bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Asymptotic inference for an Ising lattice III. Non-zero field and ferromagnetic states
Authors: Pickard David K. 
Published: April 2006

In previous papers (1976), (1977) limit theorems were obtained for the classical Ising model in the absence of an external magnetic field, thereby providing a basis for asymptotic inference. The present paper extends these results to arbitrary external magnetic fields. Statistical inference for this model is important because its nearest-neighbour interactions provide a natural first approximation to spatial interaction among binary variables located on square lattices.The most interesting behaviour occurs in zero field and at or beyond the critical point. In this case, the central limit result for nearest-neighbour interactions requires an unusual norming, the limiting variances may depend on the nature of the boundary conditions, and there cannot be any central limit result for external magnetic field. The implications of these phenomena for statistical inference are also discussed. In particular, the maximum likelihood estimator of magnetic field is not consistent. Rather it appears to have a non-trivial asymptotic distribution.
The kin number problem in a multitype Galton–Watson population
Authors: Joffe A. , Waugh W. A. O'n. 
Published: April 2006

The kin number problem in its simplest form is that of the relationship between sibship sizes and offspring numbers. The fact that the distributions are different, and the relationship between the two, is well known to demographers. It is important in such applications as estimating fertility from sibship rather than offspring counts. Further studies have been made, concerning relatives of other degrees of affinity than siblings, but these did not usually yield joint distributions. Recently this aspect of the problem has been studied in the framework of a Galton–Watson process (Waugh (1981), Joffe and Waugh (1982)).In these studies the population is treated as monotype. Applications such as pedigree studies of diseases require a multitype approach (in the example, two types: victims and others). In this paper such a study is undertaken. The existence of more than one type complicates the time-reversal used in the previous studies, and raises questions about the way in which the focal individual (called ‘Ego') is sampled. These are dealt with, and joint distributions obtained, under a number of sampling schemes which might arise naturally.
Convergence rates for M/G/1 queues and ruin problems with heavy tails
Authors: Asmussen Søren , Teugels Jozef L. 
Published: April 2006

The time-dependent virtual waiting time in a M/G/1 queue converges to a proper limit when the traffic intensity is less than one. In this paper we give precise rates on the speed of this convergence when the service time distribution has a heavy regularly varying tail.The result also applies to the classical ruin problem. We obtain the exact rate of convergence for the ruin probability after time t for the case where claims arrive according to a Poisson process and claim sizes are heavy tailed.Our result supplements similar theorems on exponential convergence rates for relaxation times in queueing theory and ruin probabilities in risk theory.
Changes of numéraire, changes of probability measure and option pricing
Authors: Geman Hélyette , El Karoui Nicole , Rochet Jean-Charles 
Published: April 2006

The use of the risk-neutral probability measure has proved to be very powerful for computing the prices of contingent claims in the context of complete markets, or the prices of redundant securities when the assumption of complete markets is relaxed. We show here that many other probability measures can be defined in the same way to solve different asset-pricing problems, in particular option pricing. Moreover, these probability measure changes are in fact associated with numéraire changes, this feature, besides providing a financial interpretation, permits efficient selection of the numéraire appropriate for the pricing of a given contingent claim and also permits exhibition of the hedging portfolio, which is in many respects more important than the valuation itself.The key theorem of general numéraire change is illustrated by many examples, among which the extension to a stochastic interest rates framework of the Margrabe formula, Geske formula, etc.
The stability of storage models with shot noise input
Authors: Lund Robert B. 
Published: April 2006

We examine the existence of limiting behavior, or stability, for storage models with shot noise input and general release rules. The shot noise feature of the input process allows the individual inputs to gradually enter the store.We first show that a store under the unit release rule is stable if and only if the traffic intensity is less than one; this extends the classic result of Prabhu (1980) to the case of shot noise input. The stability of the unit release rule store and various stochastic orderings are then used to derive a sufficient condition for a store with a general release rule to be stable. Finally, we show that when restricted to a compact state space, our storage model is always stable.An important component of the paper is the methodology employed: coupling and stochastic monotonicity play a key role in analyzing the non-Markov processes encountered.
The diagnosis and management of factor VIII and IX inhibitors: a guideline from the United Kingdom Haemophilia Centre Doctors Organisation
Authors: Hay Charles R. M. , Brown S. , Collins P. W. , Keeling D. M. , Liesner R. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe revised UKHCDO factor (F) VIII/IX Inhibitor Guidelines (2000) are presented. A schema is proposed for inhibitor surveillance, which varies according to the severity of the haemophilia and the treatment type and regimen used. The methodological and pharmacokinetic approach to inhibitor surveillance in congenital haemophilia has been updated. Factor VIII/IX genotyping of patients is recommended to identify those at increased risk. All patients who develop an inhibitor should be considered for immune tolerance induction (ITI). The decision to attempt ITI for FIX inhibitors must be carefully weighed against the relatively high risk of reactions and the nephrotic syndrome and the relatively low response rate observed in this group. The start of ITI should be deferred until the inhibitor has declined below 10 Bethesda Units/ml, where possible. ITI should continue, even in resistant patients, where it is well tolerated and so long as there is a convincing downward trend in the inhibitor titre. The choice of treatment for bleeding in inhibitor patients is dictated by the severity of the bleed, the current inhibitor titre, the previous anamnestic response to FVIII/IX, the previous clinical response and the side‐effect profile of the agents available. We have reviewed novel dose‐regimens and modes of administration of FEIBA (factor VIII inhibitor bypassing activity) and recombinant activated FVII (rVIIa) and the extent to which these agents may be used for prophylaxis and surgery. Bleeding in acquired haemophilia is usually treated with FEIBA or rVIIa. Immunosuppressive therapy should be initiated at the time of diagnosis with Prednisolone 1 mg/kg/d ± cyclophosphamide. In the absence of a response to these agents within 6 weeks, second‐line therapy with Rituximab, Ciclosporin A, or other multiple‐modality regimens may be considered.
Transformed diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas with gains of the discontinuous 12q12‐14 amplicon display concurrent deregulation of CDK2, CDK4 and GADD153 genes
Authors: Al‐Assar Osama , Rees‐Unwin Karen S. , Menasce Lia P. , Hough Rachael E. , Goepel John R. , Hammond David W. , Hancock Barry W. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryTransformation of the indolent follicular lymphoma (FL) to the aggressive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) results in resistance to therapy with shortened survival. It has been demonstrated that the 12q12‐14 region was mainly amplified in DLBCL cases but not in their FL counterparts. Therefore, we examined the DNA copy number and protein expression profiles for CDK2, CDK4 and GADD153, three genes that map to 12q12‐14, in a set of 44 paired FL/DLBCL samples from 22 patients. The concordant amplification of these genes occurred in seven of 22 (32%) of FL cases, compared with 15 of 22 (68%) of DLBCL cases. At the protein level, 15 of 22 of the DLBCL samples (68%) showed strong staining for the CDK2 protein, compared with five of 21 of FL samples (24%). The majority of the DLBCL samples (16/22, 72%) expressed the CDK4 protein, whereas the majority of the FL samples (12/21, 57%) showed no expression of this protein. Except for one DLBCL case, no expression of the GADD153 protein could be detected. The deregulation of the CDK2 and CDK4 genes at the genetic and protein levels suggest a functional role for these genes in the transformation process and could potentially provide targets for prognostic tests or therapeutic interventions.
Service integration and co‐ordination: a framework of approaches for the delivery of co‐ordinated care to children with disabilities and their families
Authors: King G. , Meyer K. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThis article clarifies the nature of ‘service integration’ and ‘service co‐ordination’ and discusses how these aspects relate to the fundamental goal of providing co‐ordinated care for children with disabilities and their families. Based on a review of the service delivery literatures in the fields of health, social services and rehabilitation, a framework is presented that outlines the scope of the co‐ordination‐related functions and activities encompassed in three common types of approaches to the delivery of co‐ordinated care. These are a system/sector‐based service integration approach, an agency‐based service integration approach and a client/family‐based service co‐ordination approach. The functions outlined in the framework include aggregate‐level planning of services (designed to map out the scope and plan for service provision in a community or geographical area), administrative functions (designed to ensure wise and equitable access to resources) and client‐specific service delivery functions (designed to link clients/families to needed services). The framework is a tool that can be used to support policy making and decision making with respect to the design of efforts to provide co‐ordinated care. It provides information about commonly used approaches and the essential elements of these approaches, which can be used in making choices about the scope and nature of an approach towards service integration/co‐ordination.
The impact of immunosuppression on erythema migrans. A retrospective study of clinical presentation, response to treatment and production of Borrelia antibodies in 33 patients
Authors: Fürst B. , Glatz M. , Kerl H. , Müllegger R. R. 
Published: April 2006

Summary
Background. Little is known about the potential influence of immunosuppression on erythema migrans, the hallmark of early Lyme borreliosis.
Methods. We performed a retrospective study to assess the impact of immunosuppression on erythema migrans in 33 patients with a malignant or autoimmune disease, chronic infection, or immunosuppressive therapy for organ transplantation. Only patients with active disease status and/or current immunosuppressive therapy were included. Pre-treatment clinical parameters, such as presentation of the skin lesion and presence of extracutaneous signs and symptoms, the disease course during a median follow-up of 9 months after therapy and serum anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies before therapy and by the end of follow-up in the 33 immunosuppressed patients were statistically compared with 75 otherwise healthy patients with erythema migrans. The 75 control patients were matched for sex, age and antibiotic therapy.
Results. With the exception of the site of erythema migrans lesions, which were found more often on the trunk than on the legs in the immunosuppressed patients (vice versa in immunocompetent patients), we found no significant differences for all investigated parameters between the two groups.
Conclusions. It appears that immunosuppression does not influence clinical presentation, response to therapy, or production of anti-B. burgdorferi antibodies of patients with erythema migrans. It is thus not necessary to treat immunosuppressed patients with erythema migrans differently from immunocompetent patients.
Influence of hazelnut flour and skin addition on the physical, chemical and sensory properties of vanilla ice cream
Authors: Dervisoglu Muhammet 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe effect of hazelnut flour (1.5, 3 and 4.5%) and hazelnut kernel skin (1, 2 and 3%) on the physical, chemical and sensory properties of vanilla ice cream was examined. All samples were analysed for pH, titratable acidity, total solids, nitrogen, fat, ash, overrun, viscosity, meltdown, Hunter L‐, a‐ and b‐values, flavour, body and texture, and appearance. The samples with hazelnut flour exhibited higher pH, nitrogen, ash, viscosity, and L‐, flavour, body and texture, and appearance values than the samples with kernel skin. Samples with hazelnut flour and skin can be added to the ice cream mix to produce a non‐fat ice cream at 3% and 1% levels in combination with maltodextrin, respectively.
Dynamic Changes in Dopaminergic Neurotransmission Induced by a Low Concentration of Bisphenol‐A in Neurones and Astrocytes
Authors: Miyatake M. , Miyagawa K. , Mizuo K. , Narita M. , Suzuki T. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractOne of the most common chemicals that behaves as an endocrine disruptor is the compound 4,4′‐isopronylidenediphenol, called bisphenol‐A (BPA). We previously reported that prenatal and postnatal exposure to BPA potentiated central dopaminergic neurotransmission, resulting in supersensitivity to psychostimulant‐induced pharmacological actions. Many recent findings have supported the idea that astrocytes, which are a subpopulation of glial cells, play a critical role in neuronal transmission in the central nervous system. The present study aimed to investigate the role of neurone–astrocyte communication in the enhancement of dopaminergic neurotransmission induced by BPA. We found that treatment of mouse purified astrocytes and neurone/glia cocultures with BPA in vitro caused the activation of astrocytes, as detected by a stellate morphology and an increase in levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein. A low concentration of BPA significantly enhanced the Ca2+ responses to dopamine in both neurones and astrocytes. Furthermore, a high concentration of BPA markedly induced the activation of caspase‐3, which is a marker of neuronal apoptotic cell death in mouse midbrain neurone/glia cocultures. By contrast, treatment with 17β‐oestradiol (E2) had no such effects. Prenatal and neonatal exposure to BPA led to an enhancement of the dopamine‐dependent rewarding effect induced by morphine. These findings provide evidence that BPA alters dopamine responsiveness in neurones and astrocytes and that, at least in part, it may contribute to potentiate the development of psychological dependence on drugs of abuse.
Refugia, differentiation and postglacial migration in arctic‐alpine Eurasia, exemplified by the mountain avens (Dryas octopetala L.)
Authors: SKREDE INGER , EIDESEN PERNILLE BRONKEN , PORTELA ROSALÍA PIÑEIRO , BROCHMANN CHRISTIAN 
Published: April 2006

AbstractMany arctic‐alpine organisms have vast present‐day ranges across Eurasia, but their history of refugial isolation, differentiation and postglacial expansion is poorly understood. The mountain avens, Dryas octopetala sensu lato, is a long‐lived, wind‐dispersed, diploid shrub forming one of the most important components of Eurasian tundras and heaths in terms of biomass. We address differentiation and migration history of the species with emphasis on the western and northern Eurasian parts of its distribution area, also including some East Greenlandic and North American populations (partly referred to as the closely related D. integrifolia M. Vahl). We analysed 459 plants from 52 populations for 155 amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) markers. The Eurasian plants were separated into two main groups, probably reflecting isolation and expansion from two major glacial refugia, situated south and east of the North European ice sheets, respectively. Virtually all of northwestern Europe as well as East Greenland have been colonized by the Southern lineage, whereas northwest Russia, the Tatra Mountains and the arctic archipelago of Svalbard have been colonized by the Eastern lineage. The data indicate a contact zone between the two lineages in northern Scandinavia and possibly in the Tatra Mountains. The two single populations analysed from the Caucasus and Altai Mountains were most closely related to the Eastern lineage but were strongly divergent from the remaining eastern populations, suggesting survival in separate refugia at least during the last glaciation. The North American populations grouped with those from East Greenland, irrespective of their taxonomic affiliation, but this may be caused by independent hybridization with D. integrifolia and therefore not reflect the true relationship between populations from these areas.
A Randomized Trial of a Multicomponent Home Intervention to Reduce Functional Difficulties in Older Adults
Authors: Gitlin Laura N. , Winter Laraine , Dennis Marie P. , Corcoran Mary , Schinfeld Sandy , Hauck Walter W. 
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVES: To test the efficacy of a multicomponent intervention to reduce functional difficulties, fear of falling, and home hazards and enhance self‐efficacy and adaptive coping in older adults with chronic conditions.DESIGN: A prospective, two‐group, randomized trial. Participants were randomized to a treatment group or no‐treatment group.SETTING: Urban community‐living older people.PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred nineteen community‐living adults aged 70 and older who reported difficulty with one or more activities of daily living.INTERVENTION: Occupational and physical therapy sessions involving home modifications and training in their use; instruction in strategies of problem‐solving, energy conservation, safe performance, and fall recovery techniques; and balance and muscle strength training.MEASUREMENTS: Outcome measures included self‐rated functional difficulties with ambulation, instrumental activities of daily living, activities of daily living, fear of falling, confidence performing daily tasks, and use of adaptive strategies. Observations of home hazards were also conducted.RESULTS: At 6 months, intervention participants had less difficulty than controls with instrumental activities of daily living (P=.04, 95% confidence interval (CI)=−0.28–0.00) and activities of daily living (P=.03, 95% CI=−0.24 to −0.01), with largest reductions in bathing (P=.02, 95% CI=−0.52 to −0.06) and toileting (P=.049, 95% CI=−0.35–0.00). They also had greater self‐efficacy (P=.03, 95% CI=0.02–0.27), less fear of falling (P=.001, 95% CI=0.26–0.96), fewer home hazards (P=.05, 95% CI=−3.06–0.00), and greater use of adaptive strategies (P=.009, 95% CI=0.03–0.22). Benefits were sustained at 12 months for most outcomes.CONCLUSION: A multicomponent intervention targeting modifiable environmental and behavioral factors results in life quality improvements in community‐dwelling older people who had functional difficulties, with most benefits retained over a year.
Leukodepletion filters reduce Leishmania in blood products when used at collection or at the bedside
Authors: Cardo Lisa J. , Salata Jeanne , Harman Ronald , Mendez Juan , Weina Peter J. 
Published: April 2006

BACKGROUND:  Leishmania is an intracellular parasite of monocytes transmissible by transfusion. The feasibility of reducing Leishmania with leukodepletion filters was studied. At collection, infected blood contains the amastigote form of Leishmania within monocytes. Amastigotes cause the rupture of monocytes releasing free amastigotes that convert to promastigotes, which exist extracellularly at blood storage temperatures. Leukodepletion filters were tested at various time points in this process.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Blood products were infected with Leishmania organisms and then filtered with whole‐blood filters at collection, with bedside filters after storage, and to determine whether free promastigotes could be eliminated.RESULTS:  Filtration at collection reduced Leishmania by 3 to 4 log or to the level of detection. Filtration of infected red cells after 2 weeks of storage showed a reduction of Leishmania by 4 log. Filtration resulted in a 6‐ to 8‐log reduction in promastigotes either in the presence or in the absence of white cells within the filter.CONCLUSION:  Filtration at the time of collection and after storage of Leishmania‐infected blood resulted in a substantial reduction of free and intracellular organisms. There is currently no donor screen for Leishmania. Until adequate testing is developed, the use of leukodepletion filters could add to the safety of the blood supply.
Variation of platelet production and discard rates in 17 blood centers representing 10 European countries from 2000 to 2002
Authors: Veihola Marketta , Aroviita Pekka , Linna Miika , Sintonen Harri , Kekomäki Riitta 
Published: April 2006

BACKGROUND:  New blood safety regulations raise costs and pressure blood centers to improve their efficiency. Evaluation of platelet (PLT) production and discards between centers of different size and nationality may provide a basis for more efficient PLT inventory management.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Data were gathered retrospectively for 2000 to 2002 from 17 blood centers in 10 European countries. The descriptive analyses comprised evaluation of PLT production methods and volumes. Discard rates were surveyed also for 2003 to 2004. The number of cellular blood components produced per working hour was expressed as an arbitrary labor index.RESULTS:  Seven hospital blood banks and 10 centers with other administrative systems participated in the study. Buffy coat (BC) and apheresis PLTs were used by all centers except two preparing all PLTs by apheresis. In 2002, 73 percent of all PLTs were produced by the BC method, and PLTs were utilized from 41 percent of whole‐blood donations. One center also produced PLTs by the PLT‐rich plasma method. Mean annual production volume of PLTs varied greatly, from 3,345 to 103,643 units, with an increase of 5.6 percent from 2000 to 2002. Three‐year mean discard rates varied between 6.7 and 25 percent, and yearly mean discard rates remained at 13 percent in 2000 to 2002 and also in 2003 to 2004. Arbitrary labor index varied from 2.4 to 7.3 between centers.CONCLUSIONS:  PLT discard rates were relatively high in the European blood centers. Detailed information on specific causes for high discard rates would help improve the efficiency of PLT management, because blood centers cannot regulate demand. Use of labor resources in component preparation also remains an important target for further research.
AN EXAMINATION OF THE TYPE SPECIMENS OF SOME SPECIES OF ACROCHAETIUM (RHODOPHYCEAE)
Authors: Abbott Isabella A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAn examination of the type specimens of two of the most widely distributed species of Acrochaetium growing in Liagora clarifies the status of A. liagorae Børgesen (which includes A. collinsianum) and A. barbadense (Vickers) Børgesen (including A. liagorae of Hamel and A. vanbosseae Papenfuss). Remarks are also made on A. laxum which has been confused with A. liagorae.