Abstract: Objective: To review the safety and efficacy of fluoridation of drinking water. Design: Search of 25 electronic databases and world wide web. Relevant journals hand searched; further information requested from authors. Inclusion criteria were a predefined hierarchy of evidence and objectives. Study validity was assessed with checklists. Two reviewers independently screened sources, extracted data, and assessed validity. Main outcome measures: Decayed, missing, and filled primary/permanent teeth. Proportion of children without caries. Measure of effect was the difference in change in prevalence of caries from baseline to final examination in fluoridated compared with control areas. For potential adverse effects, all outcomes reported were used. Results: 214 studies were included. The quality of studies was low to moderate. Water fluoridation was associated with an increased proportion of children without caries and a reduction in the number of teeth affected by caries. The range (median) of mean differences in the proportion of children without caries was −5.0% to 64% (14.6%). The range (median) of mean change in decayed, missing, and filled primary/permanent teeth was 0.5 to 4.4 (2.25) teeth. A dose-dependent increase in dental fluorosis was found. At a fluoride level of 1 ppm an estimated 12.5% (95% confidence interval 7.0% to 21.5%) of exposed people would have fluorosis that they would find aesthetically concerning. Conclusions: The evidence of a beneficial reduction in caries should be considered together with the increased prevalence of dental fluorosis. There was no clear evidence of other potential adverse effects.

Abstract: New information on the electron-hole wave functions in InAs-GaAs self-assembled quantum dots is deduced from Stark effect spectroscopy. Most unexpectedly it is shown that the hole is localized towards the top of the dot, above the electron, an alignment that is inverted relative to the predictions of all recent calculations. We are able to obtain new information on the structure and composition of buried quantum dots from modeling of the data. We also demonstrate that the excited state transitions arise from lateral quantization and that tuning through the inhomogeneous distribution of dot energies can be achieved by variation of electric field.

Abstract: We describe the crystal structure of a complex between importin-beta residues 1-442 (Ib442) and five FxFG nucleoporin repeats from Nsp1p. Nucleoporin FxFG cores bind on the convex face of Ib442 to a primary site between the A helices of HEAT repeats 5 and 6, and to a secondary site between HEAT repeats 6 and 7. Mutations at importin-beta Ile178 in the primary FxFG binding site reduce both binding and nuclear protein import, providing direct evidence for the functional significance of the importin-beta-FxFG interaction. The FxFG binding sites on importin-beta do not overlap with the RanGTP binding site. Instead, RanGTP may release importin-beta from FxFG nucleoporins by generating a conformational change that alters the structure of the FxFG binding site.

Abstract: Hydrodynamic modeling of the inner Galaxy suggests that the radius of the outer Lindblad resonance (OLR) of the Galactic bar lies in the vicinity of the Sun. How does this resonance affect the distribution function in the outer parts of a barred disk, and can we identify any effect of the resonance in the velocity distribution actually observed in the solar neighborhood? To answer these questions, detailed simulations of the velocity distribution, f(v), in the outer parts of an exponential stellar disk with nearly flat rotation curve and a rotating central bar have been performed. For a model resembling the old stellar disk, the OLR causes a distinct feature in f(v) over a significant fraction of the outer disk. For positions up to 2 kpc outside the OLR radius and at bar angles of ~10°–70°, this feature takes the form of a bimodality between the dominant mode of low-velocity stars centered on the local standard of rest (LSR) and a secondary mode of stars predominantly moving outward and rotating more slowly than the LSR. Such a bimodality is indeed present in f(v) inferred from the Hipparcos data for late-type stars in the solar neighborhood. If one interprets this observed bimodality as induced by the OLR—and there are hardly any viable alternatives—then one is forced to deduce that the OLR radius is slightly smaller than R0. Moreover, by a quantitative comparison of the observed with the simulated distributions, one finds that the pattern speed of the bar is 1.85 ± 0.15 times the local circular frequency, where the error is dominated by the uncertainty in bar angle and local circular speed. Also, other, less prominent but still significant, features in the observed f(v) resemble properties of the simulated velocity distributions, in particular a ripple caused by orbits trapped in the outer 1:1 resonance.

Abstract: We have used high resolution transmission electron microscopy to determine the structure of gold nanowires generated by mechanical stretching. Just before rupture, the contacts adopt only three possible atomic configurations, whose occurrence probabilities and quantized conductance were subsequently estimated. These predictions have shown a remarkable agreement with conductance measurements from a break junction operating in ultrahigh vacuum, corroborating the derived correlation between nanowire atomic structure and conductance behavior.

Abstract: We test recent claims that causal (driver-response) relationships can be deduced from interdependencies between simultaneously measured time series. We apply two recently proposed interdependence measures that should give results similar to cross predictabilities used by previous authors. The systems that we study are asymmetrically coupled simple models (Lorenz, Roessler, and Henon models), the couplings being such that they lead to generalized synchronization. If the data were perfect (noise-free, infinitely long), we should be able to detect, at least in some cases, which of the coupled systems is the driver and which the response. This might no longer be true if the time series has finite length. Instead, estimated interdependencies depend strongly on which of the systems has a higher effective dimension at the typical neighborhood sizes used to estimate them, and causal relationships are more difficult to detect. We also show that slightly different variants of the interdependence measure can have quite different sensitivities.

Abstract: We introduce infrastructure as a cost-reducing technology in Romer's (1987) model of endogenous growth. We show that infrastructure can promote specialization and long-run growth, even though its effect on the latter is non-monotonic, reflecting its resource costs. We provide evidence using data from the U.S. Census of Manufactures that suggests that the degree of specialization is positively correlated with core infrastructure, as predicted by the model. We also provide evidence from cross-country regressions, using physical measures of infrastructure provision, that shows a robust non-monotonic relationship between infrastructure and growth.

Abstract: Large scale combinatorial problems such as the network expansion problem present an amazingly high number of alternative configurations with practically the same investment, but with substantially different structures (configurations obtained with different sets of circuit/transformer additions). The proposed parallel tabu search algorithm has shown to be effective in exploring this type of optimization landscape. The algorithm is a third generation tabu search procedure with several advanced features. This is the most comprehensive combinatorial optimization technique available for treating difficult problems such as the transmission expansion planning. The method includes features of a variety of other approaches such as heuristic search, simulated annealing and genetic algorithms. In all test cases studied there are new generation, load sites which can be connected to an existing main network: such connections may require more than one line, transformer addition, which makes the problem harder in the sense that more combinations have to be considered.

Abstract: Objective: To establish rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reactions and general mental health problems in children who had experienced war trauma. Method: A longitudinal study in the Gaza strip with 234 children aged 7 to 12 years, who had experienced war conflict, at 1 year after the initial assessment, that is, during the peace process. Children completed the Child Post Traumatic Stress Reaction Index (CPTS-RI), while the Rutter A2 and B2 Scales were completed by parents and teachers. Results: The rate of children who reported moderate to severe PTSD reactions at follow-up had decreased from 40.6% (N 5 102) to 10.0% (N 5 74). 49 children (20.9%) were rated above the cut-off for mental health problems on the Rutter A2 (parent) Scales, and 74 children (31.8%) were above the cut-off on the Rutter B2 (teacher) Scales. The total scores on all three measures had significantly decreased during the 1-year period. The total CPTS-RI score at follow-up was best predicted by the number of traumatic experiences recalled at the first assessment. Conclusions: PTSD reactions tend to decrease in the absence of further stressors, although a substantial proportion of children still present with a range of emotional and behavioral problems. Cumulative previous experience of war trauma constitutes a risk factor for continuing PTSD symptoms. © 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd

Abstract: The tree code for the approximate evaluation of gravitational forces is extended and substantially accelerated by including mutual cell-cell interactions. These are computed by a Taylor series in Cartesian coordinates and in a completely symmetric fashion, such that Newton's third law is satisfied by construction and that therefore momentum is exactly conserved. The computational effort is further reduced by exploiting the mutual symmetry of the interactions. For typical astrophysical problems with N = 105 and at the same level of accuracy, the new code is about 4 times faster than the tree code. For large N, the computational costs are found to scale almost linearly with N, which can also be supported by a theoretical argument, and the advantage over the tree code increases with ever larger N.

Abstract: Oxidative damage to cellular biomolecules, in particular DNA, has been proposed to play an important role in a number of patholgical conditions, including carcinogenesis. A much studied consequence...

Abstract: Let Γ be the category of finite pointed sets and F be a functor from Γ to the category of vector spaces over a characteristic zero field. Loday proved that one has the natural decomposition π n F(S 1 )≅⊕ i=0 n H n (i) (F), n≥0. We show that for any d≥1, there exists a similar decomposition for πnF(Sd). Here Sd is a simplicial model of the d-dimensional sphere. The striking point is, that the knowledge of the decomposition for πnF(S1) (respectively πnF(S2)) completely determines the decomposition of πnF(Sd) for any odd (respectively even) d. These results can be applied to the cohomology of the mapping space XSd, where X is a d-connected space. Thus Hodge decomposition of H ∗ (X S 1 ) and H ∗ (X S 2 ) determines all groups H ∗ (X S d ),d≥1 .

Abstract: All aspects of conodont paleontology rely on the identification and description of homologous anatomical units or elements. But the current schemes of anatomical notation and terms for orientation were formulated at a time when little was known of conodont anatomy or skeletal architecture, resulting in some confusion and difficulties in their application. With improving knowledge of cono- donts, these problems are becoming increasingly acute. In an attempt to address current problems, we introduce new terms for orientation in conodonts and their elements, and a modified scheme of anatomical notation. The principal axes of the conodont body are identified as rostrocaudal, dorsoventral, and mediolateral, with opposite lateral sides designated dextral and sinistral. Anatomical notation is defined according to topological relationships between elements with reference to the principal axes of the body and takes the form of letters with numeric subscripts (e.g., P 1 ,P 2 ,S 0-S4). The ozarkodinid apparatus serves as a standard, but the Pn-Sn scheme can be applied rigorously to all taxa that are known from natural assemblages or where an hypothesis of topological homology can be inferred from secondary morphological criteria. homology as an hypothesis of similarity that is based on topo- logical relations and which contains potential phylogenetic in- formation (see Rieppel, 1994 for discussion). Topology refers to the numbers of, and the relative spatial relationships between, recognizable anatomical units. Similarity, in this context, does not mean morphological similarity of the units under consider- ation. We should also point out that homology is hierarchical, operating at different levels including genes, development, and structure. It is also contextual as illustrated by the classic ex- ample of batwings and birdwings; these structures are homolo- gous as tetrapod forelimbs but not as wings. In this paper we deal only with homology of whole elements within the conodont apparatus (not homology of the apparatus, nor homology of parts of elements).

Abstract: Recent studies have demonstrated that angiogenesis and suppressed cell-mediated immunity (CMI) play a central role in the pathogenesis of malignant disease facilitating tumour growth, invasion and metastasis. In the majority of tumours, the malignant process is preceded by a pathological condition or exposure to an irritant which itself is associated with the induction of angiogenesis and/or suppressed CMI. These include: cigarette smoking, chronic bronchitis and lung cancer; chronic oesophagitis and oesophageal cancer; chronic viral infections such as human papilloma virus and ano-genital cancers, chronic hepatitis B and C and hepatocellular carcinoma, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and lymphomas; chronic inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer; asbestos exposure and mesothelioma and excessive sunlight exposure/sunburn and malignant melanoma. Chronic exposure to growth factors (insulin-like growth factor-I in acromegaly), mutations in tumour suppressor genes (TP53 in Li Fraumeni syndrome) and long-term exposure to immunosuppressive agents (cyclosporin A) may also give rise to similar environments and are associated with the development of a range of solid tumours. The increased blood supply would facilitate the development and proliferation of an abnormal clone or clones of cells arising as the result of: (a) an inherited genetic abnormality; and/or (b) acquired somatic mutations, the latter due to local production and/or enhanced delivery of carcinogens and mutagenic growth factors. With progressive detrimental mutations and growth-induced tumour hypoxia, the transformed cell, to a lesser or greater extent, may amplify the angiogenic process and CMI suppression, thereby facilitating further tumour growth and metastasis. There is accumulating evidence that long-term treatment with cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors (aspirin and indomethacin), cytokines such as interferon-alpha, anti-oestrogens (tamoxifen and raloxifene) and captopril significantly reduces the incidence of solid tumours such as breast and colorectal cancer. These agents are anti-angiogenic and, in the case of aspirin, indomethacin and interferon-alpha have proven immunomodulatory effects. Collectively these observations indicate that angiogenesis and suppressed CMI play a central role in the development and progression of malignant disease.

Abstract: The 5' UTR of c -myc mRNA contains an internal ribo-some entry segment (IRES) and consequently, c -myc mRNAs can be translated by the alternative mechanism of internal ribosome entry. However, there is also some evidence suggesting that c -myc mRNA translation can occur via the conventional cap-dependent scanning mechanism. Using both bicistronic and monocistronic mRNAs containing the c- myc 5' UTR, we demonstrate that both mechanisms can contribute to c- myc protein synthesis. A wide range of cell types are capable of initiating translation of c- myc by internal ribosome entry, albeit with different efficiencies. Moreover, our data suggest that the spectrum of efficiencies observed in these cell types is likely to be due to variation in the cellular concentration of non-canonical translation factors. Interestingly, the c -myc IRES is 7-fold more active than the human rhinovirus 2 (HRV2) IRES and 5-fold more active than the encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) IRES. However, the protein requirements for the c -myc IRES must differ significantly from these viral IRESs, since an unidentified nuclear event appears to be a pre-requisite for efficient c -myc IRES-driven initiation.

Abstract: Although there is substantial evidence that pneumolysin is an important virulence factor in pneumococcal pneumonia, relatively little is known about how it influences cellular infiltration into the lungs. We investigated how the inability of mutant pneumococci to produce pneumolysin altered the pattern of inflammation and cellular infiltration into the lungs. The effect on bacterial growth in the lungs also was assessed. There were three phases of growth of wild-type bacteria in the lungs: a decline followed by a rapid increase and then stasis or decline. The absence of pneumolysin was associated with a more rapid early decline and then a much slower increase in numbers. The pattern of inflammatory-cell accumulation also had distinct stages, and the timing of these stages was influenced by the presence of pneumolysin. Neutrophils began to accumulate about 12 to 16 h after infection with wild-type pneumococci. This accumulation occurred after the early decline in pneumococcal numbers but coincided with the period of rapid growth. Following infection with pneumococci unable to make pneumolysin, neutrophil influx was slower and less intense. Coincident with the third stage of pneumococcal growth was an accumulation of T and B lymphocytes at the sites of inflammation, but the accumulation was not associated with an increase in the total number of lymphocytes in the lungs. Lymphocyte accumulation in the absence of pneumolysin occurred but was delayed.

Abstract: New monazite U-Pb geochronological data from the Everest region suggest that ∼20–25 m.y. elapsed between the initial India-Asia collision and kyanite-sillimanite–grade metamorphism. Our results indicate a two-phase metamorphic history, with peak Barrovian metamorphism at 32.2 ± 0.4 Ma and a later high-temperature, low-pressure event (620 °C, 4 kbar) at 22.7 ± 0.2 Ma. Emplacement and crystallization of the Everest granite subsequently occurred at 20.5–21.3 Ma. The monazite crystallization ages that differ by 10 m.y. are recorded in two structurally adjacent rocks of different lithology, which have the same postcollisional pressure-temperature history. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that the younger monazite is elaborately shaped and grew in close association with apatite at grain boundaries and triple junctions, suggesting that growth was stimulated by a change in the fluid regime. The older monazite is euhedral, is not associated with apatite, and is commonly armored within silicate minerals. During the low-pressure metamorphic event, the armoring protected the older monazites, and a lack of excess apatite in this sample prevented new growth. Textural relationships suggest that apatite is one of the necessary monazite-producing reactants, and spots within monazite that are rich in Ca, Fe, Al, and Si suggest that allanite acted as a preexisting rare earth element host. We propose a simplified reaction for monazite crystallization based on this evidence.

Abstract: New Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf data require the existence of at least four mantle components in the genesis of basalts from the the North Atlantic Igneous Province (NAIP): (1) one (or more likely a small range of) enriched component(s) within the Iceland plume, (2) a depleted component within the Iceland plume (distinct from the shallow N-MORB source), (3) a depleted sheath surrounding the plume and (4) shallow N-MORB source mantle. These components have been available since the major phase of igneous activity associated with plume head impact during Paleogene times. In Hf–Nd isotope space, samples from Iceland, DSDP Leg 49 (Sites 407, 408 and 409), ODP Legs 152 and 163 (southeast Greenland margin), the Reykjanes Ridge, Kolbeinsey Ridge and DSDP Leg 38 (Site 348) define fields that are oblique to the main ocean island basalt array and extend toward a component with higher 176Hf/177Hf than the N-MORB source available prior to arrival of the plume, as indicated by the compositions of Cretaceous basalts from Goban Spur (∼95 Ma). Aside from Goban Spur, only basalts from Hatton Bank on the oceanward side of the Rockall Plateau (DSDP Leg 81) lie consistently within the field of N-MORB, which indicates that the compositional influence of the plume did not reach this far south and east ∼55 Ma ago. Thus, Hf–Nd isotope systematics are consistent with previous studies which indicate that shallow MORB-source mantle does not represent the depleted component within the Iceland plume [Thirlwall, J. Geol. Soc. London 152 (1995) 991–996; Hards et al., J. Geol. Soc. London 152 (1995) 1003–1009; Fitton et al., Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 153 (1997) 197–208]. They also indicate that the depleted component is a long-lived and intrinsic feature of the Iceland plume, generated during an ancient melting event in which a mineral (such as garnet) with a high Lu/Hf was a residual phase. Collectively, these data suggest a model for the Iceland plume in which a heterogeneous core, derived from the lower mantle, consists of ‘enriched’ streaks or blobs dispersed in a more depleted matrix. A distinguishing feature of both the enriched and depleted components is high Nb/Y for a given Zr/Y (i.e. positive ΔNb), but the enriched component has higher Sr and Pb isotope ratios, combined with lower eNd and eHf. This heterogeneous core is surrounded by a sheath of depleted material, similar to the depleted component of the Iceland plume in its eNd and eHf, but with lower 87Sr/86Sr, 208Pb/204Pb and negative ΔNb; this material was probably entrained from near the 670 km discontinuity when the plume stalled at the boundary between the upper and lower mantle. The plume sheath displaced more normal MORB asthenosphere (distinguished by its lower eHf for a given eNd or Zr/Nb ratio), which existed in the North Atlantic prior to plume impact. Preliminary data on MORBs from near the Azores plume suggest that much of the North Atlantic may be ‘polluted’ not only by enriched plume material but also by depleted material similar to the Iceland plume sheath. If this hypothesis is correct, it may provide a general explanation for some of the compositional diversity and variations in inferred depth of melting [Klein and Langmuir, J. Geophys. Res. 92 (1987) 8089–8115] along the MAR in the North Atlantic.

Abstract: Missense mutations of the lamin A/C gene, LMNA, have been recently identified in Dunnigan-type familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD), which belongs to a heterogeneous group of rare disorders affecting adipose tissue distribution and metabolism. In this study, we sequenced the LMNA coding region from patients presenting with FPLD or other forms of lipodystrophy. We identified two heterozygous mutations in exon 8, R482W and R482Q, in FPLD patients (six families and one individual) with various clinical presentations. In addition, we found a novel heterozygous mutation (R584H) in exon 11, encoding specifically the lamin A isoform, in a patient with typical FPLD. Clinical and biochemical investigations in FPLD patients revealed that the expression and the severity of the phenotype were markedly dependent on sex, with female patients being more markedly affected. In subjects with generalized lipoatrophy, either congenital (13 case subjects) or acquired (14 case subjects), or Barraquer-Simon syndrome (2 case subjects), the entire LMNA coding sequence was normal. Although FPLD mutations are predominantly localized in exon 8 of LMNA, the finding of a novel mutation at codon 584, together with the R582H heterozygous substitution recently described, confirms that the C-terminal region specific to the lamin A isoform is a second susceptibility region for mutations in FPLD.

Abstract: The Y chromosome provides a unique opportunity to study mutational processes within the human genome, decoupled from the confounding effects of interchromosomal recombination. It has been suggested that the increased density of certain dispersed repeats on the Y could account for the high frequency of causative microdeletions relative to single nucleotide mutations in infertile males. Previously we localised breakpoints of an AZFa microdeletion close to two highly homologous complete human endogenous retroviral sequences (HERV), separated by 700 kb. Here we show, by sequencing across the breakpoint, that the microdeletion occurs in register within a highly homologous segment between the HERVs. Furthermore, we show that recurrent double crossovers have occurred between the HERVs, resulting in the loss of a 1.5 kb insertion from one HERV, an event underlying the first ever Y chromosomal polymorphism described, the 12f2 deletion. This event produces a substantially longer segment of absolute homology and as such may result in increased predisposition to further intrachromosomal recombination. Intrachromosomal crosstalk between these two HERV sequences can thus result in either homogenising sequence conversion or a microdeletion causing male infertility. This represents a major subclass of AZFa deletions.

Abstract: A high fructose diet induces insulin resistance in rats, although the exact molecular mechanism involved is unknown. In this study, we used immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting to examine the levels and phosphorylation status of the insulin receptor (IR) and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), as well as the association of the IRS-1 with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), and phosphotyrosine phosphatase (SHP2) in the liver and muscle of rats fed a control or high fructose diet for 28 d. There were no differences in IR and the IRS-1 protein levels in the liver and muscle of rats fed the control and high fructose diets. However, tyrosine-phosphorylation of the insulin receptor after insulin stimulation was reduced to 71 +/- 2% (P < 0.05) of control in the liver of the fructose-fed rats. In samples previously immunoprecipitated with anti-IRS-1 antibody and blotted with antiphosphotyrosine antibody, the insulin-stimulated IRS-1 phosphorylation levels in the liver and muscle of the fructose-fed group were only 70 +/- 6% (P < 0.05) and 76 +/- 5% (P < 0.05) of those of control rats, respectively. The insulin-stimulated IRS-1 association with PI 3-kinase was reduced to 84 +/- 3% (P < 0.05) in the liver and to 84 +/- 4% (P < 0.05) in the muscle of the fructose-fed group compared with control rats. Insulin-stimulated IRS-1 association with SHP2 was reduced to 79 +/- 5% (P < 0.05) in liver of the fructose-fed rats. These data suggest that changes in the early steps of insulin signal transduction may have an important role in the insulin resistance observed in these rats.

Abstract: We compared the antihypertensive efficacy of available drugs in the new angiotensin-II-antagonist (AIIA) class. The antihypertensive efficacy of losartan, valsartan, irbesartan, and candesartan was evaluated from randomized controlled trials (RCT) by performing a metaanalysis of 43 published RCT. These trials involved AIIA compared with placebo, other antihypertensive classes, and direct comparisons between AIIA. A weighted-average for diastolic and systolic blood pressure reduction with AIIA monotherapy, dose titration, and with addition of low-dose hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) were calculated. Weighted-average responder rates were also determined. The metaanalysis assessed a total of 11,281 patients. The absolute weighted-average reductions in diastolic (8.2 to 8.9 mm Hg) and systolic (10.4 to 11.8 mm Hg) blood pressure reductions (not placebo-corrected) for AIIA monotherapy were comparable for all AIIA. Responder rates for AIIA monotherapy were 48% to 55%. Dose titration resulted in slightly greater blood pressure reduction and an increase in responder rates to 53% to 63%. AIIA/hydrochlorothiazide combinations produced substantially greater reduction in systolic (16.1 to 20.6 mm Hg) and diastolic (9.9 to 13.6 mm Hg) blood pressure reductions than AIIA monotherapy and responder rates for AIIA/HCTZ combinations were 56% to 70%. This comprehensive analysis shows comparable antihypertensive efficacy within the AIIA class, a near-flat AIIA-dose response when titrating from starting to maximum recommended dose, and substantial potentiation of the antihypertensive effect with addition of HCTZ.

Abstract: I analyze the optimal degree of forward patent protection in a two-stage patent race framework. I compare three patent regimes, as the second innovation may be unpatentable and infringing (UI), patentable and infringing (PI), or patentable and not infringing (PN). Forward protection is highest in regime UI and lowest in regime PN. I identify a fundamental inefficiency affecting regime UI, namely that it always leads to underinvestment in the second innovation, and I note various determinants of the welfare ranking of the regimes. Specifically, strong forward protection becomes less attractive as the relative profitability of the first innovation increases and the relative difficulty of obtaining it decreases.

Abstract: Results. Participants expressed a range of attitudes to and different levels of knowledge of lifestyle risk factors for CHD. Barriers to improving lifestyle with respect to diet and exercise were identified; these included lack of information (e.g. of how to cook traditional Indian food more healthily) and cultural barriers, such as lack of women-only exercise facilities. Participants perceived stress as an important cause of CHD, and stress directly related to ethnic minority status was described frequently. Language was identified as a key barrier to accessing health services. Conclusion. Health professionals need to provide individually tailored health promotion for South Asians which avoids stereotyping, but recognizes potential cultural obstacles to change. The issue of stress amongst South Asians requires more research and needs to be recognized as an important issue by health professionals. South Asians still face problems accessing health and leisure services due to language and cultural issues.

Abstract: The NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) was given to 1025 British subjects as part of three independent research studies. Data from these studies were pooled and subjected to item-level analyses. Using standard scoring criteria from the measure provisional British norms were produced which were broadly equivalent to those obtained in the USA. The individual subscales showed good internal consistency. However, the item-level principal components analysis using varimax and oblique rotation and confirmatory factor analysis revealed that only the Neuroticism, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness traits were coherently represented in the main factors derived by the analysis. Openness and Extraversion factors did not show such stability or consistency. It is argued that as a result of these difficulties, thoughtlessly embracing the NEO-FFI as a quick and efficient instrument for measuring the ‘Big Five’ personality traits is perhaps premature, as the instrument requires modification and improvement before it can truly be regarded as measuring five independent personality traits.

Abstract: Recent discoveries of many new genes have made it clear that there is more to the human Y chromosome than a heap of evolutionary debris, hooked up to a sequence that happens to endow its bearer with testes. Coupled with the recent development of new polymorphic markers on the Y, making it the best-characterized haplotypic system in the genome, this gives us new opportunities to assess its role in disease and selection, through association studies with phenotypes such as infertility and cancers. However, the peculiar genetics of this bizarre chromosome means that we should interpret such studies particularly cautiously.

Abstract: The electrical characteristics of an isolated induction-generator-based system are improved through the association with a voltage-source pulsewidth modulation (PWM) inverter The electronic converter allows the achievement of a better system behavior in many aspects: voltage regulation, frequency stabilization, and reactive power compensation The system operation strategy consists of maintaining constant synchronous frequency at the induction generator via an association with a PWM inverter The system power balance and the generator voltage regulation may be accomplished by two different means: through the rotor speed regulation, or by sending part of the energy stored in the inverter DC side to the grid through a single-phase line, in case the rotor speed is not regulated and a single-phase grid connection is available The obtained results demonstrated the system is stable, robust, and an effective source of regulated three-phase voltages

Abstract: Basaltic oceanic plateaux are important features in the geological record. Not only do they record ancient mantle plume activity, but they also are believed to be important building blocks in the formation of the continental crust. In this paper we review the salient features of two Cretaceous oceanic plateaux (the Ontong Java and the Caribbean–Colombian): thick sequences of predominantly homogeneous basalt; the occurrence of high-MgO basalt, including komatiites; and an apparent absence of sheeted dyke complexes. In addition, pyroclastic deposits may be scarce. We then explore ways of distinguishing plateaux from basaltic sequences erupted in different tectonomagmatic settings: continental flood basalt provinces; island arcs; back-arc basins; ocean islands and mid-ocean ridges. Using these criteria, potential Archaean and Proterozoic oceanic plateaux are reviewed and identified. Finally, we explore how these remnant oceanic plateaux became incorporated into the continents, by reviewing the proposed accretion mechanisms for the Cretaceous Caribbean–Colombian oceanic plateau, on the basis of evidence from South America and the tonalites of the southern Caribbean island of Aruba.

Abstract: We have investigated vitamin C supplementation effects on immunoglobulin oxidation (carbonyls) and total plasma protein sulfhydryls in healthy human volunteers. After receiving placebo, plasma ascorbate and oxidation markers were unchanged. Following 5 weeks supplementation with vitamin C (400 mg/day), plasma ascorbate increased but no significant effect on protein oxidation was observed. At 10 and 15 weeks supplementation, carbonyl levels were significantly reduced (P < 0.01) in subjects with low baseline ascorbate (29.51 ± 5.3 μM) but not in those with normal baseline ascorbate (51.81 ± 2.3 μM). To eliminate any effect from seasonal variation in dietary antioxidant intake, a second phase was undertaken. Subjects on vitamin C for 15 weeks were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or vitamin C. No difference in plasma sulfhydryl content was observed. Subjects withdrawn from supplementation showed an increase in immunoglobulin carbonyl content (P < 0.01). This demonstrates that dietary vitamin C supplementation can reduce certain types of oxidative protein damage in subjects with low basal antioxidant. (C) 2000 Academic Press.