The authors integrate concepts in conjoint analysis and discrete choice theory in econometrics to develop a new approach to the design and analysis of controlled consumer choice or resource allocation experiments. The article is concerned with estimating the parameters of conjoint-type functions from discrete choice or allocation data. Emphasis is placed on the multinomial logit model and aggregate choice or allocation data to illustrate the concepts in a series of empirical examples ranging from simple to complex. The authors present limited external validity evidence to support the approach and make comparisons with traditional conjoint approaches.

Our data suggest that mutations in GJB2 are the leading cause of moderate-to-profound congenital inherited deafness in the midwestern United States. Screening of the GJB2 mutation can be offered to individuals with congenital deafness with high sensitivity and specificity by screening only for the 35delG mutation. A positive finding should establish an etiologic diagnosis and affect genetic counseling.

Environmental effects and genetic-environmental interaction account for significant variability in adoptee aggressivity, conduct disorder, and adult antisocial behavior and have important implications for the prevention and intervention of conduct disorder and associated conditions such as substance abuse and aggressivity.

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Electroneurography in combination with voluntary EMG successfully identified patients who will most likely return to normal from those who had a greater chance of long-term sequelae from Bell's palsy. Surgical decompression medial to the geniculate ganglion significantly improves the chances of normal or near-normal return of facial function in the group that has a high probability of a poor result. Surgical decompression must be performed within 2 weeks of onset of total paralysis for it to be effective.