis is unclear. We describe two experiments in which native speakers of tone languages—Mandarin and Vietnamese—were found to display a remarkably precise and stable form of absolute pitch in enunciating words. We further describe a third experiment in which speakers of English displayed less stability on an analogous task. Based on these findings, and considering the related literatures on critical periods in speech development, and the neurological underpinnings of lexical tone, we propose a framework for the genesis of absolute pitch. The framework assumes that absolute pitch originally evolved as a feature of speech, analogous to other features such as vowel quality, and that speakers of tone language naturally acquire this feature during the critical period for speech acquisition. We further propose that the acquisition of absolute pitch by rare individuals who speak an intonation language may be associated with a critical period of unusually long duration, so that it encompasses the age at which the child can take music lessons. We conclude that the potential to acquire absolute pitch is universally present at birth, and that it can be realized by enabling the infant to associate pitches with verbal labels during the critical period for speech acquisition.
Problem-Solving Strategies in Music Composition: A Case Study
Authors: McADAMS STEPHEN
Published: March 2004

The composition of a piece of contemporary music for solo piano, 16-piece chamber orchestra, and 6-channel, computer-processed sound was tracked and documented from its initial conception to its concert premier. Notebooks, sketches, diagrams, recorded interviews, and the final score were used to address the solving of three compositional problems raised within the context of the piece. The first problem concerned the need to compose the five themes for the piece (23–100 s in duration) for both solo piano and chamber orchestra. Issues of performance constraints associated with the two media and on translation from a restricted to a more open timbral palette played an important role. The second problem involved composing the two major parts of the piece with similar temporal structures but vastly different ways of traversing the same thematic musical materials. Spatial, graphical representations and self-imposed graphic organization of the score were important factors in resolving this issue. The third problem involved conceiving of the computer component to accompany either of the two major parts, because the piece could be played with them in either order. The solution involved organizing the computer component into discrete parts that had fairly continuous textures and finalizing this component before the final composing of the instrumental components. Issues concerning the aspects of compositional problem-solving that are available for study, the types of representations used in problem solving,and the generalizability of such results to other pieces by the same composer or other composers are discussed.
MARK TWAIN, JOSEPHTWICHELL, AND RELIGION
Authors: MESSENT P.
Published: March 2004

In this essay I focus on Mark Twain's relationship with Joseph Hopkins Twichell, pastor of the Asylum Hill Congregationalist Church in Hartford, Connecticut, tracing the lifelong effects of the two men's friendship on Twain's "religious" life. This aspect of Twain's life divides into three stages that illustrate the larger patterns of his thinking and beliefs. Twain's courtship, and the role that Twichell played in his life at the time, shows the author at his most pious, seriously engaging with the task of spiritual reformation necessary to the successful fulÞllment of his relationship with Livy, his wife-to-be. The Hartford years following close after Twain's marriage show him living a relatively conventional life, regularly attending religious services and giving considerable support to Twichell's Asylum Hill church. The extensive and committed part that Twain played in this church community gives the lie to the view put forward by Alfred Bigelow Paine and others that Twain completely retreated from religious commitment after the early marriage years. Finally, in the years following Twain's departure from Hartford, Twichell takes the role of gentle and temperate respondent as Twain's attitude toward religious belief, and indeed toward human nature itself, becomes increasingly mordant. Predictably, their exchanges ended in stalemate, though the role that the minister played in deßecting the full public force of Twain's more intemperate outbursts was recognized by both men. I use previously unpublished material here to provide a type of "thick description" of the religious dimension of their relationship and to ßesh out what we already know of their friendship.
REVIEW OF LINDA MUGGLESTONE,"TALKINGPROPER"
Authors: WALES K.
Published: March 2004

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REVIEW OFVALERIE SANDERS, THE BROTHER-SISTER CULTURE IN NINETEENTH-CENTURY LITERATURE
Authors: GRUNER E.
Published: March 2004

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REVIEW OFINA FERRIS, THE ROMANTIC NATIONAL TALE AND THE QUESTION OF IRELAND
Authors: LEERSSEN J.
Published: March 2004

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