bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of positive Edinburgh depression scale referrals to a consultation liaison psychiatry service in a two‐year period
Authors: Harvey Simone T. , Pun Paul K.K.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:  Antenatal depression is a depressive episode that begins in pregnancy and is often a predictor of postnatal depression. The main aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of antenatal depression and other psychiatric conditions in women referred to a consultation liaison psychiatry service because of positive scores on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The other aim was to review known risk factors in the women and note any significant findings. An audit of all women referred to the psychiatry team because of positive Edinburgh scores during a 2‐year period was completed. Information about Edinburgh scores, clinical diagnoses at the time of the psychiatric appointment, and factors such as relationship status, domestic violence, ethnicity, and substance use was noted. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Fourth Edition criteria: 36.5% of the women had an adjustment disorder, 13% had a major depression, 10% had dysthymia, 8% had a recurrent depressive disorder, 2% had post‐traumatic stress disorder, and 2% had a borderline personality disorder. The findings demonstrated the usefulness of using a screening tool such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in detecting women requiring psychiatric intervention and highlighted the importance of a psychiatric interview assessment to interpret the scores of screened patients in terms of clinically relevant syndromes.
Nursing processes used in the treatment of patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Goossens Peter J.J. , Van Achterberg Theo , Knoppert‐van der Klein Elise A.M.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:  Psychiatric nurses are increasingly being involved in the provision of care for outpatients with bipolar disorder. The establishment of a body of knowledge for the nursing of these patients is vital for the development of integrated evidence‐based treatment. The literature for the period January 1980 to January 2006 is reviewed. A sensitive literature search included not only the nursing care based on research results but also nursing care based on experiences acquired by practising nurses. The results show that formal research on the nursing of patients with a bipolar disorder is remarkably limited. Three quantitative studies were identified in five articles and six qualitative studies addressing a broad range of topics. The remainder of articles meeting the inclusion criteria contained mostly descriptive reports. An overview is presented of the nursing processes used during the euthymic stage of a bipolar disorder and during an acute episode of (hypo)mania. No specific nursing processes for acute episodes of bipolar depression are described in the literature. The results show hardly any evidence for the described nursing processes.
Mental illness and Egyptian families
Authors: Endrawes Gihane , O’Brien Louise , Wilkes Lesley
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:  People from Egypt have cultural belief systems about mental illness and its causes that are at variance from Anglo‐Saxon‐derived understandings that predominate in Australian psychiatry. These differences in understanding can affect how mental health services are experienced and accepted by this cultural group. This paper is a review of the literature on Egyptians’ beliefs about mental illness and how families in Egypt cope with a relative with mental illness. Because of limited literature on Egyptians’ experience with mental illness in Australia, this paper will be used to shed some light on the way in which people experience mental illness and communicate this suffering in the Australian context, based on what has been known to occur in Egypt. The Zar cult and related practices focusing on belief in the evil eye, magic, and evil possession will be explored. Historical and contemporary mental health care systems in Egypt, and the influence of education and religion are discussed. In order to provide culturally sensitive care, nurses need to be aware of possible influences on belief systems about mental illness. This paper has the potential of helping nurses to gain a deeper understanding of cultures that differ from theirs and to provide care to clients and their families based on respect for the others’ beliefs, values, and practices.
Shine: Still a glittering moment, or now a little bit tarnished?
Authors: Welch Mark
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:  The representation of mental illness in the cinema has a long and varied history. Each film emerges from a cultural context and understanding of psychopathology and some landmark films have made a profound impact on the way in which psychiatric disorders are regarded by the general public. One prime example is Shine, produced in 1996 and based on the life of David Helfgott, a child musical prodigy who later developed a severe mental illness. However, although the film garnered numerous awards and public acclaim, its premises have been questioned and the explanatory model of mental illness that it promotes has been criticized. This paper examines the cultural forces that shape cinematic representations and the example of Shine in particular.
Frequent occurrence of the human‐specific Bacteroides fecal marker at an open coast marine beach: relationship to waves, tides and traditional indicators
Authors: Santoro Alyson E. , Boehm Alexandria B.
Published: May 2007

Molecular genetic markers, such as those from fecal Bacteroides microorganisms, can link microbial pollution with its source, and have been used successfully in studies of sheltered aquatic environments. Their applicability to wave‐driven, open coast environments has not been tested. We assessed the contribution of a tidal outlet to surf zone water quality in coastal Orange County, California, USA by measuring three traditional culture‐based fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) as well as the human‐specific Bacteroides molecular marker (HF marker) at four shoreline locations. We found that total and fecal coliform levels were higher during low tides than high tides at two of the four stations, and that this effect was strongest at the mouth of the tidal lagoon and decayed with distance from the outlet. The HF marker was detected in 23% and 47% of samples from the tidal outlet and 26% and 41% of samples from an adjacent recreational beach in 2005 and 2006 respectively. Surprisingly, the station farthest from the tidal outlet had the highest occurrence of the HF marker. We found no relationship between FIB abundance and occurrence of the HF marker for individual samples, but that when the data were considered together by year, higher FIB abundance was correlated with a higher incidence of the HF marker. DNA sequences of the HF marker recovered from this site were > 99% similar to those recovered from other states and countries, suggesting low global diversity of this marker. These data provide strong support for the idea that multiple time points and physical conditions should be considered when assessing coastal water quality.
Interactive effects of solar radiation and dissolved organic matter on bacterial activity and community structure
Authors: Pérez María Teresa , Sommaruga Ruben
Published: May 2007

We studied the interactive effects of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and solar radiation on the activity and community structure of bacteria from an alpine lake. Activity was assessed both at the community level as leucine incorporation rates and at the single‐cell level by microautoradiography. Fluorescent in situ hybridization and signal amplification by catalysed reporter deposition (CARD‐FISH) was used to track changes in the bacterial community composition. Bacteria‐free filtrates of different DOM sources (lake, algae or soil) were incubated either in the dark or exposed to solar radiation. Afterwards, the natural bacterial assemblage was inoculated and the cultures incubated in the dark for 24–48 h. Bacterial activity was enhanced in the first 24 h in the soil and algal DOM amendments kept in the dark. After 48 h, the enhancement effect was greatly reduced. The initial bacterial community was dominated by Betaproteobacteria followed by Actinobacteria. The relative abundance (expressed as a percentage of DAPI‐stained cells) of Betaproteobacteria increased first in dark incubated DOM amendments, but after 48 h no significant differences were detected among treatments. In contrast, the relative abundance of Actinobacteria increased in pre‐irradiated DOM treatments. Although Betaproteobacteria dominated at the end of the experiment, the relative abundance of their R‐BT subgroup differed among treatments. Changes in bacterial community activity were significantly correlated with those of the relative abundance and activity of Betaproteobacteria, whereas the contribution of Actinobacteria to the bulk activity was very modest. Our results indicate a negative effect of DOM photoalteration on the bulk bacterial activity. The magnitude of this effect was time‐dependent and related to rapid changes in the bacterial assemblage composition.
Rosiglitazone RECORD study: glucose control outcomes at 18 months
Authors: Home P. D. , Jones N. P. , Pocock S. J. , Beck‐Nielsen H. , Gomis R. , Hanefeld M. , Komajda M. , Curtis P. ,   for the RECORD Study Group
Published: May 2007

Aims  To compare glucose control over 18 months between rosiglitazone oral combination therapy and combination metformin and sulphonylurea in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods  RECORD, a multicentre, parallel‐group study of cardiovascular outcomes, enrolled people with an HbA1c of 7.1–9.0% on maximum doses of metformin or sulphonylurea. If on metformin they were randomized to add‐on rosiglitazone or sulphonylurea (open label) and if on sulphonylurea to rosiglitazone or metformin. HbA1c was managed to ≤ 7.0% by dose titration. A prospectively defined analysis of glycaemic control on the first 1122 participants is reported here, with a primary outcome assessed against a non‐inferiority margin for HbA1c of 0.4%.

Results  At 18 months, HbA1c reduction on background metformin was similar with rosiglitazone and sulphonylurea [difference 0.07 (95% CI −0.09, 0.23)%], as was the change when rosiglitazone or metformin was added to sulphonylurea [0.06 (−0.09, 0.20)%]. At 6 months, the effect on HbA1c was greater with add‐on sulphonylurea, but was similar whether sulphonylurea was added to rosiglitazone or metformin. Differences in fasting plasma glucose were not statistically significant at 18 months [rosiglitazone vs. sulphonylurea −0.36 (−0.74, 0.02) mmol/l, rosiglitazone vs. metformin −0.34 (−0.73, 0.05) mmol/l]. Increased homeostasis model assessment insulin sensitivity and reduced C‐reactive protein were greater with rosiglitazone than metformin or sulphonylurea (all P ≤ 0.001). Body weight was significantly increased with rosiglitazone compared with sulphonylurea [difference 1.2 (0.4, 2.0) kg, P = 0.003] and metformin [difference 4.3 (3.6, 5.1) kg, P < 0.001].

Conclusions  In people with diabetes, rosiglitazone in combination with metformin or sulphonylurea was demonstrated to be non‐inferior to the standard combination of metformin + sulphonylurea in lowering HbA1c over 18 months, and produces greater improvements in C‐reactive protein and basal insulin sensitivity but is also associated with greater weight gain.
Rethinking the Digital Divide: impacts on student‐tutor relationships
Authors: UNDERWOOD JEAN D.M.
Published: May 2007

This article emerged from a series of debates and workshops on the impact of the Digital Divide on educational practice at the ‘Futures of Learning: New Learning Paradigms Conference’ in Paris. The conceptualisation of the Digital Divide into the ‘haves’ and the ‘have‐nots’, with a perception of the economically developed world as ‘high tech’ and the developing and underdeveloped worlds as ‘low tech’, is no longer tenable. Building on the recognition based on mounting evidence that old perceptions of the Digital Divide are simplistic and that the Divide encompasses not one but many discontinuities, the nature of such a discontinuity between student and tutor becomes the focus of the argument presented here. Many have argued that increased use and availability of digital technologies in schools bring important benefits and opportunities for learning and teaching strategies but are staff and students able work together to ensure positive outcomes? If not, why might this be the case? In examining the implications of the student/teacher Digital Divide some questions concerning the future direction of education emerge.
Building the Future of Learning
Authors: WATSON LES
Published: May 2007

Could it be that in our excitement about e‐learning we forgot about buildings? With the advent of the personal computer and ubiquitous networks were we enticed into thinking that they would suffice and learning would follow removing the need for places and communities for learners? We now seem to have woken up, however, as there is an enormous resurgence of interest in new building in Universities, Schools and Colleges — a real opportunity to ‘build’ our learning futures. But if the interest is just in building then it's an opportunity lost. However, if it is about transformation, place and community we could create the connected learning society, both physically and virtually, that we aspire to.

New 21st century buildings and refurbished spaces should reflect our educational approaches and philosophies and, even more importantly, they should not disable tomorrow's possibilities. The buildings that we build today can prevent us from doing what tomorrow might become the dominant ways of working and learning. Our buildings should combine educational ideas, with imaginative technology and architecture to create the learning futures we wish to see.

The Saltire Centre at Glasgow Caledonian University, which opened in January 2006, started from the premise of a building that is flexible and does not disable the future. The building, through its variety of spaces, embraces learner differences and supports a concept of learning as a social process putting human social interaction and conversation at its heart. This article uses the Saltire Centre as a case study to illustrate how some current key ideas in educational thinking can influence the learning facilities that we provide.
Learning Spaces: an ICT‐enabled model of future learning in the Knowledge‐based Society
Authors: PUNIE YVES
Published: May 2007

This article presents elements of a future vision of learning in the knowledge‐based society which is enabled by ICT. It is not only based on extrapolations from trends and drivers that are shaping learning in Europe but also consists of a holistic attempt to envisage and anticipate future learning needs and requirements in the KBS. The ‘learning spaces’ vision puts learners at the centre of learning, but, at the same time, conceives learning as a social process. The potential of ICT‐enabled learning spaces can only be realised, however, if it is embedded in a social and institutional context that is open to innovation and supported by a favourable policy environment.
Water vapour permeability of skin care products in relation to molecular and environmental influences
Authors: STRÜBMANN A. , WEIßEN H.‐J. , WIRTZ A.
Published: May 2007

Synopsis

An in vitro method for characterization of water retention behaviour of emollients was developed. The human skin is imitated with the aid of a polytetrafluoro ethylene membrane and the degree of water vapour evaporation after impregnation with different emollients is determined. Results obtained from different studies under changing conditions indicate that this is a precise and efficient method which is easy to perform with very simple equipment. It allows the generation of data for the characterization of emollients as an aid for skin care product formulation. Additionally, basic studies on emollient water retention due to exogenous influences are possible.

Une méthode in vitro pour caractéroen l'aptitude a'la rétention d'eau d'un émolliant a été mise au point. La peau humaine est simulée avec l'aide d'une membrane en polytetrafluoro éthylène (PTFE), et l'evaporation de la voyeur d'eau après impregnation avec divers émolliants est mesurée. Après différentes études dans diverses conditions expérimentales, les résultats obtenus montrent qu'une méthode précise et efficaee a été développée, facile à methe en ocuore avec un équipement simple. Elle permet d'obtenin les donnécs caractéristiques d'émolliants, facilitant le formulation de produits de soin pour la peau. Des études supplémentaires concernant l'évolution de la capacitéà la rétention d'eau d'un émolliant en fonction de facteurs exterieurs sont envisageables.
Country Effects and Sector Effects on the Harmonization of Accounting Policy Choice
Authors: Jaafar Aziz , McLeay Stuart
Published: May 2007

This study assesses the extent of accounting harmony in Europe prior to the recent switch to IFRS, by presuming that accounting is harmonized when ‘all firms operating in similar circumstances adopt the same accounting treatment for similar transactions regardless of their domicile’. The policies studied concern inventory, depreciation and goodwill, and the odds of using alternative accounting methods are predicted by logistic regression. The empirical results suggest that, while international exposure and firm size are significant factors, country effects are considerably greater than sector effects, which is inconsistent with harmonized accounting.
Effects of resistance training on metabolic fitness in children and adolescents: a systematic review
Authors: Benson A. C. , Torode M. E. , Fiatarone Singh M. A.
Published: May 2007

The majority of resistance training (RT) research with children to date has focused on pre‐adolescents and the safety and efficacy of this type of training rather than the potential metabolic health benefits. Our objectives, using computerized databases, were (i) to systematically review studies utilizing RT interventions with children and adolescents <18 years; (ii) to investigate the metabolic health outcomes (adiposity, lipids, insulin, glucose) associated with RT; (iii) to provide recommendations for future investigations. A total of 12 studies met the review criteria. There is only a small amount of evidence that children and adolescents may derive metabolic health‐related adaptations from supervised RT. However, methodological limitations within the body of this literature make it difficult to determine the optimal RT prescription for metabolic fitness in children and adolescents, and the extent and duration of such benefits. More robustly designed single modality randomized controlled trials utilizing standardized reporting and precise outcome assessments are required to determine the extent of health outcomes attributable solely to RT and to enable the development of evidence‐based obesity prevention and treatment strategies in this cohort.
Pricing‐to‐Market: Price Discrimination or Product Differentiation?
Authors: Lavoie Nathalie , Liu Qihong
Published: May 2007

We employ a vertical differentiation model to examine the potential bias in pricing‐to‐market results when using export unit values aggregating differentiated products. Our results show that: (i) false evidence of pricing‐to‐market is always found when using unit values, whether the law of one price holds or not; and (ii) the size of the bias increases with the level of product differentiation. Our simulation results support those conceptual findings. Thus, some of the positive pricing‐to‐market results in the literature could be an artifact of the product heterogeneity embodied in unit values rather than evidence of imperfect competition.
e‐Learning: The student experience
Authors: Gilbert Jennifer , Morton Susan , Rowley Jennifer
Published: May 2007

The paper draws on in‐depth qualitative. comments from student evaluation of an e‐learning module on an MSc in Information Technologies and Management, to develop a picture of their perspective on the experience. Questionnaires that yielded some basic quantitative data and a rich seam of qualitative data were administered. General questions on satisfaction and dissatisfaction identified the criteria that student used in evaluation, while specific questions of aspects of the module generated some insights into the student learning process. The criteria used by students when expressing satisfaction are: synergy between theory and practice; specific subject themes; discussion forums and other student interaction; and, other learning support. The themes that are associated with dissatisfaction include: robustness and usability of platform; access to resources (such as articles and books); currency of study materials; and, student work scheduling. Aspects of the student learning experience that should inform the development of e‐learning include: each student engages differently; printing means that students use the integrated learning environment as a menu; discussion threads and interaction are appreciated, but students are unsure in making contributions; and, expectations about the tutor's role in e‐learning are unformed.
Tony Blair and John Howard: Comparative Predominance and ‘Institution Stretch’ in the UK and Australia
Authors: Bennister Mark
Published: May 2007

It has recently been argued that the UK premier enjoys a level of executive power unavailable to US presidents, but how does he or she compare to another prime minister operating within a broadly similar system? Commonalities of intra-executive influence and capacity exist under the premier-ships in the UK and Australia. Discrete institutional constraints and deviations are evident, but trends and similarities in resource capacity can be clearly identified. These include: the growth of the leaders’ office; broadening and centralising of policy advice and media operations; and strengthening of the role and function of ministerial advisers. I contend that this amounts to ‘institution stretch’, with new structures, processes and practices becoming embedded in the political system by the incumbents.
On Two Juxtapositions: Concept and Nature, Law and Philosophy. Some Comments on Joseph Raz's “Can There Be a Theory of Law?”
Authors: ALEXY ROBERT
Published: May 2007

Abstract.  In his article “Can There Be a Theory of Law?” Joseph Raz maintains, first, that the concept of law is parochial, whereas its nature is universal, and, second, that legal philosophy cannot be part of the law. This author argues that neither the first nor the second claim is true. The first claim fails to do justice to the dual character of concepts that makes it possible for them to be in part parochial and in part universal. The second claim must fail, for courts are not only participants in a parochial enterprise where they have special authority to establish what the law actually is, they are also participants in an universalistic enterprise, where they have no special authority to decide what is legally correct. Law qua universalistic enterprise necessarily comprises philosophical issues.
The Limits of Tolerance: A Substantive‐Liberal Perspective
Authors: NEHUSHTAN YOSSI
Published: May 2007

Abstract.  In this paper I explore the concept of tolerance and suggest a description of that concept that could be accepted regardless of the political theory one supports. Since a neutral perception of the limits of tolerance is impossible, this paper offers a guideline for a substantive‐liberal or a perfectionist‐liberal approach to it. The limits of tolerance are described through the principles of reciprocity and proportionality. The former explains why intolerance should not be tolerated whereas the latter prescribes how and to what extent it should be tolerated. The cumulative effect of these principles is that apart from extremely rare occasions intolerance should not be tolerated at any time.
Does the Unconstrained Legal Actor Exist?
Authors: ROBERTSON MICHAEL
Published: May 2007

Abstract.  The unconstrained legal actor, typically a judge, is a central character in modern jurisprudence. He is feared by legal formalists, legal positivists, and Ronald Dworkin alike. He is lauded by some legal realist and critical legal studies theorists. Stanley Fish says that all of this theorising is pointless because the unconstrained legal actor cannot exist. My paper evaluates Fish's arguments for this surprising position.
Autonomy and the Rule of Law
Authors: MANRIQUE RICARDO GARCÍA
Published: May 2007

Abstract.  In this paper I am concerned with the belief that the moral value of the rule of law is based upon some kind of connection between the rule of law and the respect and promotion of personal autonomy. I identify and analyse two possible connections: the rule of law as a sufficient condition for the respect and promotion of personal autonomy, and the rule of law as a necessary condition for personal autonomy. My conclusion is that neither of these two connections grants the moral value of the rule of law.
External Shocks, Bank Lending Spreads, and Output Fluctuations*
Authors: Agénor Pierre‐Richard , Aizenman Joshua , Hoffmaister Alexander W.
Published: May 2007

This paper studies the effects of external shocks on bank lending spreads and output fluctuations in Argentina during the early 1990s. The first part presents the analytical framework. The second presents a VAR model that relates bank lending spreads, the cyclical component of output, the real lending rate, and the external interest rate spread. Impulse response functions show that a positive shock in external spreads leads to higher domestic spreads and lower output. Historical decompositions show that shocks to external spreads in the immediate aftermath of the Mexican peso crisis had a sizable effect on movements in output and domestic spreads.
A Model of Endogenous Nontradability and its Implications for the Current Account*
Authors: Bergin Paul , Glick Reuven
Published: May 2007

This paper studies how nontraded goods limit the ability of a country to finance current account deficits. It uses an intertemporal model of the current account for a small open economy where goods are endogenously nontraded due to explicit trade costs. The economy has an endowment of two goods with differing trade costs, either of which can be traded or nontraded in equilibrium. The model implies that current account deficits impose a cost, in the form of raising the effective interest rate in the country. The findings differ from some recent studies: first, in that the interest rate rises even for countries with modest current account deficits; secondly, the interest rate cost eventually reaches an upper bound as current account deficits grow, and progressively more nontraded goods become traded to service the debt. Panel regression analysis of interest rate and current account data is consistent with our conclusions.
Sustaining Collusion under Economic Integration*
Authors: Colombo Luca , Labrecciosa Paola
Published: May 2007

In this paper, we aim at investigating from a game‐theory perspective whether trade liberalization can promote a collusive two‐way trade. We show that, under Cournot competition, economic integration is anti‐competitive if collusive trade is a possible outcome of the repeated game; under price competition, the likelihood of collusive trade is a necessary but not sufficient condition for trade liberalization to be pro‐competitive. Furthermore, we show that economic integration may increase the scope for collusion irrespective of the firms’ strategic variable.
On Functionally Distributed Quotas
Authors: Gilbert John
Published: May 2007

We consider “functionally distributed” quotas, where trade is restricted to a function of another economic activity, paying special attention to the ratio constraint and its relation to “proportionally distributed” quotas. We propose a simple principle defining the optimal policy under a functionally defined restriction, extend the analysis of ratio import/production constraints to general equilibrium, introduce export constraints, and constraints defined in proportion to factor use. We develop the general‐equilibrium geometry of functional trade constraints and the concomitant optimal policies, deriving a “quota locus” that depicts the consumption possibilities under various regimes.
International R&D Spillovers: Trade, FDI, and Information Technology as Spillover Channels*
Authors: Zhu Lei , Jeon Bang Nam
Published: May 2007

With the rapid pace of economic integration, the productivity of a country depends not only on domestic R&D, but also on foreign R&D through technology diffusion across countries. The advancement of information technology (IT) has made the international transmission of knowledge faster and more efficient, providing an important channel for international R&D spillovers. This paper investigates three channels of international R&D spillovers: trade, FDI, and information technology. Applying panel cointegration and dynamic OLS analysis to the data for 21 OECD countries plus Israel during the period from 1981 to 1998, we find that bilateral trade remains an important conduit for international R&D spillovers. Although bilateral FDI is found to be positively related to international R&D spillovers, their impact on productivity growth is relatively small. We also find that the development of information technology has played a more important role in international R&D spillovers and productivity growth in recent years.
The Fall and Rise of Torture: A Comparative and Historical Analysis
Authors: Einolf Christopher J.
Published: May 2007

Torture was formally abolished by European governments in the 19th century, and the actual practice of torture decreased as well during that period. In the 20th century, however torture became much more common. None of the theories that explain the reduction of torture in the 19th century can explain its resurgence in the 20th. This article argues that the use of torture follows the same patterns in contemporary times as it has in earlier historical periods. Torture is most commonly used against people who are not full members of a society, such as slaves, foreigners, prisoners of war, and members of racial, ethnic, and religious outsider groups. Torture is used less often against citizens, and is only used in cases of extremely serious crimes, such as treason. Two general 20th-century historical trends have caused torture to become more common. First, an increase in the number and severity of wars has caused an increase of torture against enemy guerrillas and partisans, prisoners of war, and conquered civilian populations. Second, changes in the nature of sovereignty have caused an expansion in the definition of acts constituting treason.
Mixture Cure Survival Models With Dependent Censoring
Authors: Li Yi , Tiwari Ram C. , Guha Subharup
Published: May 2007

The paper is motivated by cure detection among the prostate cancer patients in the National Institutes of Health surveillance epidemiology and end results programme, wherein the main end point (e.g. deaths from prostate cancer) and the censoring causes (e.g. deaths from heart diseases) may be dependent. Although many researchers have studied the mixture survival model to analyse survival data with non-negligible cure fractions, none has studied the mixture cure model in the presence of dependent censoring. To account for such dependence, we propose a more general cure model that allows for dependent censoring. We derive the cure models from the perspective of competing risks and model the dependence between the censoring time and the survival time by using a class of Archimedean copula models. Within this framework, we consider the parameter estimation, the cure detection and the two-sample comparison of latency distributions in the presence of dependent censoring when a proportion of patients is deemed cured. Large sample results by using martingale theory are obtained. We examine the finite sample performance of the proposed methods via simulation and apply them to analyse the surveillance epidemiology and end results prostate cancer data.
Analysis of Failure Time Data Under Competing Censoring Mechanisms
Authors: Rotnitzky Andrea , Farall Andres , Bergesio Andrea , Scharfstein Daniel
Published: May 2007

We derive estimators of the survival curve of a failure time in the presence of competing right censoring mechanisms. Our approach allows for the possibility that some or all of the competing censoring mechanisms are associated with the end point, even after adjustment for recorded prognostic factors. It also allows the degree of residual association to be possibly different for distinct censoring processes. Our methods generalize from one to several competing censoring mechanisms the methods of Scharfstein and Robins.
Bootstrapping Clustered Data
Authors: Field C. A. , Welsh A. H.
Published: May 2007

Various bootstraps have been proposed for bootstrapping clustered data from one-way arrays. The simulation results in the literature suggest that some of these methods work quite well in practice; the theoretical results are limited and more mixed in their conclusions. For example, McCullagh reached negative conclusions about the use of non-parametric bootstraps for one-way arrays. The purpose of this paper is to extend our understanding of the issues by discussing the effect of different ways of modelling clustered data, the criteria for successful bootstraps used in the literature and extending the theory from functions of the sample mean to include functions of the between and within sums of squares and non-parametric bootstraps to include model-based bootstraps. We determine that the consistency of variance estimates for a bootstrap method depends on the choice of model with the residual bootstrap giving consistency under the transformation model whereas the cluster bootstrap gives consistent estimates under both the transformation and the random-effect model. In addition we note that the criteria based on the distribution of the bootstrap observations are not really useful in assessing consistency.
Inference of Trends in Time Series
Authors: Wu Wei Biao , Zhao Zhibiao
Published: May 2007

We consider statistical inference of trends in mean non-stationary models. A test statistic is proposed for the existence of structural breaks in trends. On the basis of a strong invariance principle of stationary processes, we construct simultaneous confidence bands with asymptotically correct nominal coverage probabilities. The results are applied to global warming temperature data and Nile river flow data. Our confidence band of the trend of the global warming temperature series supports the claim that the trend is increasing over the last 150 years.