bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ON THE POWER BREAKDOWN OF THE NEGATIVE EXPONENTIAL DISPARITY TESTS
Authors: Sarathi Dey Partha , Basu Ayanendranath 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThe generalized negative exponential disparity, discussed in Bhandari et al. (Robust inference in parametric models using the family of generalized negative exponential disparities, 2006, ANZJS, 48, 95–114), represents an important class of disparity measures that generates efficient estimators and tests with strong robustness properties. In their paper, however, Bhandari et al. failed to provide a sharp lower bound for the power breakdown point of the corresponding tests. This was acknowledged by the authors, who indicated the possible existence of a sharper bound, but noted that they did not “have a proof at this point”. In this paper we provide an improved bound for this power breakdown point, and show with an example how this can enhance the existing results.
IDENTIFYING TREATMENT EFFECTS IN MULTI‐CHANNEL MEASUREMENTS IN ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC STUDIES: MULTIVARIATE PERMUTATION TESTS AND MULTIPLE COMPARISONS
Authors: Wheldon M. C. , Anderson M. J. , Johnson B. W. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryA versatile procedure is described comprising an application of statistical techniques to the analysis of the large, multi‐dimensional data arrays produced by electroencephalographic (EEG) measurements of human brain function. Previous analytical methods have been unable to identify objectively the precise times at which statistically significant experimental effects occur, owing to the large number of variables (electrodes) and small number of subjects, or have been restricted to two‐treatment experimental designs. Many time‐points are sampled in each experimental trial, making adjustment for multiple comparisons mandatory. Given the typically large number of comparisons and the clear dependence structure among time‐points, simple Bonferroni‐type adjustments are far too conservative. A three‐step approach is proposed: (i) summing univariate statistics across variables; (ii) using permutation tests for treatment effects at each time‐point; and (iii) adjusting for multiple comparisons using permutation distributions to control family‐wise error across the whole set of time‐points. Our approach provides an exact test of the individual hypotheses while asymptotically controlling family‐wise error in the strong sense, and can provide tests of interaction and main effects in factorial designs. An application to two experimental data sets from EEG studies is described, but the approach has application to the analysis of spatio‐temporal multivariate data gathered in many other contexts.
BAYESIAN ESTIMATION OF RUIN PROBABILITIES WITH A HETEROGENEOUS AND HEAVY‐TAILED INSURANCE CLAIM‐SIZE DISTRIBUTION
Authors: Ausin M. Concepcion , Lopes Hedibert F. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThis paper describes a Bayesian approach to make inference for risk reserve processes with an unknown claim‐size distribution. A flexible model based on mixtures of Erlang distributions is proposed to approximate the special features frequently observed in insurance claim sizes, such as long tails and heterogeneity. A Bayesian density estimation approach for the claim sizes is implemented using reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. An advantage of the considered mixture model is that it belongs to the class of phase‐type distributions, and thus explicit evaluations of the ruin probabilities are possible. Furthermore, from a statistical point of view, the parametric structure of the mixtures of the Erlang distribution offers some advantages compared with the whole over‐parametrized family of phase‐type distributions. Given the observed claim arrivals and claim sizes, we show how to estimate the ruin probabilities, as a function of the initial capital, and predictive intervals that give a measure of the uncertainty in the estimations.
SHRINKAGE, PRETEST AND ABSOLUTE PENALTY ESTIMATORS IN PARTIALLY LINEAR MODELS
Authors: Ahmed S. Ejaz , Doksum Kjell A. , Hossain S. , You Jinhong 
Published: August 2010

SummaryWe consider a partially linear model in which the vector of coefficientsβin the linear part can be partitioned as(β1,β2), whereβ1is the coefficient vector for main effects (e.g. treatment effect, genetic effects) andβ2is a vector for ‘nuisance’ effects (e.g. age, laboratory). In this situation, inference aboutβ1may benefit from moving the least squares estimate for the full model in the direction of the least squares estimate without the nuisance variables (Steinian shrinkage), or from dropping the nuisance variables if there is evidence that they do not provide useful information (pretesting). We investigate the asymptotic properties of Stein‐type and pretest semiparametric estimators under quadratic loss and show that, under general conditions, a Stein‐type semiparametric estimator improves on the full model conventional semiparametric least squares estimator. The relative performance of the estimators is examined using asymptotic analysis of quadratic risk functions and it is found that the Stein‐type estimator outperforms the full model estimator uniformly. By contrast, the pretest estimator dominates the least squares estimator only in a small part of the parameter space, which is consistent with the theory. We also consider an absolute penalty‐type estimator for partially linear models and give a Monte Carlo simulation comparison of shrinkage, pretest and the absolute penalty‐type estimators. The comparison shows that the shrinkage method performs better than the absolute penalty‐type estimation method when the dimension of theβ2parameter space is large.
Early predictors of dyslexia in Chinese children: familial history of dyslexia, language delay, and cognitive profiles
Authors: McBride‐Chang Catherine , Lam Fanny , Lam Catherine , Chan Becky , Fong Cathy Y.‐C. , Wong Terry T.‐Y. , Wong Simpson W.‐L. 
Published: August 2010

Background:  This work tested the rates at which Chinese children with either language delay or familial history of dyslexia at age 5 manifested dyslexia at age 7, identified which cognitive skills at age 5 best distinguished children with and without dyslexia at age 7, and examined how these early abilities predicted subsequent literacy skills.Method:  Forty‐seven at‐risk children (21 who were initially language delayed and 26 with familial risk) and 47 control children matched on age, IQ, and mothers’ education were tested on syllable awareness, tone detection, rapid automatized naming, visual skill, morphological awareness, and word reading at age 5 and subsequently tested for dyslexia on a standard Hong Kong measure at age 7.Results:  Of those with an early language delay, 62% subsequently manifested dyslexia; for those with familial risk, the rate of dyslexia was 50%. Those with dyslexia were best distinguished from those without dyslexia by the age‐5 measures of morphological awareness, rapid automatized naming, and word reading itself; other measures did not distinguish the groups. In a combined regression analysis across all participants, morphological awareness uniquely explained word reading accuracy and rapid automatized naming uniquely explained timed word reading at age 7, with all other measures statistically controlled. Separate stepwise regression analyses by group indicated that visual skill uniquely explained subsequent literacy skills in the at‐risk group only, whereas tone and syllable awareness were unique predictors of literacy skills in the control group only.Conclusions:  Both early language delay and familial risk strongly overlap with subsequent dyslexia in Chinese children. Overall, rapid automatized naming and morphological awareness are relatively strong correlates of developmental dyslexia in Chinese; visual skill and phonological awareness may also be uniquely associated with subsequent literacy development in at‐risk and typically developing children, respectively.
Contextual risk factors as predictors of disruptive behavior disorder trajectories in girls: the moderating effect of callous‐unemotional features
Authors: Kroneman Leoniek M. , Hipwell Alison E. , Loeber Rolf , Koot Hans M. , Pardini Dustin A. 
Published: August 2010

Background:  The presence of callous‐unemotional (CU) features may delineate a severe and persistent form of conduct problems in children with unique developmental origins. Contextual risk factors such as poor parenting, delinquent peers, or neighborhood risk are believed to influence the development of conduct problems primarily in children with low levels of CU features. However, longitudinal studies examining the moderating effect of CU features on the relation between contextual risk factors and conduct problems trajectories in girls are rare.Methods:  Growth curve analysis was conducted using five annual measurements of oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder (ODD/CD) behaviors in a community sample of 1,233 girls aged 7–8 at study onset. The relation between contextual risk factors in multiple domains (i.e., family, peer, community) and trajectories of ODD/CD behaviors across time were examined for girls with differing levels of CU features.Results:  Growth curve analysis indicated that CU features were associated with chronically high levels of ODD/CD symptoms over time. Low levels of parental warmth were also associated with chronically high levels of ODD/CD, and this effect was particularly pronounced for girls with high CU features. Exposure to harsh parenting was associated with higher ODD/CD behaviors for girls in childhood regardless of their level of CU features, but this effect dissipated over time.Conclusions:  Girls with elevated CU features who are exposed to low levels of parental warmth seem to exhibit particularly severe ODD/CD symptoms and should be targeted for intensive intervention in childhood.
Borderline personality symptoms differentiate non‐suicidal and suicidal self‐injury in ethnically diverse adolescent outpatients
Authors: Muehlenkamp Jennifer J. , Ertelt Troy W. , Miller Alec L. , Claes Laurence 
Published: August 2010

Background:  There is little research on how specific borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms relate to suicide attempts or suicide and non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) within adolescent populations, which is important to know given the recent proposal of an NSSI disorder. Even less well known is whether specific BPD symptoms distinguish NSSI from suicide attempts or differentiate single from repeated acts of either suicide or NSSI.Method:  Archival, de‐identified outpatient clinical charts from 441 ethnically diverse (4.3% Caucasian; 70.9% female) adolescents (mean age = 14.9, SD = 1.61) were reviewed. Data pertaining to NSSI, suicide attempt history, BPD symptoms, and psychiatric diagnoses were obtained from self‐report measures and semi‐structured interviews administered at intake.Results:  MANOVA and logistic regression analyses revealed significant differences across groups, with the BPD symptoms of ‘confusion about self’ and ‘unstable interpersonal relationships’ significantly predicting NSSI and NSSI+Suicide group status. The number of BPD criteria met plus high levels of confusion about self significantly predicted single vs. repeat self‐harm group membership.Conclusions:  Two BPD symptoms exhibit distinct relationships to NSSI and suicide attempts, but there is not strong variation in their relationship to BPD. Treatment addressing BPD symptoms may be useful to reducing both NSSI and suicide in ethnically diverse adolescents.
Needs for food security from the standpoint of Canadian households participating and not participating in community food programmes
Authors: Hamelin Anne‐Marie , Mercier Céline , Bédard Annie 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIn a context where food assistance continues to dominate talks on food security, this study was undertaken to refocus the debate on households' needs. Our objective was to examine the food security experience and needs of food‐insecure households from the standpoint of those participating in community programmes for food security as well as those not doing so. Semi‐structured individual interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 55 food‐insecure households in Quebec City, Canada. Transcriptions were subjected to content analysis. The results revealed distinct food insecurity situations. The interviewees' accounts show that households participating in community food security programmes and non‐participating households did not have the same profile of food insecurity risks and capacity to cope with those risks. Nevertheless, three main categories of needs emerged from all the households: needs specific to food security (particularly good quality diet), needs regarding the conditions necessary for achieving food security (especially financial access to food) and related needs. Food insecurity was seen as involving a cluster of problems. The results reinforce the necessity for responses that are not uniform but rather situation‐specific. Clearly, households are demanding more than food for survival: they need a set of conditions that will ensure them regular and sustainable access to a good quality diet.
Role of connexin 43 in the maintenance of spontaneous activity in the guinea pig prostate gland
Authors: Dey Anupa , Kusljic Snezana , Lang Richard J , Exintaris Betty 
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSETo investigate the role of connexin 43 in the maintenance of spontaneous activity in prostate tissue from young and old guinea pigs.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHConventional intracellular microelectrode and tension recording techniques, coupled with Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry for connexin 43 (CX43) were used. The effects of three gap junction uncouplers, 18β glycyrrhetinic acid (10 µM, 40 µM), carbenoxolone (10 µM, 50 µM) and octanol (0.5 mM, 1 mM), were studied in cells displaying slow wave activity and on spontaneously contracting tissue from prostate glands of young (2–5 months) and old (9–16 months) guinea pigs.KEY RESULTS18β Glycyrrhetinic acid (40 µM), carbenoxolone (50 µM) or octanol (0.5 mM) abolished slow wave activity in prostate tissue from young and old guinea pigs and depolarized membrane potential by approximately 5 mV. These treatments also abolished all contractions in both sets of prostate tissue. These effects were reversed upon washout. Western blot analysis and CX43 immunohistochemistry showed that there was no age‐related difference in the expression and distribution of CX43 in prostate tissues.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONSWhen gap junctional communication via CX43 was disrupted, spontaneous activity was abolished at a cellular and whole tissue level; CX43 is therefore essential for the maintenance of spontaneous slow wave activity and subsequent contractile activity in the guinea pig prostate gland.
Are there functional β3‐adrenoceptors in the human heart?
Authors: Michel Martin C , Harding Sian E , Bond Richard A 
Published: August 2010

β3‐Adrenoceptor mRNA is expressed in the human heart, but corresponding receptor protein has not yet consistently been demonstrated. Furthermore, their physiological role remains highly controversial. For example, in human atria these receptors apparently do not promote cAMP formation. Evidence presented in this issue of theBJPsuggests that a previously reported β3‐adrenoceptor‐mediated stimulation of Ca2+channels at room temperature is absent at physiological temperatures, and that β3‐adrenoceptors have no effect on atrial contraction. Drugs classified as β3‐adrenoceptor agonists cause contraction in human atria but in most cases this involves β1‐ and/or β2‐adrenoceptors. In contrast, in human ventricles β3‐adrenoceptor agonists can exhibit negative inotropic effects, potentially involvingPertussistoxin‐sensitive G‐proteins and activation of a NO synthase. However, firmer pharmacological evidence is required that these effects indeed occur via β3‐adrenoceptors. Whether the expected future use of β3‐adrenoceptor agonists in the treatment of urinary bladder dysfunction is associated with adverse events related to cardiac function remains to be determined from clinical studies.LINKED ARTICLEThis article is a commentary on Christet al., pp. 823–839 of this issue. To view this paper visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00996.x
Structural determinants in the second intracellular loop of the human cannabinoid CB1receptor mediate selective coupling to Gsand Gi
Authors: Chen XP , Yang W , Fan Y , Luo JS , Hong K , Wang Z , Yan JF , Chen X , Lu JX , Benovic JL , Zhou NM 
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe cannabinoid CB1receptor is primarily thought to be functionally coupled to the Giform of G proteins, through which it negatively regulates cAMP accumulation. Here, we investigated the dual coupling properties of CB1receptors and characterized the structural determinants that mediate selective coupling to Gsand Gi.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHA cAMP‐response element reporter gene system was employed to quantitatively analyze cAMP change. CB1/CB2receptor chimeras and site‐directed mutagenesis combined with functional assays and computer modelling were used to determine the structural determinants mediating selective coupling to Gsand Gi.KEY RESULTSCB1receptors could couple to both Gs‐mediated cAMP accumulation and Gi‐induced activation of ERK1/2 and Ca2+mobilization, whereas CB2receptors selectively coupled to Giand inhibited cAMP production. Using CB1/CB2chimeric receptors, the second intracellular loop (ICL2) of the CB1receptor was identified as primarily responsible for mediating Gsand Gicoupling specificity. Furthermore, mutation of Leu‐222 in ICL2 to either Ala or Pro switched G protein coupling from Gsto Gi, while to Ile or Val led to balanced coupling of the mutant receptor with Gsand Gi.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSThe ICL2 of CB1receptors and in particular Leu‐222, which resides within a highly conserved DRY(X)5PL motif, played a critical role in Gsand Giprotein coupling and specificity. Our studies provide new insight into the mechanisms governing the coupling of CB1receptors to G proteins and cannabinoid‐induced tolerance.
Apsoriatic psoriatic arthritis
Authors: LEUNG Y. Y. , LIM K. K. T. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractNumerous features distinguish psoriatic arthritis (PsA) from other arthropathies, including the presence of psoriasis, distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint involvement, nail dystrophy, enthesitis, dactylitis and spinal involvement. Two decades ago, the presence of psoriasis was mandatory in the diagnosis of PsA. Up to 15% of patients had joint disease preceding psoriasis. In this group of patients, it may have been years after the onset of arthritis before the definitive diagnosis of PsA could be made. With advancements in treatment modalities, an accurate and proper diagnosis is relevant to the management of PsA. In their case report appearing in this issue, Taniguchi and Kamatani present a case with classical PsA without skin and nail lesions for 21 years. It may not be that unusual to encounter this in clinical practice, but we think it an opportune time to review the classification criteria and illustrate how the diagnosis of PsA can be made earlier.
Role of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha in rheumatoid arthritis: a review
Authors: VASANTHI Pallinti , NALINI Ganesan , RAJASEKHAR G. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractTumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a pivotal role in regulating the inflammatory response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although it is controversial whether TNF‐α genes are associated with RA susceptibility, they are well known to mediate RA pathogenesis. We review in depth the history, formation and biological action, TNF receptor, role in mediating pathogenesis in RA and mode of action, of anti‐TNF‐α drugs.
Glomerulonephropathy in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: CHAO Yin‐Cih , TSAI Shih‐Tzu , HUANG De‐Feng 
Published: August 2010

AbstractAim:  Renal abnormalities have been reported in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The purpose of this study was to elucidate the nature of glomerulonephropathy in AS.Methods:  Two hundred and sixty‐six patients with definite AS diagnosed at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, were enrolled. Urinary analysis and renal biopsy were performed in this study. The nature of glomerulonephropathy in AS was analyzed.Results:  Twelve out of 266 (4.5%) patients had AS‐associated nephropathy manifesting as haematuria alone (11 patients) or haematuria and proteinuria (1 patient). Renal biopsy in seven patients showed IgA nephropathy in two cases, mesangial nephropathy with isolated C3 deposits in three cases, and IgM nephropathy in two cases, one of which had accompanied infectious endocarditis.Conclusion:  AS‐associated nephropathy is not uncommon and mesangial nephropathy is the most common form. Microscopic haematuria and proteinuria are the most common manifestations of renal involvement.
Pattern of psoriatic arthritis in an Asian population (Malaysia)
Authors: VEERAPEN Kiran Kapoor 
Published: August 2010

AbstractObjective: To profile the pattern of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and its relationship to disease duration.Methods: Forty‐six consecutive patients with PsA were entered into a cross‐sectional study. Demographic data, disease duration and disability were recorded. Joint involvement was documented at 6 months from onset and at presentation. X‐rays of the sacroiliac (SI) joints, thoracolumbar spine, and hands were taken. HLA B27 typing was done.Results: The male : female ratio was 2.3 : 1, mean age at onset of arthritis was 35.8 years and mean duration of PsA was 4.2 years. Oligoarticular involvement predominated (63%) at onset. Progression from oligoarthritis to polyarthritis occurred largely in the second year; 65.2% reported asymmetrical disease at onset while 50% had asymmetrical disease when disease duration was > 1 year. The frequency of involvement at onset was as follows: sausage toes, metatarsophalangeals (MTPs) and interphalangeals (IPs) in 50% (each), proximal interphelangeals (PIPs) in 47.8%, sausage fingers 34.7% and knees 30%. With mean duration of 4.2 years it was: sausage toe 71.1%, IP 69.5%, PIP and MTP 63%, knees 60.8%, distal interphalangeals (DIPs) 54.3%, sausage finger 52.1%, wrist 47.8%, followed by neck and back pain. Disability related to lower limb functions predominated and occurred early. Forty‐one percent had radiological sacroiliatis/spondylitis and 46% had erosive arthritis in the hands; 10.2% were HLA B27 positive.Conclusion: PsA was progressive, starting predominantly as an asymmetrical oligoarthritis and becoming largely polyarticular within 2 years from onset. Lower limb disability was evident early and erosive changes in hand X‐rays were seen in more than half the patients after 1 year.