bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TN‐LCD Wide Viewing Angle Optimization
Authors: Jones M. , Xu G.
Published: January 2005

Numerical optimization routines along with characterization tools are used to systematically design a viewing angle compensation method for liquid crystal displays. The resulting configuration provides excellent gray level separation and a 50:1 contrast ratio that extends ±45° horizontally and −15° to +50° vertically. Measured performance and design methods are presented.
Low Cost 3D Visualization for Collaborative Mission Rehearsal Applications
Authors: Vinarub Jordan , Gonthier David , Veron Harry
Published: January 2005

Recent developments in the personal computer 3D graphics card industry have enabled the development of high performance, low cost, collaborative applications for 3D visualization. These developments have given us the ability to create an application framework that utilizes a virtual environment, supporting multiple users interacting in real time. This document describes the architecture of the Open Visualization Environment (OVEN) for performing mission planning and rehearsal.
Holographic Reflectors for Enhanced Reflective LCDs
Authors: Chen A. G. , Gao Q. , Fan R. , Harton A. , Wyatt K. , Heidt G. , Felder T. C. , Gambogi W. J. , Mackara S. R. , Steijn K. W. , Stevenson S. H. , Trout T. J.
Published: January 2005

Monocolor and multicolor holographic reflectors have been designed and fabricated using DuPont holographic photopolymers. High brightness, saturated color and a choice of well‐defined center wavelengths have been demonstrated. When affixed to the back of reflective LCDs, they provide enhanced contrast and brightness. The environmental stability and optical performance of DuPont films have demonstrated that they exceed the specifications of all Motorola portable products. Commercial products will be introduced in early 1998.
P‐19: Optimization of Deflection‐Yoke Design Parameters
Authors: Maeda M. , Ohno H. , Murata A.
Published: January 2005

A software which optimizes the design parameters of Deflection Yoke (DY) for CRT regarding convergence and raster distortion was developed. This program enables objective function to optimize by means of primary and secondary differentials of convergence and distortion. Conjugate gradient method with linear constraints is used to optimize objective function. We have confirmed the DY can be practically designed with this program.
P‐20: Polyamide Materials for Vacuum‐Tube Applications
Authors: Li X.
Published: January 2005

It is known that the polyimide material has super heat‐resisting, good electric insulation, good tensile strength, good mechanical properties. as well as good vacuum property. Through the experiment to analyse the surface components of the polyimide and the out‐gassing in the vacuum, the polyimide material's vacuum properties are discussed thoroughly.
The Investigation of a Low‐Ohmic Hybrid One Layer Coating
Authors: Aben G. V. A. , Somers M. J. M. , Hanssen P. H. C. , Schrooten L. M.
Published: January 2005

The conductive polymer polyethylene‐dioxythiophene (PEDOT) is an interesting material to reduce the alternating electric field (AEF) emitted at the front of a colour monitor tube. The processing of the PEDOT is based on chemical polymerisation of ethylenedioxy‐thiophene (EDOT) and Fe(III) toluene sulphonate on a faceplate of the tube. After the polymerisation is completed, the Fe salt is removed out of the coating by use of a TEOS solution. During this process, a hybrid PEDOT/SiO2 film is formed. The specific conductivity is 120 S/cm and the average transmission (380–780 nm) 80% for a layer thickness of about 300 nm.
P‐23: Novel Topcoat Planarization Derived from Cardo Resin
Authors: Kazama S. , Miyagawa Y. , Uchimiya Y. , Fujishiro K. , Yokoyama N. , Teramoto T.
Published: January 2005

Topcoats (V‐259EH) containing Cardo epoxy resins enable to make the difference in height of RGB pixel small enough, for example less than 50 nm. The planation enable to prepare the small cell gap, which leads to fast response time of STN‐LCDS. The topcoat also have good chemical resistance and transparency.
LP‐N: High‐Optical‐Density Ultra‐Thin Black‐Matrix System
Authors: Sabnis R. W. , Stroder M. D. , Nichols R. E. , Hays E. G. , Yanagimoto A. , Sone Y. , Watanabe Y. , Ema K.
Published: January 2005

A novel polyimide‐based black resin with optical density greater than 3 at 1 μm or less film thickness has been developed. This patternable system, suitable for various display applications, provides high heat and light stability, superior chemical resistance and long shelf life. It offers environmental safety and low cost.
P‐31: Characterization of Emitting Carbon Films and Their Deposition on Glass Substrates
Authors: Fink R. L. , Tolt Z. Li , Yaniv Z.
Published: January 2005

Carbon films having low threshold extraction field, high emission site density and high emission current density were characterized by Uv‐ excitation Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). An hypothesis of the nature of emission sites in these films is proposed in accordance with the analyses.
P‐36: In‐Situ Vacuum Packaging Method for FEDs in Ultra‐High‐Vacuum Chamber
Authors: Choi W. B. , Ju B. K. , Lee Y. H. , Jeong J. W. , Oh M. H. , Jeong S. J. , Lee N. Y. , Han J. I. , Cho K. I. , Sung M. Y.
Published: January 2005

Field emission display (FED) is one of the most promising flat panel displays (FPD), which requires significantly high vacuum for providing long‐term performance and ensuring reliability. In this paper, the glass‐to‐glass electrostatic bonding is presented for providing in‐situ vacuum packaging of FED in ultra high vacuum (UHV) chamber, which is based on conventional Si‐to‐glass anodic bonding mechanism. This bonding method is based on conventional Si‐to‐glass anodic bonding mechanism. Using RF sputter deposition, amorphous silicon films have been formed on Sn‐doped In203 (ITO) layer coated glass substrates. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) was used to confirm the kinetics of glass‐to‐glass electrostatic bonding. In order to investigate the applicability of this bonding technique to in‐situ vacuum packaging of FED, the hermetic sealing test of FED panel whose exhausting hole was sealed by this technique was experimented under 10−8 Torr vacuum level. This technique is suitable for mass production environments since it is capable of high speed sealing and eliminating the outgassing problem.
Experimental Determination of the Space Charge in AC Thin‐Film Electroluminescent Devices
Authors: Soenen B. , Neyts K. , Stuyven G. , De Visschere P.
Published: January 2005

We developed equations for the center of mass and the amount of space charge in the phosphor layer of AC thin‐film electroluminescent devices. The equations are function of the mean electric field in the phosphor layer and the electric field at both interfaces of the phosphor layer. We describe an electrical measurement method to determine these electric fields, assuming a constant space charge during steady state operation. Results are given for an undoped device based on ZnS.
7.2: Helmet‐Mounted‐Display CRT Developments
Authors: Agyare S. O. K. , Darlington S. T. , Saunders C.
Published: January 2005

Miniature CRTs have been the technology for helmet‐mounted avionic displays for over twenty years. Recently, the designs have been overhauled in many areas to enable higher performance in terms of resolution, luminance and mass to be realised. Custom design solutions are available to meet a variety of specific requirements.
Full‐Color Light‐Emitting Devices Based on π‐ and σ‐Conjugated Polymer Materials
Authors: Hattori Reiji , Sugano Takeshi , Fujiki Tsuyoshi , He Yi , Kanicki Jerzy
Published: January 2005

Two kinds of full‐color light‐emitting devices have been fabricated using π‐ and σ‐conjugated polymers. One device is based on poly(bithiazole)'s, which have emission peaks ranging throughout visible region. The other device has a novel architecture in which ultraviolet‐light emitted by electroluminescent diode, based on an evaporated poly(dimethylsilane) layer, is converted by phosphors into visible light emission. The luminance of 0.2 cd/m2 is obtained for a green light emitting device (injected current density of 0.8 mA/cm2 and external quantum efficiency is calculated to be 0.0054%).
P‐58: Reflectors with Phase Compensation fora Reflective LC Color Projection System
Authors: Baumeister P.
Published: January 2005

In a LC reflective color projection system, dichroic coatings immersed in glass split light into red, green and blue channels. By minimizing the angle of incidence and avoiding total internal reflection, the differential phase shift upon reflection may be controlled.
Developments in videowall image processing
Authors: Simpson Robert
Published: January 2005

New projection technologies and new electronic image sources have introduced practical problems in realizing tiled videowall displays. This paper describes solutions related to the use of multiple LCD and DMD projectors, and to the development of a new range of videowall image processors suitable for mixed graphics and video sources. Critical to the solutions are efficient image resizing methods.
Characterization of Liquid‐Crystal Materials for Low‐Voltage Operation TFT‐TN and IPS LCDs concerning Ions contained
Authors: Nakazono Y. , Takagi T. , Ichinose H. , Sawada A. , Naemura S. , Tarumi K.
Published: January 2005

Ions contained in polar LC substances are characterized from absorption current measurements. Fluorinated and cyano LC substances were well characterized with regard to the Δ∍ values and ions contained, when used in cells with alignment materials. The results were applied to mixture design for use in low‐voltage operation TFT‐TN and TFT‐IPS LCDs, confirming the superiority of fluorinated LC substances for TFT‐TN‐LCDs and providing a new concept of mixtures composed of both fluorinated and cyano substances for a TFT‐IPS‐LCD use, featuring fast switching, low threshold voltage, and good voltage holding.
New Dichroic Azo Dyes for Guest‐Host Liquid Crystal Compositions
Authors: Sato Hideki , Ishio Hisayo , Yoneyama Tomio , Kaneko Masaharu
Published: January 2005

Several new dichroic azo dyes containing 2,2′‐bis(trifluoromethyl)biphenyl skeleton have been synthesized for liquid‐crystal displays taking advantage of guest‐host effects. The order parameters of these dyes have been determined in nematic liquid crystalline hosts. Tetrakisazo‐dyes‐exhibit high order parameters in liquid crystal. Especially, these dyes show S=0.85 in host LC with high order molecular alignment.
P‐75: A Biaxial Film‐Compensated Thin Homogeneous Cell for Reflective Displays
Authors: Wu S.‐T. , Wu C.‐S.
Published: January 2005

The normally white mode of a biaxial film‐compensated thin homogeneous liquid crystal cell exhibits a wide viewing angle, high contrast ratio, weak color dispersion, low operation voltage, fast response time, and large cell gap tolerance. Its potential applications for reflective direct‐view and color‐sequential projection displays are demonstrated.
Apodization Method for the Fast Elimination of Interference Fringes in the 4 × 4 Matrix Optics
Authors: Yoon Tae‐Hoon , Baek Heum‐Il , Park Ku‐Hyun , Park Se‐Min , Woo Sung‐Il , Lee Gi‐Dong , Kim Jae Chang
Published: January 2005

In this work we propose an apodization method based on the structure of a Mach‐Zehnder interferometer, by which we can eliminate the interference fringes in the 4 × 4 transfer matrix optics in negligible time. For a cell with k abrupt interfaces, the new apodization method can be implemented by simply, at maximum, k additional matrix multiplications of a 4 × 4 matrix in calculating the complete transfer matrix of the cell. The apodization method is applied to the calculation of the electro‐optic response of a twisted‐nematic liquid‐crystal cell.
35.4: Development of a 6 × 8 1344‐Row AMLCD for Avionics Applications
Authors: Terrien J. C. , Vignolle J. M. , Serbutoviez C. , Cason C. , Pernia O. , Delauzun F.
Published: January 2005

Sextant Avionique and Thomson LCD developped a 6″×8″ portrait AMLCD for avionic cockpit display applications. Main features of the display are: 504×672 resolution in RGGB quad, wide viewing angle (±60°) and low reflectivity (0.8%). In addition, the mechanical design of the display module allows low maintenance costs and withstanding of harsh environmental conditions.
A 4‐mask Process for an Ion Implanted 14″ a‐Si:H‐TFT‐Display with high Fabrication Yield
Authors: Maier G. , Maresch S. , Sautter B. , Kallfass T. , Lueder E.
Published: January 2005

We developed a 4‐mask manufacturing process for a‐Si:H‐TFT displays with improved reproducibility and yield. This process uses a standard etching stopper technology however the n‐doped amorphous silicon is prepared by ion implantation of phosphorus atoms through the metallic Drain and Source contacts. The performance of this process has been demonstrated by the fabrication of a 1.3″ Spatial Light Modulator with 480 × 480 pixels sized 50μm × 50μm and is now demonstrated by a 14″ color TV display with the PAL format of 575 × 696 × 3 pixels sized 140μm × 380μm. The ion implantation is performed with a modified 6″ implanter using a special implantation technique for the uniform doping of large areas.
16.5L: Late‐News Paper: A New Design to Improve Performance and Simplify the Manufacturing Process of High‐Quality MVA TFT‐LCD Panels
Authors: Tanaka Y. , Taniguchi Y. , Sasaki T. , Takeda A. , Koibe Y. , Okamoto K.
Published: January 2005

An MVAMulti‐domain Vertical Alignment‐TFT LCD panel has been redesigned to improve optical performances and to reduce process step. The optical transmittance was improved by newly introduced protrusion wings to remove undesirable disclination lines caused by edge field effect of the pixel. Also, an aperture of the black matrix on the CF substrate was extended to include whole ITO pixel since the operating mode of the liquid crystal is Normally‐Black mode. The protrusions on the TFT substrate was replaced to patterned ITO slit. This results in the contrast ratio improvement, and simplifies the manufacturing process.
18.1: A High‐Performance LCD Monitor Controller IC with Integrated A/D Converters
Authors: Neugebauer C.
Published: January 2005

A new generation of high‐performance display controller ICS with integrated analog‐to‐digital converters has been developed. These devices integrate the analog‐to‐digital converters with a complete system‐on‐a‐chip LCD monitor solution, including multi‐sync circuitry, frame‐rate conversion, image scaling, on‐screen display, color shading technology and LCD module interface.
23.1: Invited Paper: Plug and Play Computers in the Automobile, Information‐Display Considerations
Authors: Buckley S. J.
Published: January 2005

Recently, DaimlerChrysler has focused on the use of a removable computer as the core component of a mobile computing platform. Two vehicles have been built that explore this “bring your own” approach to mobile computing. The information display system used in each vehicle will be presented, along with future possibilities.
27.4: Four‐Terminal Poly‐Si TFTs with Improved Reliability
Authors: Park C.‐M. , Jeon J.‐H. , Yoo J.‐S. , Han M.‐K.
Published: January 2005

We fabricate a novel poly‐Si TFT, which employs counter‐doped lateral body terminal in order to suppress kink effects and improve the device stability. The device also employs buried channel, which increase ON‐current and operating frequency. The proposed poly‐Si TFT exhibits superb dynamic reliability to conventional poly‐Si TFT after AC stress.
Testing a Simulation of Peripheral Vision Using an Image Discrimination Task
Authors: Peli Eli , Geri George A.
Published: January 2005

The appearance of images in peripheral vision is an important consideration in the design of both wide‐field and area‐of‐interest simulators, and can be simulated using vision models that account for the change in sensitivity as a function of retinal eccentricity. Simulations based on three different contrast sensitivity functions (CSFs), and a wide range of fundamental eccentricity constants (FECs) [cf., Peli et al., JOSA A, 8; 1762–1774, 1991] were tested here using an image discrimination task. Subjects were asked to discriminate an original image from a mirror image of the original processed at various FEC levels. It was found that a combination of the foveal CSF and an appropriate FEC was sufficient to characterize the discrimination of images with peripheral vision. The required FEC was found to be significantly larger for a higher‐sensitivity, detection CSF as compared to a lower‐sensitivity, orientation discrimination CSF. All FECs found here are larger than those computed from CSF measurements obtained across the retina. This difference may be due to masking by superimposed or adjacent image detail, which may result in a more rapid decline of detection performance as retinal eccentricity is increased (i.e., crowding or lateral masking effects).
The Future for Flat PC Desktop Monitors
Authors: Petersburg Alan R.
Published: January 2005

The market opportunity for flat PC desktop monitors will be discussed in terms of the total market opportunity, display performance, screen size and addressability requirements, and the unique attributes which flatness and low power can offer. The evolution of market segmentation from specialized applications to mainstream products will be discussed in terms of the customer requirements needed to achieve this.
A Small QVGA LCaD™ Panel for Portable Applications
Authors: Petera Michael G.
Published: January 2005

The characteristics of a small sized, 1/4 VGA LCD display system are presented. This 320 by 240 pixel display, with a diagonal size of 2.5 inches, features 16 shades of gray individually addressable at each pixel site. Departing from the standard LCD panel architecture, this LCaD™‐based architecture provides a system‐level approach with an on‐board LCD controller, a two‐page display memory and an on‐board character memory. A high‐level software interface utilizes display commands which allow the on‐board LCD controller to perform a variety of tasks heretofore relegated only to the control processor.
Implementation of a Universal Controller for a‐Si TFT LCD of SXGA Class
Authors: Choi Chul‐Ho , Park Jin‐Sung , Kwon Byong‐Heon , Choi Myung‐Ryul
Published: January 2005

We propose a universal LCD controller for a‐Si TFT LCD of SXGA class that can display full screen of a LCD panel. The proposed controller can be applied to the lower resolution of image sources such as NTSC, VGA, SVGA, and XGA. A new interpolation algorithm is proposed and a new interpolation filter has been implemented for the proposed display method.

Currently, the timing simulation of the proposed controller has been successfully executed by using VHDL and the controller has been designed in a 0.6 μm CMOS technology.
Design on a Novel a‐Si PIN/OLED Image Sensor & Display Device
Authors: Wu Chunya , Zhao Ying , Xiong Shaozhen , Liu Enfeng , Xie Weiliang , Reng Liru , Cheng Hongjuan , Yu Gang
Published: January 2005

A novel PIN/OLED image sensor & display device is proposed. Each pixel contains an a‐Si PIN diode and an OLED in serial connection but in opposite polarity. The a‐Si PIN diode acts as input sensor element and converts input light intensity into electric current strength. When the pixel is biased in the forward direction to that of the OLED, the electric current controls the output light intensity of the OLED. A theoretic simulation was carried out and compared with experimental results.
A High Luminous Efficiency V‐Shaped Electrode Structure with a High Xe Ratio Gas
Authors: Shin K. J. , Ryu J. H. , Park M. H.
Published: January 2005

The simulation results of the V‐shaped sustain electrode structure, with high Xe ratio discharge gas, showed higher luminous efficiency and higher brightness than those of the conventional coplanar electrode structure. In the results of simulation, the discharge voltage of V‐shaped sustain electrode structure was lower by 20 volt and the luminous efficiency is 2.1 times higher and the brightness is about 5 times larger than that of conventional coplanar electrode structure.
Improving Colour Purity and Device Efficiency in Molecular Lanthanide TFEL Devices
Authors: Christou Victor , Salata Oleg V. , Ly Tuan Q. , Capecchi Simone , Renault Olivier , Etchells Mark
Published: January 2005

Organic EL devices with excellent red CIE colour coordinates, based upon the new lanthanide EL material Eu[Ph2P(O)NP(O)Ph2]3(Eupip3) are described. Several device structures are reported and the effects of charge transport layers on device structure critically assessed. Improved device performance from an unencapsulated device using an aluminum cathode is achieved in a three layer structure with TPD and TAZ as the charge transport layers. This device has an efficiency of 0.02 % at 20 cd/m2 at 25 V and 1 mA/cm2.
Multi‐Layer Stacked Electroluminescent Devices
Authors: Park W. , Jones T. C. , Wagner B. K. , Summers C. J.
Published: January 2005

A new device concept, the multi‐layer stacked electroluminescent device, is presented, which consists of a stack of double‐insulating‐layer electroluminescent devices, alternately biased in opposite directions. The unique design allows independent control of drive voltage and total phosphor thickness. The luminance enhancement was predicted by equivalent circuit analysis and demonstrated by prototype devices.
Polymer‐Dispersed Smectic a Liquid Crystals for Optical Device Application
Authors: Mitrokhin M. V. , Aristov V. L. , Sevostyanov V. P.
Published: January 2005

Optical properties of liquid crystal (LC) composites in the electric field are investigated. Peculiarities of field controlled light scattering in “LC of smectic A mesophase — polymer” dispersed system are discussed. Obtained results may be used for the design both of flexible light modulators and optical shutters with controlled light eye protection.
4P‐54: A Reflective TFT‐LCD Using Twist PDLC Mode
Authors: Hiraki H. , Ueki S. , Mitui S. , Higashigaki Y. , Matsuura M.
Published: January 2005

A novel scattering display mode was designed to implement the reflective color LCD with high brightness and high contrast. A twisted PDLC device with a single polarizer was found to show the brightness of <30% and the contrast of <20 at the limited viewing angles.
36.4: An Adaptive Brightness Control for AR Display
Authors: Sugihara T. , Miyasato T.
Published: January 2005

In this paper, we propose a novel video‐overlay method for an Augmented Reality (AR) display device in order to make more legible images. The basic idea of our proposed method is the adaptive brightness control of two mixed images, one virtual and one real. A distinct brightness difference is made between the real‐world and the virtual‐world images by a control mechanism. We also describe a newly‐developed video‐mixing system for this purpose.
37.2: Development of a 4‐in. High‐Luminance Field‐Emission Display
Authors: Wang W.‐C. , Sheu C.‐Y. , Tsai C.‐H. , Fran Y.‐S. , Hseu L.‐K. , Jean R.‐E
Published: January 2005

A 4‐inch, 180×60 pixels, high luminance (>1000 nits), high luminance efficiency (>7.5 lm/W), multi‐color field‐emission display (FED) was reported for applications requiring high brightness. The technical development, including design and fabrication of the anode plate, the emitter plate with low parasitic capacitance, and package processes of vacuum sealing were also described.
Reflective Single‐Polarizer Bistable Nematic Liquid Crystal Display with Optimum Twist
Authors: Kim Young Jin , Zhuang Zhizhong , Patel Jay S.
Published: January 2005

A single polarizer reflective liquid crystal display in a bistable twisted nematic configuration is proposed and experimentally reported. In the two bistable states, the twist angles are 63.6° and 423.6° which produce the dark and bright states, respectively. Numerical optimization of the polarization states is performed by using Mueller matrix of the cell studied. Our results show that high contrast display is possible using this configuration without any use of an optical compensation film.
41.3: CCD‐Based Characterization of Granularity in CRT Phosphor Screens
Authors: Waite M. S. , Brass C.
Published: January 2005

Phosphor screen granularity has been characterised using a 12 bit cooled CCD camera to acquire images from a flat field raster. Autocorrelation functions and noise power spectra were obtained by FFT analysis of the image datasets. Correlations with perceived or subjective “grain” and the effects of variable e‐beam spot size on the noise are discussed with specific application to film scanning CRTs.
Measurement of Ringing in CRT Deflection Yokes
Authors: Harberts D. W.
Published: January 2005

A new Optical Frequency Response measurement method is presented to analyse ringing of deflection yokes and their interaction with the drive circuitry. Ringing is caused by high‐frequency electromagnetical oscillations. Various oscillation modes are identified and related to circuitry design. Experimental results show how the oscillations change in interaction with the drive circuit.
Photopolymer Materials to Improve LCD Image Quality
Authors: Clabburn R. J. T. , Fairhurst A. M.
Published: January 2005

Non‐birefringent photopolymer materials incorporated into Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) assemblies can improve performance characteristics such as angle of view (AOV), definition, and brightness. Such improvements can be made both to displays that incorporate permanent backlights, and also to those that rely in part on ambient lighting. This paper describes the optical characteristics of some non‐birefringent photopolymer materials, their incorporation into displays, and the consequent improvement in display performance.
School District Resources and Identification of Children With Autistic Disorder
Authors: Palmer Raymond F. , Blanchard Stephen , Jean Carlos R. , Mandell David S.
Published: January 2005

Objectives. We estimated the effect of community and school district resources on the identification of children with autistic disorder.

Methods. Latent growth curve regression models were applied to school district–level data from one large state.

Results. The rate of identification of autistic disorder increased on average by 1.0 child per 10000 per year (P<.001), with statistically significant district variation. After adjustment for district and community characteristics, each increase in decile of school revenue was associated with an increase of 0.16 per 10000 children identified with autistic disorder. The proportion of economically disadvantaged children per district was inversely associated with autistic disorder cases.

Conclusions. District revenue was associated with higher proportions of children identified with autistic disorder at baseline and increasing rates of identification when measured longitudinally. Economically disadvantaged communities may need assistance to identify children with autistic spectrum disorders and other developmental delays that require attention.
Community Involvement in Developing Policies for Genetic Testing: Assessing the Interests and Experiences of Individuals Affected by Genetic Conditions
Authors: Gollust Sarah E. , Apse Kira , Fuller Barbara P. , Miller Paul Steven , Biesecker Barbara B.
Published: January 2005

Because the introduction of genetic testing into clinical medicine and public health creates concerns for the welfare of individuals affected with genetic conditions, those individuals should have a role in policy decisions about testing. Mechanisms for promoting participation range from membership on advisory committees to community dialogues to surveys that provide evidence for supporting practice guidelines.

Surveys can assess the attitudes and the experiences of members of an affected group and thus inform discussions about that community’s concerns regarding the appropriate use of a genetic test. Results of a survey of individuals affected with inherited dwarfism show how data can be used in policy and clinical-practice contexts.

Future research of affected communities’ interests should be pursued so that underrepresented voices can be heard.
Health Care Expenditures Associated With Overweight and Obesity Among US Adults: Importance of Age and Race
Authors: Wee Christina C. , Phillips Russell S. , Legedza Anna T. R. , Davis Roger B. , Soukup Jane R. , Colditz Graham A. , Hamel Mary Beth
Published: January 2005

Objectives. We estimated health care expenditures associated with overweight and obesity and examined the influence of age, race, and gender.

Methods. Using 1998 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data, we employed 2-stage modeling to estimate annual health care expenditures associated with high body mass index (BMI) and examine interactions between demographic factors and BMI.

Results. Overall, the mean per capita annual health care expenditure (converted to December 2003 dollars) was $3338 before adjustment. While the adjusted expenditure was $2127 (90% confidence interval [CI]=$1927, $2362) for a typical normal-weight White woman aged 35 to 44 years, expenditures were $2358 (90% CI=$2128, $2604) for women with BMIs of 25 to 29.9 kg/m 2 , $2873 (90% CI=$2530, $3236) for women with BMIs of 30 to 34.9 kg/m 2 , $3058 (90% CI=$2529, $3630) for women with BMIs of 35 to 39.9 kg/m 2 , and $3506 (90% CI=$2912, $4228) for women with BMIs of 40 kg/m 2 or higher. Expenditures related to higher BMI rose dramatically among White and older adults but not among Blacks or those younger than 35 years. We found no interaction between BMI and gender.

Conclusions. Health care costs associated with overweight and obesity are substantial and vary according to race and age.
Immigration Status and Health Insurance Coverage: Who Gains? Who Loses?
Authors: Prentice Julia C. , Pebley Anne R. , Sastry Narayan
Published: January 2005

Objectives. We compared health insurance status transitions of nonimmigrants and immigrants.

Methods. We used multivariate survival analysis to examine gaining and losing insurance by citizenship and legal status among adults with the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey.

Results. We found significant differences by citizenship and legal status in health insurance transitions. Undocumented immigrants were less likely to gain and more likely to lose insurance compared with native-born citizens. Legal residents were less likely to gain and were slightly more likely to lose insurance compared with native-born citizens. Naturalized citizens did not differ from native-born citizens.

Conclusions. Previous studies have not examined health insurance transitions by citizenship and legal status. Policies to increase coverage should consider the experiences of different immigrant groups.
Life-Course Socioeconomic Position, Area Deprivation, and Coronary Heart Disease: Findings From the British Women’s Heart and Health Study
Authors: Lawlor Debbie A. , Davey Smith George , Patel Rita , Ebrahim Shah
Published: January 2005

Objectives. We sought to determine whether residential area deprivation, over and above the effect of life-course socioeconomic status or position (SEP), is associated with coronary heart disease.

Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 4286 women aged 60 to 79 years from 457 British electoral wards.

Results. After adjustment for age and 10 indicators of individual life-course SEP, the odds of coronary heart disease was 27% greater among those living in wards with a deprivation score above the median compared with those living in a ward with a deprivation score equal to or below the median (odds ratio=1.27; 95% confidence interval=1.02, 1.57).

Conclusions. Adverse area-level socioeconomic characteristics, over and above individual life-course SEP, are associated with increased coronary heart disease.
The Changing Role of the WORLD BANK in Global Health
Authors: Ruger Jennifer Prah
Published: January 2005

The World Bank began operations on June 25, 1946. Although it was established to finance European reconstruction after World War II, the bank today is a considerable force in the health, nutrition, and population (HNP) sector in developing countries. Indeed, it has evolved from having virtually no presence in global health to being the world’s largest financial contributor to health-related projects, now committing more than $1 billion annually for new HNP projects. It is also one of the world’s largest supporters in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with commitments of more than $1.6 billion over the past several years.

I have mapped this transformation in the World Bank’s role in global health, illustrating shifts in the bank’s mission and financial orientation, as well as the broader changes in development theory and practice. Through a deepened understanding of the complexities of development, the World Bank now regards investments in HNP programs as fundamental to its role in the global economy.
Derived demand for disaggregated cheese products imported into Japan
Authors: Christou Andreas P. , Kilmer Richard L. , Sterns James A. , Feleke Shiferaw T.
Published: January 2005

The objective of this article is to estimate the derived demand for imported cheese products into Japan when cheese import data are disaggregated by specific cheese group and by source country of production. We provide empirical measures of the sensitivity of demand to changes in total imports, own‐price, and cross‐prices among exporting countries for four market segments of the cheese category. Derived demands for U.S. fresh, grated, and processed cheese products are perfectly inelastic, and it is thus suggested that competition in these segments be based upon differences in product characteristics. However, the derived demand for “other” cheese is elastic, and competition can be price driven. Hence, an advantage of this paper's approach is that disaggregating import data for a product category helps identify specific marketing strategies for market segments within the category. [EconLit citations: Q110, Q130, Q170.] © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 21: 1–16, 2005.
The effects of industry and firm resources on profitability in the food economy
Authors: Schumacher Sara , Boland Michael
Published: January 2005

The source of the variance in profitability among firms is an important issue in the field of food and agribusiness economics. The objective of this study is to analyze firm profitability in the food economy and determine the source of variance of firm profitability. The results indicate that firm effects account for the largest variance in business‐segment performance within the food economy. Firm specific factors are less important for the vast majority of firms that are not the industry high or low performers. These results provide support that industry structure matters more for firms that are not high or low performers, which is characteristic of the majority of firms in an industry. [EconLit citations: Q130, L100.] © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 21: 97–108, 2005.
Starting salaries for agribusiness graduates from an AASCARR institution: The case of Southern Illinois University
Authors: Harris Kim , Sanders Dwight R. , Gress Shaun , Kuhns Nick
Published: January 2005

Starting salaries for agribusiness economics graduates from a non‐land grant (AASCARR) institution, Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC), are examined and compared to those documented for land grant agriculture programs. Factors such as advanced degrees, grade point average, gender, rural backgrounds, and community college transfers are found to significantly influence earnings. SIUC graduates' starting salary and its determining factors are found to be comparable to those of land grant universities. The results suggest that non‐land grant agribusiness graduates are competitive in the national labor market. Furthermore, the results are consistent with previous findings that show increasing students' grade point averages can increase marketability and starting salary. This is important information for students, their advisors, and agribusiness hiring mangers bidding for their services. [EconLit citations: J310, J430.] © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 21: 65–80, 2005.
Serotonin transporter intron 2 polymorphism associated with rigid‐compulsive behaviors in Dutch individuals with pervasive developmental disorder
Authors: Mulder Erik J. , Anderson George M. , Kema Ido P. , Brugman Astrid M. , Ketelaars Cees E.J. , de Bildt Annelies , van Lang Natasja D.J. , den Boer Johan A. , Minderaa Ruud B.
Published: January 2005

Two putatively functional polymorphisms of the serotonin transporter gene (HTT, SLC6A4) were examined for associations with risk for pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) and specific autism phenotypes. Dutch patients diagnosed with PDD (N = 125, age range 5–20 years, DSM‐IV‐TR based criteria, ADI‐R and ADOS behavioral assessments) and their parents (N = 230) were genotyped for promoter ins/del (5‐HTTLPR) and intron 2 variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) alleles. Using the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT), no disorder‐specific preferential transmission of promoter (long and short) or intron 2 (10‐ and 12‐repeat) alleles was observed. However, multivariate analysis of continuous autism‐related behavioral measures revealed that subjects with intron 2 12/12 genotype were significantly more impaired in the rigid‐compulsive domain (P = 0.008). Quantitative TDT (QTDT) analysis also showed significant association of the intron 2 VNTR 12‐repeat allele with rigid‐compulsive behavior (P = 0.015). These results suggest that intron 2 VNTR alleles or nearby polymorphisms in linkage disequilibrium may play a role in specific aspects of the behavioral phenotype of autism. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification and characterization of human NR4A2 polymorphisms in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Smith Karen Müller , Bauer Lorri , Fischer Mariellen , Barkley Russell , Navia Bradford A.
Published: January 2005

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly heritable and common disorder thought to arise, in part, from alterations in dopamine function. NR4A2, or Nurr1, is an orphan nuclear receptor implicated in the development of dopaminergic cells of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the substantia nigra (SN). Dopaminergic cells of the VTA provide innervation to the prefrontal cortex, believed to be of major importance in the etiology of ADHD, suggesting that NR4A2 is a potential candidate gene for ADHD susceptibility. This study aimed to identify polymorphisms in NR4A2 and test their association to ADHD. Database analysis revealed a CA repeat polymorphism in the 3′ UTR of NR4A2 that was confirmed by PCR. SSCP screening revealed a common ΔC polymorphism, 254 bp 5′ to the transcriptional start site. These polymorphisms were tested for an association with ADHD in both a case control study of individuals from the Milwaukee Longitudinal Study of ADHD (103 cases and 66 controls), and in 35 families composed of trios or affected sib pairs (ASP) with ADHD. Functional effects of the promoter polymorphism were tested in vitro. The non‐deleted allele was significantly more active in undifferentiated SK‐N‐MC cells compared to differentiated SK‐N‐MC and HeLa cells while a trend for increased activity for the ΔC allele was observed in undifferentiated SK‐N‐MC cells. Identification of these polymorphisms may aid future candidate gene studies in disorders with altered dopamine signaling, such as schizophrenia Parkinson's disease and ADHD. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Suicide attempt and basic mechanisms in neural conduction: Relationships to the SCN8A and VAMP4 genes
Authors: Wasserman D. , Geijer T. , Rozanov V. , Wasserman J.
Published: January 2005

Family and twin studies show that genetic variation influences suicidal behavior, but do not indicate specific genes. We investigated the relationship between genetic variation and suicide attempt by screening 250 genetic markers using transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) analysis. Analysis of 77 triplets (suicide attempters and both their parents), indicated that gene‐variants in, or adjacent to, the sodium channel, voltage gated, type VIII, alpha polypeptide (SCN8A) (P = 0.008), vesicle‐associated membrane protein 4 (VAMP4) (P = 0.004), and prenylated Rab acceptor 1 (RABAC1) (P = 0.006) genes are over‐transmitted in suicide attempt. Replication in a separate sample, consisting of 190 triplets, confirmed the exploratory data for the SCN8A (P = 0.005) and VAMP4 (P = 0.019) genes, but failed to confirm the data for the RABAC1 gene. Our results indicate that genetic variation in the SCN8A and VAMP4 genes may contribute to risk for suicide attempt, possibly through alterations in neural conduction. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism and monoamine oxidase type A VNTR allelic variants together influence alcohol binge drinking risk in young women
Authors: Herman Aryeh I. , Kaiss Kristi M. , Ma Rui , Philbeck John W. , Hasan Asfar , Dasti Humza , DePetrillo Paolo B.
Published: January 2005

The short allelic variant of the serotonin transporter protein promoter polymorphism (5HTTLPR) appears to influence binge drinking in college students. Both monoamine oxidase type A (MAOA) and the serotonin transporter protein are involved in the processing of serotonin, and allelic variants are both associated with differences in the efficiency of expression. We hypothesized that a significant gene × gene interaction would further stratify the risk of binge drinking in this population. Participants were college students (n = 412) who completed the College Alcohol Study, used to measure binge drinking behaviors. Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva for PCR based genotyping. The risk function for binge drinking was modeled using logistic regression, with final model fit P < 0.0005. This model was valid only for Caucasian females (n = 223), but the power to detect sex and ethnic effects was small. Young Caucasian women carrying higher expression MAOA VNTR alleles homozygous for the short allelic variant of the 5HTTLPR demonstrated the highest rate of binge drinking by self‐report, odds ratio (genotype odds: population odds) and 95% confidence intervals, 3.11 (1.14–18.10). Individuals carrying higher expression MAOA VNTR alleles carrying at least one long 5HTTLPR allelic variant had the lowest risk of binge drinking 0.46 (0.28–0.71). These results support the hypothesis that binge drinking behavior in young adulthood may be influenced by neurobiological differences in serotonergic function conferred by functional polymorphisms in genes involved in serotonin processing. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exclusion of non‐synonymous SNPs and a polyglutamine tract in SMRT/N‐CoR2 as common deleterious mutation for bipolar disorder in the Sagnenay‐Lac‐St‐Jean population
Authors: Shink Eric , Harvey Mario , Tremblay Monique , Raymond Catherine , Labbé Michel , Gagné Bernard , Barden Nicholas
Published: January 2005

Bipolar disorder (BP) is a psychiatric illness with both genetic and environmental components occurring with a prevalence of slightly more than 1%. Our previous linkage and case/control studies have pointed to a susceptibility locus for BP in the 12q24.31 chromosomal region. Here, we investigated the possible involvement of the SMRT/N‐CoR2 gene, which encodes for the nuclear receptor co‐repressor 2. SMRT/N‐CoR2 was retained as a candidate gene for BP because of its location within our candidate gene region and its interactions with thyroid hormone receptors. We screened SMRT/N‐CoR2 for the presence of polymorphism/mutation in coding sequences and exon–intron junctions. Four non‐synonymous SNPs and a polyglutamine tract (CAG repeat) in the coding exon 14 were analyzed in a case/control sample from the Saguenay‐Lac‐St‐Jean (SLSJ) area of Quebec (213 cases and 214 controls). Our data indicated no significant allelic/genotypic association between any of the five mutations and bipolar phenotype when they were considered either individually or as haplotypes. Finally, the CAG repeat observed in SMRT/N‐CoR2 did not demonstrate allelic instability and consequently it is unlikely that this polymorphism could be involved in the anticipation phenomenon reported for BP. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
No association between 12 dopaminergic genes and schizophrenia in a large Dutch sample
Authors: Hoogendoorn Mechteld L.C. , Bakker Steven C. , Schnack Hugo G. , Selten Jean‐Paul C. , Otten Henny G. , Verduijn Willem , van der Heijden Frank M.M.A. , Pearson Peter L. , Kahn René S. , Sinke Richard J.
Published: January 2005

It has been suggested that genes involved in dopamine neurotransmission contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. However, reported associations of the disorder with genetic markers in dopaminergic genes have yielded inconsistent results. Possible explanations are differences in phenotyping, genetic heterogeneity, low marker informativity, and the use of small sample sizes. Here, we present a two‐stage analysis of 12 dopaminergic genes in a large sample of Dutch schizophrenic patients. To reduce genetic heterogeneity, only patients with at least three Caucasian grandparents of Dutch ancestry were ascertained. An efficient genotyping strategy was used, in which polymorphic microsatellite markers were first screened for association in DNA pools. Promising results were followed up by individual genotyping in an extended sample. The pooled samples consisted of 208 schizophrenic patients and 288 unmatched control individuals. For each of the genes, more than one microsatellite marker was selected where possible, either intragenic or close to the gene. After correcting for multiple testing, significantly different allele frequencies were detected for DRD5 marker D4S615. Subsequently, we individually genotyped this particular marker and another DRD5 marker, as well as a DRD3 marker that could not be analyzed using the pooling strategy. This was done in an extended sample of 282 schizophrenic patients and a control sample of 585 individuals. In this second stage of the study, we found no association between these three markers and schizophrenia. The results of our comprehensive analysis provide no evidence for association between schizophrenia and 12 dopaminergic genes in a large Dutch sample. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pleiotropic effect of the TPH A779C polymorphism on nicotine dependence and personality
Authors: Reuter M. , Hennig J.
Published: January 2005

Recent studies from molecular genetics have suggested an association between the tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) gene and nicotine addiction indicating a dysfunction of the serotonergic (5‐HT) system in smoking behavior. In a sample of 252 healthy subjects, a significant association between variations observed in nicotine dependence and the heterozygous AC‐genotype of the TPH A779C polymorphism could be demonstrated. Moreover, the heterozygous genotype was significantly associated with a personality trait of neurotic aggression (indirect hostility, negativism), as measured by the Buss–Durkee‐Hostility‐Inventory (BDHI). The positive heterosis effects with respect to nicotine addiction and personality support the idea that the TPH1 gene exerts pleiotropic effects. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic variation in the brain derived neurotrophic factor gene in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Bodner Sara M. , Berrettini Wade , van Deerlin Vivianna , Bennett David A. , Wilson Robert S. , Trojanowski John Q. , Arnold Steven E.
Published: January 2005

Genes known to contribute to the genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease (AD) are active in pathways of neurodegeneration but explain only a minority of the genetic contribution to AD. A protein of importance in cerebral neurodegeneration is the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Variations in two single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the BDNF gene have previously been associated with AD, and one of these SNPs has also been associated with memory loss and affective disorders. We performed a case control study of three BDNF SNPs in 250 neuropathologically confirmed cases of AD and 194 unrelated controls. We did not find a significant association between the three BDNF SNPs studied and AD when evaluated individually or with haplotype analysis. Nor did BDNF genotype appear to affect the APOE ε4 association with AD. The three SNPs studied were closely linked (D′ = 0.99 across the region). We discuss possible reasons for our failure to confirm the previously reported associations. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.