21.   That decline reflects the disastrous fiscal third quarter, as well as a growing realization that aid from PepsiCo may not materialize as soon as hoped.

22.   That decline partly reflected confusion over the impact of the new accounting method, Graham said.

23.   The decline reflects an effort to track people with TB and get them treated, according to state officials, who compiled the statistics.

24.   The decline in imports reflected a decline in volume of imported oil, a Commerce Department official said.

25.   The decline reflected lower production in Canada and New Zealand, declining gas prices in Canada and the rising New Zealand dollar.

26.   The decline reflects a broad retreat in all Latin stock markets, worsened by the selloffs in Russia and Asia.

27.   The decline reflects a nationwide safety trend of a sharply lower death rate among children due to accidents, although sports-related injuries are sharply up.

28.   The decline reflects changes in Central and Eastern Europe.

29.   The decline reflected lower food, shelter and clothing costs.

30.   The decline reflects increased demand for silver for use in making photographic films and paper and for conductors and solder in the electronics industry.