bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Semi‐parametric latent process model for longitudinal ordinal data: Application to cognitive decline
Authors: Jacqmin‐Gadda Hélène , Proust‐Lima Cécile , Amiéva Hélène 
Published: August 2010

AbstractOrdinal and quantitative discrete data are frequent in biomedical and neuropsychological studies. We propose a semi‐parametric model for the analysis of the change over time of such data in longitudinal studies. A threshold model is defined where the outcome value depends on the current value of an underlying Gaussian latent process. The latent process model is a Gaussian linear mixed model with a non‐parametric function of time,f(t), to model the expected change over time. This model includes random‐effects and a stochastic error process to flexibly handle correlation between repeated measures. The function f(t) and all the model parameters are estimated by penalized likelihood using a cubic‐spline approximation forf(t). The smoothing parameter is estimated by an approximate cross‐validation criterion. Confidence bands may be computed for the estimated curves for the latent process and, using a Monte Carlo approach, for the outcome in its natural scale. The method is applied to the Paquid cohort data to compare the time‐course over 14 years of two cognitive scores in a sample of 350 future Alzheimer patients and in a matched sample of healthy subjects. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bayesian latent variable modelling in studies of air pollution and health
Authors: Salway Ruth , Lee Duncan , Shaddick Gavin , Walker Stephen 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThis paper describes the use of Bayesian latent variable models in the context of studies investigating the short‐term effects of air pollution on health. Traditional Poisson or quasi‐likelihood regression models used in this area assume that consecutive outcomes are independent (although the latter allows for overdispersion), which in many studies may be an untenable assumption as temporal correlation is to be expected. We compare this traditional approach with two Bayesian latent process models, which acknowledge the possibility of short‐term autocorrelation. These include an autoregressive model that has previously been used in air pollution studies and an alternative based on a moving average structure that we describe here. A simulation study assesses the performance of these models when there are different forms of autocorrelation in the data. Although estimated risks are largely unbiased, the results show that assuming independence can produce confidence intervals that are too narrow. Failing to account for the additional uncertainty which may be associated with (positive) correlation can result in confidence/credible intervals being too narrow and thus lead to incorrect conclusions being made about the significance of estimated risks. The methods are illustrated within a case study of the effects of short‐term exposure to air pollution on respiratory mortality in the elderly in London, between 1997 and 2003. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Empirical constrained Bayes predictors accounting for non‐detects among repeated measures
Authors: Moore Reneé H. , Lyles Robert H. , Manatunga Amita K. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractWhen the prediction of subject‐specific random effects is of interest, constrained Bayes predictors (CB) have been shown to reduce the shrinkage of the widely accepted Bayes predictor while still maintaining desirable properties, such as optimizing mean‐square error subsequent to matching the first two moments of the random effects of interest. However, occupational exposure and other epidemiologic (e.g. HIV) studies often present a further challenge because data may fall below the measuring instrument's limit of detection. Although methodology exists in the literature to compute Bayes estimates in the presence of non‐detects (BayesND), CB methodology has not been proposed in this setting. By combining methodologies for computing CBs and BayesND, we introduce two novel CBs that accommodate an arbitrary number of observable and non‐detectable measurements per subject. Based on application to real data sets (e.g. occupational exposure, HIV RNA) and simulation studies, these CB predictors are markedly superior to the Bayes predictor and to alternative predictors computed using ad hoc methods in terms of meeting the goal of matching the first two moments of the true random effects distribution. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
l‐Stepholidine‐induced excitation of dopamine neurons in rat ventral tegmental area is associated with its 5‐HT1Areceptor partial agonistic activity
Authors: Gao Ming , Chu Hong‐Yuan , Jin Guo‐Zhang , Zhang Zhang‐Jin , Wu Jie , Zhen Xue‐Chu 
Published: August 2010

AbstractRationale:l‐Stepholidine (l‐SPD), a tetrahydroprotoberberine alkaloid, possesses a pharmacological profile of a D1/5‐HT1Aagonist and a D2antagonist. This unique pharmacological profile makes it a promising novel antipsychotic candidate. Preliminary clinical trials and animal experiments suggest thatl‐SPD improves both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia without producing significant extrapyramidal side effects. To further explore the antipsychotic mechanisms of the drug, we studied the effects ofl‐SPD on the activity of dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) using in vivo single‐unit recording technique in rats.Result:We found thatl‐SPD increased VTA DA neurons firing rate and induced slow oscillation in firing pattern. Moreover,l‐SPD, not clozapine, reversed d‐amphetamine‐induced inhibition which induced an excitation of VTA DA neurons. Furthermore, our data indicated that the excitatory effect ofl‐SPD is associated with its partial agonistic action for the 5‐HT1Areceptor since the 5‐HT1Areceptor antagonist WAY100635 could block thel‐SPD‐induced excitatory effect. However, activation of 5‐HT1Areceptor alone by specific agonist (±)‐8‐Hydroxy‐2‐(dipropylamino) tetralin (8‐OH‐DPAT) was insufficient to elicit excitation of VTA DA neurons, but the excitation of 8‐OH‐DPAT on VTA DA neurons was elicited in the presence of D2‐like receptors antagonist raclopride. Collectively, these results indicate thatl‐SPD excited VTA DA neurons requiring its D2‐like receptors antagonistic activity and 5‐HT1Areceptor agonistic activity.Conclusion: The present data demonstrate that D2receptor antagonist/5‐HT1Areceptor agonistic dual properties modulate dopaminergic transmission in a unique pattern that may underlie the different therapeutic responses betweenl‐SPD and other atypical antipsychotic drugs. Synapse, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution of CB2 cannabinoid receptor in adult rat retina
Authors: López Ester M. , Tagliaferro Patricia , Onaivi Emmanuel S. , López‐Costa Juan J. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractCannabinoid effects are mediated through two receptors, CB1 and CB2. In the retina CB1 has been reported in bipolar cells, gabaergic amacrine cells, horizontal cells, and inner plexiform layer. CB2 receptor mRNA localization was shown in photoreceptors, inner nuclear layer, and ganglion cell layer by using RT‐PCR. The aim of this work was to localize CB2 receptor in the rat retina by using immunocytochemistry. Our results showed that CB2 receptor was localized in retinal pigmentary epithelium, inner photoreceptor segments, horizontal and amacrine cells, cells localized in ganglion cell layer, and in fibers of inner plexiform layer. These results are in agreement with studies using RT‐PCR and provide some additional information about the distribution of CB2 receptor. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of this cannabinoid receptor in the retina. Synapse, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigating the impact of non‐linear geometrical effects on wind turbine blades—Part 1: Current status of design and test methods and future challenges in design optimization
Authors: Jensen Find M. , Puri Amit S. , Dear John P. , Branner Kim , Morris Andrew 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThis article is the first part of a three‐article series and it deals with full‐scale tests of a load‐carrying box girder. The two other articles present more details on smaller sub‐component levels as well as cap specimens (article 2) and shear webs (article 3). This article also links to the two other articles and brings the main results from them into relevance for a wind turbine blade designer.The investigated failure modes in all three articles relate to the Brazier effect, which is expected to be the key dominating failure mechanism in future wind turbine blade designs. The Brazier effect may also have a significant impact on present wind turbine blades. In this article, a 34 m long load‐carrying box girder has been tested in static flap‐wise bending, and it has been demonstrated that, for this design, the Brazier effect is a critical phenomenon of great relevance for the ultimate failure strength.The box girder has been evaluated with and without a cap (wire) reinforcement. The cap reinforcement is one out of seven inventions Risø DTU published in 2008, which are all intended to result in a lighter and more reliable blade design. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of a scaled wind turbine with a smart rotor for dynamic load control experiments
Authors: Hulskamp A. W. , van Wingerden J. W. , Barlas T. , Champliaud H. , van Kuik G. A. M. , Bersee H. E. N. , Verhaegen M. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe ever increasing size of wind turbines poses a number of design issues for the industry, like increasing component mass and fatigue loads. An interesting concept for reducing fatigue loads is the implementation of spanwise distributed devices to control the aerodynamic loading along the span of the blade, thus mitigating fluctuations in loading and adding damping to the blade modes. This is usually referred to as the smart rotor concept. In the design of such a rotor, as compared to a traditional one, the integration of sensors and actuators poses additional design challenges. In the research discussed in this paper, a scaled smart rotor was designed and constructed to study its fatigue load reduction potential. A 1.8 m diameter rotor was manufactured and equipped with trailing‐edge flaps. The flaps were based on piezo electric Thunder actuators that allow for high‐frequent actuation. The dynamic strain behaviour of the blade was analysed for optimal placement of the sensors. Several sensors that record the strains and accelerations at different locations along the blade were implemented, but the controller was based on a piezo electric strain sensor. The rotor blades were mounted on a small turbine in the Delft University's Open Jet Facility wind tunnel and a mathematical state space model was obtained by using dedicated system identification techniques. Single‐Input Single‐Output, Multi‐Input Multi‐Output ℋ︁∞ feedback and feedforward controllers were designed, each focusing on different parts of the load spectrum. The rotor was tested at 0 and 5° yaw angles, with and without load control. A significant reduction of the dynamic loads was attained. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correspondence analysis
Authors: Greenacre Michael J. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractCorrespondence analysis (CA) is a method of data visualization that is applicable to cross‐tabular data such as counts, compositions, or any ratio‐scale data where relative values are of interest. All the data should be on the same scale and the row and column margins of the table must make sense as weighting factors because the analysis gives varying importance to the respective rows and columns according to these margins. This method is one of a large class of methods based on the singular value decomposition and can be considered as the equivalent of principal component analysis for categorical and ratio‐scale data or as a pair of classical scalings of the rows and columns based on their interpoint χ2 distances, using the margins as weights. For categorical data, this method generalizes to multiple CA, a popular method for analyzing questionnaire data. A linearly constrained form of CA, canonical CA, is extensively used in ecological research where species abundance data at various sampling points are visualized subject to being linearly related to environmental variables measured at the same locations. When certain parameters are introduced into its definition, CA has been shown to have limiting cases of unweighted and weighted log‐ratio analysis (the latter also known as the spectral map), as well as classical multidimensional scaling. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Multivariate Analysis
Current Trends and Short‐term Outcomes of Live Donor Nephrectomy: A Population‐based Analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample
Authors: Colombo Beth , Singla Anand , Li YouFu , Tseng Jennifer F. , Saidi Reza F. , Bozorgzadeh Adel , Shah Shimul A. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackgroundRecent United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) data suggest that live kidney donation is stagnant. Current practices and trends in laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) among the transplant community remain largely unknown.Materials and methodsFrom the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 1998 to 2006, patients undergoing LDN (n = 9,437) were identified.ResultsLive kidney donation in the United States did not show an increase in the NIS. Of the live donor cases recorded, 58 (0.61%) were associated with a major short‐term complication. The number of LDNs performed by transplant surgeons decreased over the study period from 76.5% in 1998 to 30.4% in 2006.ConclusionsIn the United Stares, LDNs are performed safely with a low short‐term complication rate. Despite the use of laparoscopy and the increased need of donor organs, the rate of LDN in kidney transplantation has not increased proportionally.
External Validation of Modified EuroSCORE
Authors: Biancari Fausto , Laurikka Jari , Wistbacka Jan‐Ola , Nissinen Juha , Tarkka Matti 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackgroundEuroSCORE is an adult cardiac surgery risk scoring method that is used worldwide, which has been shown to significantly overestimate the operative risk. We derived a new risk scoring method by modifying some of the risk factors included in the EuroSCORE algorithm and we validated it in an external database.MethodsThis study included 4,014 patients who underwent adult cardiac surgery at the Heart Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Finland. Operative risk was estimated by EuroSCORE and its modified version.ResultsIn‐hospital postoperative mortality rate was 3.2%. EuroSCORE (AUC for logistic EuroSCORE 0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.79–0.85) and modified score (AUC for logistic modified score 0.79; 95% CI, 0.75–0.83) performed well in predicting in‐hospital mortality in this series. The mean logistic EuroSCORE was 8%, and the mean logistic modified score was 2.2%. Thus, the observed to expected ratio for in‐hospital mortality was 0.4 for logistic EuroSCORE and 1.5 for logistic modified score. The difference between observed and predicted mortality rate matched correctly for increasing additive modified score, but not for EuroSCORE. The observed to predicted ratio in high‐risk patients (within the 90th percentile of each risk algorithm) was 0.36 (13.2%/36.2% in 402 patients) for logistic EuroSCORE and 0.99 (14.7%/14.9% in 395 patients) for logistic modified score.ConclusionsThis modified and simplified score, which includes most of EuroSCORE variables, seems to provide a more realistic estimation of postoperative mortality risk of patients undergoing any adult cardiac surgery.
Predicting romantic involvement, relationship cognitions, and relationship qualities from physical appearance, perceived norms, and relational styles regarding friends and parents
Authors: Furman Wyndol , Winkles Jessica K. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTUsing a sample of 199 adolescents, the present study examined Furman and Wehner’s (1999) hypothesis that the predictors of the degree of romantic involvement and the predictors of romantic relationship cognitions and qualities differ. As hypothesized, physical appearance and friends’ normative romantic involvement were related to the degree of casual and serious romantic involvement, whereas relational styles regarding friends and parents were unrelated in almost all cases. On the other hand, relational styles regarding friends and parents were related to supportive and negative romantic interactions and romantic styles. In contrast, physical appearance and friends’ normative romantic involvement were generally unrelated to interactions and romantic styles. Physical appearance was also related to romantic appeal and satisfaction.
The effectiveness of dried cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Vidlar Ales , Vostalova Jitka , Ulrichova Jitka , Student Vladimir , Stejskal David , Reichenbach Richard , Vrbkova Jana , Ruzicka Filip , Simanek Vilim 
Published: August 2010

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common condition in older men. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) powder in men at risk of prostate disease with LUTS, elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA), negative prostate biopsy and clinically confirmed chronic non-bacterial prostatitis. Forty-two participants received either 1500 mg of the dried powdered cranberries per d for 6 months (cranberry group;n21) or no cranberry treatment (control group;n21). Physical examination, International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life (QoL), five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), basic clinical chemistry parameters, haematology, Se, testosterone, PSA (free and total), C-reactive protein (CRP), antioxidant status, transrectal ultrasound prostate volume, urinary flow rate, ultrasound-estimated post-void residual urine volume at baseline, and at 3 and 6 months, and urineex vivoanti-adherence activity were determined in all subjects. In contrast to the control group, patients in the cranberry group had statistically significant improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score, QoL, urination parameters including voiding parameters (rate of urine flow, average flow, total volume and post-void residual urine volume), and lower total PSA level on day 180 of the study. There was no influence on blood testosterone or serum CRP levels. There was no statistically significant improvement in the control group. The results of the present trial are the first firm evidence that cranberries may ameliorate LUTS, independent of benign prostatic hyperplasia or C-reactive protein level.
Basal energy expenditure in southern Chinese healthy adults: measurement and development of a new equation
Authors: Yang Xiaojiao , Li Ming , Mao Deqian , Zeng Guo , Zhuo Qin , Hu Wen , Piao Jianhua , Yang Xiaoguang , Huang Chengyu 
Published: August 2010

The objective of the present study is to measure basal energy expenditure (BEE) using the Cosmed K4b2portable metabolic system (Rome, Italy) and to develop a new predictive equation for BEE in southern Chinese adults. A total of 165 healthy Chinese adults aged 18–45 years with normal body weight were involved in the present study. BEE was measured by Cosmed K4b2. Body composition was determined by body composition analysers (ImpediMed DF50, QLD, Australia). Multiple linear regression analysis and correlation analysis were applied to develop a new optimal equation for predicting BEE of southern healthy Chinese adults. Measured BEE (mBEE) of southern Chinese healthy adults was 5513 (sem96) kJ/d, which was similar to the results predicted by the equation developed by of Liu 5579 (sem57) kJ/d (P = 0·37) and significantly lower than those from equations developed by Henry (5763 (sem54) kJ/d), Schofield (5898 (sem58) kJ/d) and Harris–Benedict (HB; 5863 (sem51) kJ/d) (allP = 0·001). The optimal equation developed by our data was BEE (kJ/d) = 277+89 weight (kg)+600 sex (male = 1 and female = 0) (r2 = 0·48,n165). For males, BEE (kJ/d) = 105 weight (kg) − 58 (r2 = 0·27,n79); for females, BEE (kJ/d) = 69 weight (kg)+1335 (r2 = 0·24,n86). In conclusion, the mBEE of southern Chinese healthy adults was 5513 (sem96) kJ/d. The BMR of Chinese adults of normal weight is overestimated by widely used prediction equations developed by Henry, Schofield and HB. The equation developed in the present study (equation 7) can be used in predicting BEE for Chinese adults aged 18–45 years with normal body weight.
Non-state authority and global governance
Authors: KATSIKAS DIMITRIOS 
Published: August 2010

AbstractNon-state actors are increasingly assuming an active part in the design and construction of the institutional framework of global governance. The introduction of the concept of private authority in the literature has provided us with an insightful analytical tool for a deeper understanding of the role of private actors in the context of global governance. However, in order to achieve this objective the concept of private authority needs to be defined accurately and applied consistently in the examination of non-state governance schemes. This article aims to delineate the concept of private authority in the context of global governance first, by outlining the main characteristics of authority and identifying instances of inconsistent and loose application of these characteristics in the private authority literature and secondly, by offering a starting point for an analytically consistent typology of non-state authority. Following this analysis, a more thoroughly defined and analytically consistent concept of transnationalinauthority is presented. This new conceptualisation locates non-stateinauthority in the amalgamation of public authority and private power in the context of complex transnational governance structures, and can hopefully helps us gain a deeper understanding of the increasing institutionalisation and legitimation of transnational non-state governance.
The duty to oppose violence: humanitarian intervention as a question for political philosophy
Authors: GOMES BJORN 
Published: August 2010

AbstractAlthough the non-intervention rule is often defended as a guarantee of international order, rigid adherence to it cannot be morally justified when governments commit or permit atrocities within their territory. In such cases, intervention is permissible and may even be obligatory. Drawing on the ideas of Rousseau, Kant, and to a lesser extent Hegel, this article examines the grounds of the argument for humanitarian intervention, demonstrating that intervention is in principle not only permissible but obligatory when considered philosophically. Therightto intervene can be grounded on common morality, the protection of sovereignty and the coerciveness of justice. Thedutyto intervene rests on a respect for humanity and the conceptual relationship between rights and duties. Considering these two lines of argument shows that humanitarian intervention can be conceived as a duty that states can be reasonably required to perform.
Ancient cynicism: a case for salvage
Authors: REVELL PIERS 
Published: August 2010

AbstractTaking a quote from President Obama as its starting point, this article examines the usages of the word cynicism in politics, business and International Relations. It distinguishes five different forms: accusative; reflexive; projective; cathartic and ancient. When used accusatively, the cynic is an archetype we see in others whose character or actions we wish to reproach. When used reflexively, the cynic is a social archetype we identify with ourselves. Projective cynicism is the means by which an impertinent discourse may be playfully distanced. Cathartic cynicism is a means by which mental conflict is mediated. Ancient cynicism was a utopian attempt to negotiate the contradiction between cosmopolitanism and the overwhelming reality of slavery. The article concludes that it may be worthwhile comparing and contrasting all these forms of cynicism out in the public sphere.