bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The phylogenetic position of the enigmatic wasp family Heterogynaidae based on molecular data, with description of a new, nocturnal species (Hymenoptera: Apoidea)
Authors: Ohl Michael , Bleidorn Christoph
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  The wasp family Heterogynaidae is described and previous phylogenetic hypotheses on its position within the Apoidea are discussed. The higher level phylogeny of the Apoidea based on sequence data of a nuclear gene, long‐wavelength (LW) opsin, is analysed for the first time. Although preliminary because of limited taxon sampling and use of a single gene, the analysis reveals some significant results. Monophyly of the Apoidea, including the Heterogynaidae, is supported strongly, as is monophyly of Heterogynaidae. The monophyly of the bees is also confirmed, but support is rather weak. Monophyly of the Ampulicidae + Sphecidae, which is the sister group to the remaining Apoidea (Crabronidae + Anthophila + Heterogynaidae), is confirmed. Our results imply that Sphecidae may be paraphyletic with respect to Ampulicidae, and Crabronidae with respect to bees and Heterogynaidae. Remarkably, Heterogynaidae is well nested within the Crabronidae + Anthophila clade, which is in conflict with the morphological data. This result implies that Heterogynaidae may not have originated from a basal node within Apoidea, as previously considered, and that the character states presumed to be plesiomorphies may instead be homoplasies. Our analysis confirms the value of LW opsin in resolving deeper nodes within Apoidea. A new species, Heterogyna nocticola Ohl, from the Sultanate of Oman is described based on both sexes, with a diagnosis, information on distribution and collecting period. A key to the Palaearctic species of Heterogynaidae is presented.
Temporal and Geographic Variation in the Advertisement Call of the Booroolong Frog (Litoria booroolongensis: Anura: Hylidae)
Authors: Smith Michael J. , Hunter David
Published: November 2005

The mechanisms that underlie sexual selection rely upon within‐ and among‐individual variability in the targeted traits. In this study, we examined variation in the advertisement call of the booroolong frog (Litoria booroolongensis) at several different levels: between populations, between breeding seasons in the same population, among males within a population, within males between nights and within males in a single calling bout. The call of L. booroolongensis has multiple notes with a pulsed structure. We detected considerable variation in advertisement call structure between breeding seasons and between populations. The measured call properties ranged from static to dynamic; however, most properties were intermediate between the criteria that have been traditionally used to define call traits as static or dynamic (≤5 and ≥12% respectively). We compared actual and relative repeatabilities and found that the temporal call properties associated with the structure of the note had the highest values, suggesting that these characters in particular may respond to selection. We argue that relative repeatabilities are a particularly useful measure of the potential for evolutionary response to selection as they account for an individual's relative performance during the period of assessment in an ever‐changing breeding arena.
Trophic Egg Production in a Subsocial Shield Bug,Parastrachia japonensisScott (Heteroptera: Parastrachiidae), and its Functional Value
Authors: Hironaka Mantaro , Nomakuchi Shintaro , Iwakuma Shiho , Filippi Lisa
Published: November 2005

Females of the gregarious shield bug,Parastrachia japonensisScott (Heteroptera: Parastrachiidae) engage in extensive parental care behaviors that include egg and nymph guarding and progressive provisioning of drupes of the solitary host tree,Schoepfia jasminodora(Olacaceae: Rosidae: Santales). We noted that some eggs in every egg mass failed to turn pink and develop eye‐spots indicative of developing embryos, suggesting that they are infertile, and therefore non‐viable. We also observed newly hatched nymphs probing, and presumably feeding, on the egg mass remains. In the present report, through field observations and experiments involving removal of these non‐viable eggs in the laboratory, we demonstrate that their presence is correlated with significant increases in nymphal weight, developmental rate and survival in the absence of other food. Thus, we conclude that an additional manifestation of the parental care behaviors thatP. japonensisfemales use to increase their reproductive success is the production of trophic eggs. Some physical traits of the trophic eggs and their functional role in this system are discussed in the context of our current theoretical understanding of extended parental care.
Facultative Second Oviposition as an Adaptation to Egg Loss in a Semelparous Crab Spider
Authors: Futami Kyoko , Akimoto Shin‐ichi
Published: November 2005

Semelparity is prevalent in arthropod species that exhibit maternal care. Previous hypotheses postulated that long‐term maternal care constrains future reproduction in females, leading to the evolution of semelparity. Nevertheless, females may occasionally lose all or part of their offspring because of predation or other causes. Where females lose the first egg mass for any reason, the potential for females to produce an additional egg mass could be adaptive. This potential may be found widely among semelparous arthropods as a conditional strategy. We tested this hypothesis using the crab spider Lysiteles coronatus whose females guard their egg mass against predators. L. coronatus females did not consume food during the 40‐d guarding period; this resulted in a 30.2% loss in their weight. When the females were separated from their eggs immediately after oviposition and were provided with food, they resumed feeding and their ovaries redeveloped. Dissection of guarding females indicated that their ovaries developed temporarily during egg guarding and that the developed ovaries were subsequently reabsorbed. These results suggest that the females maintain the potential to produce a second egg mass in case of egg loss, but that this potential declines towards the end of the guarding period. Field observations showed that a small fraction of the females oviposited in late July, when most females had completed egg guarding. The size of the late broods was similar to the oocyte numbers that we found in the females fed in the laboratory. This result suggests that a few females produced a second egg mass after they had lost the first one. Thus, we suggest that facultative second oviposition in L. coronatus females has evolved as an adaptation to egg loss, and that the development of ovaries during the guarding period is intrinsically programmed for compensatory oviposition.
Prevalence of Fasciolosis in Zambian Cattle Observed at Selected Abattoirs with Emphasis on Age, Sex and Origin
Authors: Phiri A. M. , Phiri I. K. , Sikasunge C. S. , Monrad J.
Published: November 2005

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and some factors influencing occurrence of fasciolosis in cattle, carried out at selected major abattoirs in Zambia. Of 841 cattle livers inspected and 677 faecal samples analysed, prevalence rates of 53.9% and 48.9%, respectively, were found. Cumulative prevalence of 60.9% (n = 677) was recorded. According to age, no significant difference of infection was found. Female cattle on liver inspection (59.3%) and coprological examination (65.2%) had significantly higher (P < 0.001) rates than males (44.5% and 36.3% respectively). Origin of cattle had a significant influence (P < 0.001) on the prevalence rate. According to fluke egg count classification, 68.5% of cattle had light infection, 20.9% moderate, 4.4% heavy and 6.2% severe. These results indicate that Fasciola gigantica infection is an important condition that leads to high liver condemnations and/or trimmings in cattle tendered for slaughter.
Adherence of Streptococcus suis to Porcine Endothelial Cells
Authors: Benga L. , Friedl P. , Valentin‐Weigand P.
Published: November 2005

Streptococcus suis can cause invasive diseases in pigs and humans, such as meningitis or arthritis. Adherence to and invasion of endothelial cells might represent important steps in survival and spread of S. suis within the host. We tested in vitro adherence and invasion of S. suis strains using a porcine brain microvascular and aortal endothelial cell line. Four S. suis strains were tested with and without prior treatment with porcine serum containing anti‐S. suis antibodies. Strains included a capsular serotype 2 strain and its non‐encapsulated isogenic mutant strain, as well as two non‐typeable (NT) strains, which expressed no capsule under our experimental conditions. Strains adhered to both cell lines to different extents depending on encapsulation and pre‐treatment with porcine immune serum. The serotype 2 strain showed almost no adherence, whereas the non‐encapsulated mutant strain adhered strongly. Similarly, both NT strains adhered substantially better than the serotype 2 strain. Pre‐treatment of bacteria with porcine serum increased adherence of the encapsulated serotype 2 strain and decreased adherence of the non‐encapsulated strains. None of the strains was able to efficiently invade either of the two cell lines, except for one NT strain, which showed a very low extend of invasion. Our results suggest that S. suis can adhere to but not invade porcine endothelial cells, and that this interaction may involve different bacterial surface structures, such as capsular polysaccharides and/or binding sites for serum components.
VP2‐segment Sequence Analysis of Some Isolates of Bluetongue Virus Recovered in the Mediterranean Basin During the 1998–2003 Outbreak
Authors: Potgieter A. C. , Monaco F. , Mangana O. , Nomikou K. , Yadin H. , Savini G.
Published: November 2005

The complete nucleotide sequences of the VP2 segments of bluetongue virus (BTV) isolates recovered from Italy, Greece and Israel, from 1998 to 2003, were determined. Phylogenetic analysis of these sequences, those from related viruses and the South African vaccine strains, were used to determine the probable geographic origin of BTV incursions into Italy. Results indicated that viruses from each of the four serotypes isolated in Italy (2, 4, 9 and 16) possibly had a different origin. Analysis of the bluetongue virus serotype 2 (BTV‐2) isolates gave evidence that this serotype probably moved from Tunisia. BTV‐4 results showed probable incursion from the southwest and not from Greece or Israel. BTV‐9 isolates clearly have an eastern origin (most probably Greece), whereas BTV‐16 isolates are indistinguishable from the BTV‐16 live attenuated vaccine strain. The phylogenetic findings were supported by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) analysis of the complete amplified genome of each isolate except for BTV‐16 Italian field isolate, which showed a slightly different PAGE profile. A combination of the complete VP2 sequencing and PAGE analysis of complete genomes, allowed not only phylogenetic analysis, but also vaccine detection and assessment of reassortment events.
Evaluation of the epidemiological importance of classical swine fever infected, E2 sub‐unit marker vaccinated animals with RT‐nPCR positive blood samples
Authors: Dewulf J. , Koenen F. , Ribbens S. , Haegeman A. , Laevens H. , De Kruif A.
Published: November 2005

It has been demonstrated that pigs that have been double vaccinated with an E2 sub‐unit marker vaccine and that are infected with classical swine fever virus (CSFV) through a natural contact infection may react positive in a CSFV detecting RT‐nPCR test, whereas no virus could be isolated by using the conventional virus isolation (VI) technique. To evaluate whether these vaccinated and infected pigs may spread the virus, three experiments were set up. In the first, susceptible pigs were inoculated with serum originating from vaccinated RT‐nPCR positive pigs. In the second, vaccinated RT‐nPCR positive pigs were brought into contact with sentinel animals. In the third, vertical transmission was evaluated in RT‐nPCR positive vaccinated pregnant gilts. In the first two experiments, no proof of virus transmission was found, whereas in the third vertical transmission was observed. The conclusion is that in vaccinated pigs that are positive in RT‐nPCR but negative in VI, the level of circulating virus is probably not high enough for horizontal transmission, whereas vertical transmission of the virus is possible.
Detection of Canine Distemper Virus in Blood Samples by Reverse Transcription Loop‐Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Authors: Cho H. S. , Park N. Y.
Published: November 2005

Reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP) was used to detect canine distemper virus (CDV) genomic RNA. A set of four primers, two outer and two inner, were designed from CDV genomic RNA targeting the nucleocapsid protein gene. The optimal reaction time and temperature for LAMP were determined to be 60 min at 65°C. The relative sensitivity and specificity of RT‐LAMP was found to be 100% and 93.3%, respectively, based on 50 canine blood samples and using RT‐PCR as the gold standard. The detection limit of the RT‐LAMP method was 100 times lower than with RT‐PCR (10‐1TCID50 ml−1 versus 10TCID50 ml−1). In addition to the advantage resulting from the visual detection of the end‐product, the LAMP method is fast, requiring only 1 h to complete the assay. The LAMP method is a viable alternative to RT‐PCR for diagnosing CDV infection in dogs. The LAMP method might be useful as an on site diagnostic assay for detecting CDV.
Confronting a tough issue: Fertility control and translocation for over‐abundant Koalas on Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Authors: Duka Toni , Masters Pip
Published: November 2005

How does society influence the management of an introduced native mammal that is destroying its own habitat – especially when that animal is considered threatened on parts of the mainland, is aesthetically pleasing, and is important to the tourism industry? If control through sterilization and translocation is part of the answer, what lessons can be learned from this program?
Agricultural change and paddock tree loss: Implications for an endangered subspecies of Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo
Authors: Maron Martine
Published: November 2005

Summary  Natural senescence and the intensification of agricultural practices are contributing to the continuing loss of paddock trees from agricultural regions in Australia. This is of particular concern in the southern Wimmera of western Victoria, where much of the endangered Buloke (Allocasuarina luehmannii) Woodland vegetation community is represented only by relict Buloke trees in paddocks, which also constitute critical feeding habitat for the endangered south‐eastern subspecies of the Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii graptogyne). I investigated the rate and correlates of loss of scattered Buloke trees in paddocks by examining aerial photographs taken over a period of 15 years in a region undergoing agricultural intensification. Tree loss over the period was measured using aerial photographs of five localities, covering a total of 7850 ha of agricultural land in the southern Wimmera. The average rate of loss (± 1 SE) was 25.8% ± 6.4% over the 15 years, or 1.7% per annum. The rate of tree loss was higher in areas under cultivation (32.5%) than areas under pasture (20.6%). A disproportionate number of trees was lost from locations where centre pivot irrigation systems were installed. Because of the slow growth rate of Buloke trees, revegetation efforts and offset planting are unlikely to compensate for losses of Red‐tailed Black‐Cockatoo habitat for approximately 100 years.
Outcome of penile prosthesis implantation for treating erectile dysfunction: experience with 504 procedures
Authors: MINERVINI ANDREA , RALPH DAVID J. , PRYOR JOHN P.
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcome of penile prosthesis surgery for different types of prosthesis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The notes of 447 men who had 504 penile prosthesis implanted between August 1975 and December 2000 were evaluated. Of the prostheses inserted, 393 were malleable, 81 were three‐piece inflatable and 30 were self‐contained hydraulic prostheses. The mean (range) age of the men was 52 (21–78) years; 404 men had primary implants and 43 had revision surgery after operations at other institutions. The mean follow‐up was 50  (1–297) months.

RESULTS

Of the 447 men, 22 were lost to follow‐up immediately after surgery. The most serious postoperative complications were infection (8%) and erosion (5%), which was more common in diabetic patients (10%) and after pelvic trauma with a urethral injury (21%). Of 482 prostheses, 21 failed mechanically (4%) and revision surgery was needed for 5% of the prostheses inserted (24/482). Overall, 89% (377/425) of men could have sexual intercourse and 344 (81%) were satisfied with the results.

CONCLUSIONS

Of the men implanted with a penile prosthesis, 81% were satisfied with the outcome and an even higher proportion were satisfied with the inflatable prostheses. Dissatisfaction was mainly due to complications that resulted in removal of the prosthesis.
Long‐term therapy with the dual 5α‐reductase inhibitor dutasteride is well tolerated in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: SCHULMAN CLAUDE , POMMERVILLE PETER , HÖFNER KLAUS , WACHS BARTON
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVE

To examine the long‐term (4‐year) safety and tolerability of dutasteride in the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients who completed the double‐blind phase of three dutasteride Phase III studies were eligible to enter a 2‐year open‐label extension, during which all patients received dutasteride 0.5 mg. Safety was assessed, including adverse‐event reporting, clinical laboratory assessments, yearly physical examinations, and vital sign assessments.

RESULTS

In all, 2340 patients entered the open‐label phase, 1188 of whom previously received dutasteride during the double‐blind phase of the study. The most common drug‐related adverse events (occurring in ≥ 1%) were effects on sexual function, which decreased with a longer duration of therapy. Gynaecomastia was reported in a small percentage of men throughout the 4‐year study period. The incidence of individual sexual functional adverse events that led to withdrawal was ≤ 1% (0.3–1.0%) during the 4‐year study period. Dutasteride had no relevant effects on vital signs or clinical laboratory variables.

CONCLUSION

These data show that dutasteride is well tolerated during long‐term use for the treatment of symptomatic BPH.
A 3‐year review of The British Association of Urological Surgeons Section of Endourology Laparoscopic Nephrectomy Audit
Authors: DAVENPORT KIM , TIMONEY ANTHONY G. , KEELEY FRANCIS X. , JOYCE ADRIAN , DOWNEY PAUL ,   THE MEMBERS OF THE BAUS SECTION OF ENDOUROLOGY
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVE

To report and compare the data obtained from the BAUS UK national laparoscopic nephrectomy audit over the past 3 years.

METHODS

Each year, consultants performing laparoscopic nephrectomy are invited to submit prospectively collected data on all patients so treated at their centres. The data from each centre is entered into a nationally established database using a standard data‐collection sheet. The indications for surgery, and data during and after surgery are collected. Since 2001, data were reported on 1294 laparoscopic nephrectomies.

RESULTS

Over the 3 years, the number of centres returning data has increased from 25 to 48. In 2002, data on 263 nephrectomies were returned; by 2004, this had increased to 598. In all three audits, most cases were for nonfunctioning kidneys and renal cell carcinoma, with transitional cell carcinoma and stones forming a smaller proportion. Over the 3 years, the mean (range) operative duration has reduced from 173 (89–335) to 166 (42–395) min. The median postoperative stay remained at 4–5 days, with a wide range reflecting other than clinical reasons for delayed discharge. The mortality rate remained low, at 0.7% and 0.2%, respectively, for 2002 and 2004. The mean conversion rate remained at 6–8% and the mean complication rate at 17–21%, but the proportion of major complications reduced from 10% to 4%. The transfusion rate also reduced from 10% to 7%. The operative duration, transfusion and conversion rates were higher in those centres performing fewer than 12 cases/year than in those performing at least one case per month.

CONCLUSION

The BAUS laparoscopic nephrectomy audit is an effective method for ensuring both the safe and widespread implementation of this relatively new technique to the UK, and compliance with internationally accepted standards. This audit has shown differences in clinical outcomes in favour of high‐volume centres, which may help to inform decisions about the centralization of urological laparoscopy services.
Long‐term efficacy and safety of alfuzosin 10 mg once daily: a 2‐year experience in ‘real‐life’ practice
Authors: ELHILALI MOSTAFA , EMBERTON MARK , MATZKIN HAIM , Van MOORSELAAR R. JEROEN A. , HARTUNG RUDOLF , HARVING NIELS , ALCARAZ ANTONIO , VALLANCIEN GUY ,   for the ALF‐ONE Study Group
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVE

To assess the 2‐year efficacy and safety of alfuzosin 10 mg once daily, a selective α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist, in men complaining of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), in ‘real life’ practice.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 839 European men with LUTS (mean age 67.3 years) were enrolled by general practitioners in a 2‐year open‐label study with alfuzosin 10 mg once daily. They were asked to complete the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), its appended eighth question (bother score), and the five domains (sexual drive, erection, ejaculation, problem assessment, and overall satisfaction) of the Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory (BSFI). The results were analysed at the endpoint in the intent‐to‐treat population.

RESULTS

At the endpoint the total IPSS improved by 7 points (−38.5%) from baseline (P < 0.001) with 76.9% and 49.7% of men having an improvement of ≥ 3 points and >6 points, respectively. There were also significant improvements in nocturia (−0.9, −30%; P < 0.001) and bother score (−1.8, −43%; P < 0.001) from baseline. Most patients (56%) perceived symptom relief within the first 2 weeks of treatment. All BSFI domains significantly improved from baseline (P < 0.05; <0.001 for overall satisfaction) and these improvements were more marked in men with severe LUTS at baseline. Alfuzosin 10 mg was well tolerated; the most common adverse event related to vasodilatation was dizziness/postural dizziness (3.1%). Ejaculatory disorders were uncommon (0.3%). Changes in blood pressure remained marginal, including in elderly men and those receiving antihypertensive agents.

CONCLUSIONS

Alfuzosin 10 mg administered for 2 years in real practice is effective in improving LUTS and quality of life, and is well tolerated from a cardiovascular perspective, including in elderly men and those receiving antihypertensive co‐medication. Ejaculatory disorders are uncommon. Alfuzosin may even slightly improve various domains of sexual function, such as sexual drive, erection, ejaculation and satisfaction with sexual life.
Rates of Convergence for a Bayesian Level Set Estimation
Authors: GAYRAUD GHISLAINE , ROUSSEAU JUDITH
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  We are interested in estimating level sets using a Bayesian non‐parametric approach, from an independent and identically distributed sample drawn from an unknown distribution. Under fairly general conditions on the prior, we provide an upper bound on the rate of convergence of the Bayesian level set estimate, via the rate at which the posterior distribution concentrates around the true level set. We then consider, as an application, the log‐spline prior in the two‐dimensional unit cube. Assuming that the true distribution belongs to a class of Hölder, we provide an upper bound on the rate of convergence of the Bayesian level set estimates. We compare our results with existing rates of convergence in the frequentist non‐parametric literature: the Bayesian level set estimator proves to be competitive and is also easy to compute, which is of no small importance. A simulation study is given as an illustration.
Uniform Representation of Product‐Limit Integrals with Applications
Authors: SELLERO CÉSAR SÁNCHEZ , MANTEIGA WENCESLAO GONZÁLEZ , VAN KEILEGOM INGRID
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  Let X be a d‐variate random vector that is completely observed, and let Y be a random variable that is subject to right censoring and left truncation. For arbitrary functions ϕ we consider expectations of the form E[ϕ(X, Y)], which appear in many statistical problems, and we estimate these expectations by using a product‐limit estimator for censored and truncated data, extended to the context where covariates are present. An almost sure representation for these estimators is obtained, with a remainder term that is of a certain negligible order, uniformly over a class of ϕ‐functions. This uniformity is important for the application to goodness‐of‐fit testing in regression and to inference for the regression depth, which we consider in more detail.
Temporal Aggregation of Stationary and Non‐stationary Continuous‐Time Processes
Authors: TSAI HENGHSIU , CHAN K. S.
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  We study the autocorrelation structure of aggregates from a continuous‐time process. The underlying continuous‐time process or some of its higher derivative is assumed to be a stationary continuous‐time auto‐regressive fractionally integrated moving‐average (CARFIMA) process with Hurst parameter H. We derive closed‐form expressions for the limiting autocorrelation function and the normalized spectral density of the aggregates, as the extent of aggregation increases to infinity. The limiting model of the aggregates, after appropriate number of differencing, is shown to be some functional of the standard fractional Brownian motion with the same Hurst parameter of the continuous‐time process from which the aggregates are measured. These results are then used to assess the loss of forecasting efficiency due to aggregation.
Non‐parametric Quantile Regression with Censored Data
Authors: GANNOUN ALI , SARACCO JÉRÔME , YUAN AO , BONNEY GEORGE E.
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  Censored regression models have received a great deal of attention in both the theoretical and applied statistics literature. Here, we consider a model in which the response variable is censored but not the covariates. We propose a new estimator of the conditional quantiles based on the local linear method, and give an algorithm for its numerical implementation. We study its asymptotic properties and evaluate its performance on simulated data sets.
Likelihood Ratio Tests Under Local and Fixed Alternatives in Monotone Function Problems
Authors: BANERJEE MOULINATH
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  We focus on a class of non‐standard problems involving non‐parametric estimation of a monotone function that is characterized by n1/3 rate of convergence of the maximum likelihood estimator, non‐Gaussian limit distributions and the non‐existence of ‐regular estimators. We have shown elsewhere that under a null hypothesis of the type ψ(z0) = θ0 (ψ being the monotone function of interest) in non‐standard problems of the above kind, the likelihood ratio statistic has a ‘universal’ limit distribution that is free of the underlying parameters in the model. In this paper, we illustrate its limiting behaviour under local alternatives of the form ψn(z), where ψn(·) and ψ(·) vary in O(n−1/3) neighbourhoods around z0 and ψn converges to ψ at rate n1/3 in an appropriate metric. Apart from local alternatives, we also consider the behaviour of the likelihood ratio statistic under fixed alternatives and establish the convergence in probability of an appropriately scaled version of the same to a constant involving a Kullback–Leibler distance.
Absolute Moments of Generalized Hyperbolic Distributions and Approximate Scaling of Normal Inverse Gaussian Lévy Processes
Authors: BARNDORFF‐NIELSEN OLE EILER , STELZER ROBERT
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  Expressions for (absolute) moments of generalized hyperbolic and normal inverse Gaussian (NIG) laws are given in terms of moments of the corresponding symmetric laws. For the (absolute) moments centred at the location parameter μ explicit expressions as series containing Bessel functions are provided. Furthermore, the derivatives of the logarithms of absolute μ‐centred moments with respect to the logarithm of time are calculated explicitly for NIG Lévy processes. Computer implementation of the formulae obtained is briefly discussed. Finally, some further insight into the apparent scaling behaviour of NIG Lévy processes is gained.
Goodness‐of‐fit Tests Based on the Kernel Density Estimator
Authors: CAO RICARDO , LUGOSI GÁBOR
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  Given an i.i.d. sample drawn from a density f on the real line, the problem of testing whether f is in a given class of densities is considered. Testing procedures constructed on the basis of minimizing the L1‐distance between a kernel density estimate and any density in the hypothesized class are investigated. General non‐asymptotic bounds are derived for the power of the test. It is shown that the concentration of the data‐dependent smoothing factor and the ‘size’ of the hypothesized class of densities play a key role in the performance of the test. Consistency and non‐asymptotic performance bounds are established in several special cases, including testing simple hypotheses, translation/scale classes and symmetry. Simulations are also carried out to compare the behaviour of the method with the Kolmogorov‐Smirnov test and an L2 density‐based approach due to Fan [Econ. Theory10 (1994) 316].
A New Kernel Distribution Function Estimator Based on a Non‐parametric Transformation of the Data
Authors: SWANEPOEL JAN W. H. , VAN GRAAN FRANCOIS C.
Published: November 2005

Abstract.  A new kernel distribution function (df) estimator based on a non‐parametric transformation of the data is proposed. It is shown that the asymptotic bias and mean squared error of the estimator are considerably smaller than that of the standard kernel df estimator. For the practical implementation of the new estimator a data‐based choice of the bandwidth is proposed. Two possible areas of application are the non‐parametric smoothed bootstrap and survival analysis. In the latter case new estimators for the survival function and the mean residual life function are derived.
Residual Analysis for Spatial Point Processes (with Discussion)
Authors: Baddeley A. , Turner R. , Møller J. , Hazelton M.
Published: November 2005

We define residuals for point process models fitted to spatial point pattern data, and we propose diagnostic plots based on them. The residuals apply to any point process model that has a conditional intensity; the model may exhibit spatial heterogeneity, interpoint interaction and dependence on spatial covariates. Some existing ad hoc methods for model checking (quadrat counts, scan statistic, kernel smoothed intensity and Berman's diagnostic) are recovered as special cases. Diagnostic tools are developed systematically, by using an analogy between our spatial residuals and the usual residuals for (non-spatial) generalized linear models. The conditional intensity λ plays the role of the mean response. This makes it possible to adapt existing knowledge about model validation for generalized linear models to the spatial point process context, giving recommendations for diagnostic plots. A plot of smoothed residuals against spatial location, or against a spatial covariate, is effective in diagnosing spatial trend or co-variate effects. Q–Q-plots of the residuals are effective in diagnosing interpoint interaction.
Bayes Factors Based on Test Statistics
Authors: Johnson Valen E.
Published: November 2005

Traditionally, the use of Bayes factors has required the specification of proper prior distributions on model parameters that are implicit to both null and alternative hypotheses. I describe an approach to defining Bayes factors based on modelling test statistics. Because the distributions of test statistics do not depend on unknown model parameters, this approach eliminates much of the subjectivity that is normally associated with the definition of Bayes factors. For standard test statistics, including the χ2-, F-, t- and z-statistics, the values of Bayes factors that result from this approach have simple, closed form expressions.
Evaluating Emotional Literacy in Schools: The Development of the School Emotional Environment for Learning Survey
Authors: Haddon Alice , Goodman Harriet , Park James , Crick Ruth Deakin
Published: November 2005

This paper describes the development of the School Emotional Environment for Learning Survey, an instrument for evaluating the perceived level of emotional literacy of the school as an organization. It elicits student and staff perceptions of their affective experience of being a part of the school community. It was designed to look at the extent to which a school enables members of its community to interact in a manner that builds an understanding of their own and others' emotions, which can then be used to shape their actions. Emotional literacy is seen here as a potential in everyone that is contingent on the interaction between a person and their social context, rather than a capacity that is either present or absent in the individual.

Qualitative data were collected from an ethnographic case study of two schools using closed‐ and open‐ended questionnaires, semi‐structured interviews, focus groups, a draw‐and‐write exercise and participant observation. The data were used to generate grounded theory and to build a theoretical framework for organizational emotional literacy. This theoretical framework is described as the CORE framework, addressing the domains of communication, relationships, organization and emotional experience. These domains are then characterized by particular qualities and values that are described in the ‘matrix of emotional literacy’. This framework and matrix were then used to develop a questionnaire, which was trialed as a tool to audit the level of emotional literacy in both primary and secondary schools.
A Comparison between Inspection Reports on the Management of School Attendance Throughout the Education Service
Authors: Reid Ken
Published: November 2005

This is the first article to compare and contrast the outcomes of Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) reports on the management of school attendance issues in primary and secondary schools, out‐of‐school and local education authorities (LEA) provision. The findings indicate that schools and LEAs are judged using very strict criteria based on a school's or LEA's authorized or unauthorized rates of attendance, which are then compared with national norms, targets and Ofsted criteria. By contrast, out‐of‐school providers, often pupil referral units (PRUs), are given much more latitude despite their more obvious and serious attendance difficulties. This paper presents an insight into the reasons given by Ofsted inspectors for making either their positive or negative judgements on schools', PRUs' or LEAs' performances on the management of their attendance agenda. The implications of these findings are considered and conclusions drawn based on the evidence. Further research will be necessary to compare the findings in this paper with subsequent outcomes given the proposed changes with Ofsted's methodology and criteria for conducting its future inspections.
Do Firms Rebalance Their Capital Structures?
Authors: LEARY MARK T. , ROBERTS MICHAEL R.
Published: November 2005

We empirically examine whether firms engage in a dynamic rebalancing of their capital structures while allowing for costly adjustment. We begin by showing that the presence of adjustment costs has significant implications for corporate financial policy and the interpretation of previous empirical results. After confirming that financing behavior is consistent with the presence of adjustment costs, we find that firms actively rebalance their leverage to stay within an optimal range. Our evidence suggests that the persistent effect of shocks on leverage observed in previous studies is more likely due to adjustment costs than indifference toward capital structure.
CEO Overconfidence and Corporate Investment
Authors: MALMENDIER ULRIKE , TATE GEOFFREY
Published: November 2005

We argue that managerial overconfidence can account for corporate investment distortions. Overconfident managers overestimate the returns to their investment projects and view external funds as unduly costly. Thus, they overinvest when they have abundant internal funds, but curtail investment when they require external financing. We test the overconfidence hypothesis, using panel data on personal portfolio and corporate investment decisions of Forbes 500 CEOs. We classify CEOs as overconfident if they persistently fail to reduce their personal exposure to company‐specific risk. We find that investment of overconfident CEOs is significantly more responsive to cash flow, particularly in equity‐dependent firms.
Investment Bank Reputation and the Price and Quality of Underwriting Services
Authors: FANG LILY HUA
Published: November 2005

The relation between investment bank reputation and the price and quality of bond underwriting services is studied here. After controlling for endogeneity in issuer–underwriter matching, I find that reputable banks obtain lower yields and charge higher fees, but issuers' net proceeds are higher. These relations are pronounced in the junk‐bond category, in which reputable banks' underwriting criteria are most stringent. These findings suggest that banks' underwriting decisions reflect reputation concerns, and are thus informative of issue quality. They also suggest that economic rents are earned on reputation, and thereby provide continued incentives for underwriters to maintain reputation.
Thy Neighbor's Portfolio: Word‐of‐Mouth Effects in the Holdings and Trades of Money Managers
Authors: HONG HARRISON , KUBIK JEFFREY D. , STEIN JEREMY C.
Published: November 2005

A mutual fund manager is more likely to buy (or sell) a particular stock in any quarter if other managers in the same city are buying (or selling) that same stock. This pattern shows up even when the fund manager and the stock in question are located far apart, so it is distinct from anything having to do with local preference. The evidence can be interpreted in terms of an epidemic model in which investors spread information about stocks to one another by word of mouth.
Changing Names with Style: Mutual Fund Name Changes and Their Effects on Fund Flows
Authors: COOPER MICHAEL J. , GULEN HUSEYIN , RAU P. RAGHAVENDRA
Published: November 2005

We examine whether mutual funds change their names to take advantage of current hot investment styles, and what effects these name changes have on inflows to the funds, and to the funds' subsequent returns. We find that the year after a fund changes its name to reflect a current hot style, the fund experiences an average cumulative abnormal flow of 28%, with no improvement in performance. The increase in flows is similar across funds whose holdings match the style implied by their new name and those whose holdings do not, suggesting that investors are irrationally influenced by cosmetic effects.
Debt Maturity, Risk, and Asymmetric Information
Authors: BERGER ALLEN N. , ESPINOSA‐VEGA MARCO A. , FRAME W. SCOTT , MILLER NATHAN H.
Published: November 2005

We test the implications of Flannery's (1986) and Diamond's (1991) models concerning the effects of risk and asymmetric information in determining debt maturity, and we examine the overall importance of informational asymmetries in debt maturity choices. We employ data on over 6,000 commercial loans from 53 large U.S. banks. Our results for low‐risk firms are consistent with the predictions of both theoretical models, but our findings for high‐risk firms conflict with the predictions of Diamond's model and with much of the empirical literature. Our findings also suggest a strong quantitative role for asymmetric information in explaining debt maturity.
Financial Networks: Contagion, Commitment, and Private Sector Bailouts
Authors: LEITNER YARON
Published: November 2005

I develop a model of financial networks in which linkages not only spread contagion, but also induce private sector bailouts, where liquid banks bail out illiquid banks because of the threat of contagion. Introducing this bailout possibility, I show that linkages may be optimal ex ante because they allow banks to obtain some mutual insurance even though formal commitments are impossible. However, in some cases (e.g., when liquidity is concentrated among a small group of banks), the whole network may collapse. I also characterize the optimal network size and apply the results to joint liability arrangements and payment systems.
Financial Market Design and the Equity Premium: Electronic versus Floor Trading
Authors: JAIN PANKAJ K.
Published: November 2005

We assemble the announcement and actual introduction dates of electronic trading by the leading exchanges of 120 countries to examine the impact of automation, controlling for risk factors and economic conditions. Dividend growth models and international CAPM suggest a significant decline in the equity premium, especially in emerging markets. Consistent with this reduction in the equity premium in the long run, there is a positive short‐term price reaction to the switch. Further analysis of trading turnover supports the notion that electronic trading enhances the liquidity and informativeness of stock markets, leading to a reduction in the cost of capital.
Stochastic Search Gene Suggestion: A Bayesian Hierarchical Model for Gene Mapping
Authors: Swartz Michael D. , Kimmel Marek , Mueller Peter , Amos Christopher I.
Published: November 2005

Summary Mapping the genes for a complex disease, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis (RA), involves finding multiple genetic loci that may contribute to the onset of the disease. Pairwise testing of the loci leads to the problem of multiple testing. Looking at haplotypes, or linear sets of loci, avoids multiple tests but results in a contingency table with sparse counts, especially when using marker loci with multiple alleles. We propose a hierarchical Bayesian model for case–parent triad data that uses a conditional logistic regression likelihood to model the probability of transmission to a diseased child. We define hierarchical prior distributions on the allele main effects to model the genetic dependencies present in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region of chromosome 6. First, we add a hierarchical level for model selection that accounts for both locus and allele selection. This allows us to cast the problem of identifying genetic loci relevant to the disease into a problem of Bayesian variable selection. Second, we attempt to include linkage disequilibrium as a covariance structure in the prior for model coefficients. We evaluate the performance of the procedure with some simulated examples and then apply our procedure to identifying genetic markers in the HLA region that influence risk for RA. Our software is available on the website http://www.epigenetic.org/Linkage/ssgs‐public/.
Promoting Children's Health Through Understanding of Genetics and Genomics
Authors: Kenner Carole , Gallo Agatha M. , Bryant Kellie D.
Published: November 2005

Purpose: To describe the effects of genetics and genomics on children's health care.

Organizing Construct: The breakthroughs in the Human Genome Project have great potential for disease prediction, treatment, and prevention in the health care of children with chronic health conditions. Most childhood conditions based on a single gene are influenced by a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors.

Methods: A review of the literature was conducted to determine the most common childhood diseases linked to genetic causes.

Findings: Two examples were selected to depict how a health professional would use genetic knowledge to provide holistic health promotion and disease prevention.

Conclusions: Knowledge of the interaction of the genetic profile coupled with a person's lifestyle, work environment, and family context provide a more holistic picture of a person's health profile. The clinical implications are that this knowledge will provide opportunities for health professionals to advise families on individualized treatment options or to tailor health promotion to future disease states based on genes and their interaction with the environment.
Genomic Influences on Schizophrenia‐Related Neurotransmitter Systems
Authors: Keltner Norman L.
Published: November 2005

Purpose: (a) to summarize genomic influences in schizophrenia, (b) to review the molecular genetic profile associated with schizophrenia, (c) to summarize the genetic factors affecting dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitter systems, and (d) to list nursing implications for this knowledge.

Organizing Framework: Schizophrenia and schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders, both clustered in families, arise from both genetic and environmental influences. Schizophrenia does not develop from a single genetic mutation but rather from many genetic alterations acting together.

Conclusions: Studies focused on genetic polymorphisms of neurotransmitter systems pique nurses' interest because pharmacological interventions affecting those systems remain the primary approach to treatment. Atypical antipsychotics have in common the ability to antagonize dopaminergic and serotonergic receptors. This review includes the recent discoveries regarding genetic modifications affecting dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitter systems and their potential as a basis for treatment.
Conceptual Model of Health‐Related Quality of Life
Authors: Ferrans Carol Estwing , Zerwic Julie Johnson , Wilbur Jo Ellen , Larson Janet L.
Published: November 2005

Purpose: To revise the Wilson and Cleary model of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), with suggestions for applying each of the components, and to facilitate the use of HRQoL in nursing and health care.

Organizing Construct: HRQoL, based on relevant literature over the past 20 years.

Methods: The original model was revised in three substantive ways: (a) indicating that biological function is influenced by characteristics of both individuals and environments; (b) deleting nonmedical factors; and (c) deleting the labels on the arrows that tend to restrict characterization of the relationships.

Findings: Theoretical background is provided for each of the major components of the model, and examples of instruments to measure them, were added.

Conclusions: In quality‐of‐life research, the current challenge is to devise models to clarify the elements of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and the causal relationships among them. This revision of Wilson and Cleary's model includes a taxonomy of the variables that often have been used to measure HRQoL. This revision should be useful in research and clinical practice.
Cultural Competence Among Ontario and Michigan Healthcare Providers
Authors: Schim Stephanie Myers , Doorenbos Ardith Z. , Borse Nagesh N.
Published: November 2005

Purpose: To examine variables associated with cultural competence among urban, hospital‐based healthcare providers in Ontario (Canada) and Michigan (US).

Design and Sample: A cross‐sectional descriptive design with a convenience sample of hospital‐based providers was used. The sample was 145 providers (n=71 Ontario; n=74 Michigan).

Methods: Providers completed a survey which included the Cultural Competence Assessment (CCA) instrument. Regression analysis was used to examine associations.

Findings: Providers with diversity training and higher levels of educational attainment scored significantly higher on cultural awareness and sensitivity and on cultural competence behaviors.

Conclusions: Variables significantly associated with cultural competence included prior training in cultural competency and higher educational attainment among both Ontario and Michigan healthcare providers.