Statistical Modelling of Brain Morphological Measures Within Family Pedigrees

Large, family-based imaging studies can provide a better understanding of the interactions of environmental and genetic influences on brain structure and function. The interpretation of imaging data from large family studies, however, has been hindered by the paucity of well-developed statistical tools for that permit the analysis of complex imaging data together with behavioral and clinical data. In this paper, we propose to use two methods for these analyses. First, a variance components model along with score statistics is used to test linear hypotheses of unknown parameters, such as the associations of brain measures (e.g., cortical and subcortical surfaces) with their potential genetic determinants. Second, we develop a test procedure based on a resampling method to assess simultaneously the statistical significance of linear hypotheses across the entire brain. The value of these methods lies in their computational simplicity and in their applicability to a wide range of imaging data. Simulation studies show that our test procedure can accurately control the family-wise error rate. We apply our methods to the detection of statistical significance of gender-by-age interactions and of the effects of genetic variation on the thickness of the cerebral cortex in a family study of major depressive disorder.     

An analysis of covariance markov model for interrupted time series experiments

A simple Markov model is described for the analysis of interrupted time series experiments that employ a control series. The procedure involves regressing the experimental preintervention series on the control preintervention series and then testing for change in the experimental postintervention series which is free of change in the control series.     

Media depth influences Sedum green roof establishment

Species selection and initial establishment of plants is critical for long term survival and health of green roofs. Plants that can withstand harsh environmental conditions and provide rapid coverage on extensive green roofs can reduce erosion, limit weed invasion, and provide a more aesthetically pleasing roof to satisfy customers. This study evaluated the effect of green roof substrate depth on initial establishment of 12 Sedum species in a Midwestern US climate. Plugs of 12 Sedum species were planted on 8 June 2005 and evaluated bi-weekly until first frost for absolute cover (AC) using a stainless steel point-frame transect. Most species exhibited greater growth and coverage at a depth of 7.0 and 10.0 cm relative to 4.0 cm. AC was highest for Sedum sarmentosum at all depths, but this species may be too aggressive. Other suitable species include Sedum floriferum, Sedum stefco, and Sedum spurium ‘John Creech’. In general, species that are less suitable are Sedum ‘Angelina’, Sedum cauticola ‘Lidakense’, Sedum ewersii, Sedum ochroleucum, and Sedum reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’. For the species tested, a minimum of 7.0 cm is highly recommended. With shallower substrates, S. sarmentosum and S. stefco will provide the fastest coverage. This paper is a portion of a M.S. Thesis submitted by K.L. Getter.     

Some adjusted orthogonal,variance balanced,multidimensional block designs

A multidimensional block design (MBD) is an experimental design with d > 1 blocking criteria geometrically represented as a d-dimensional lattice with treatment varieties assigned to some or all nodes of the lattice. Intrablock analysis of variance tables for some special classes of two- and three-dimensional block designs with some empty nodes are given. Design plans and efficiencies for 31 two-dimensional designs, each universally optimal in defined classes of designs, and 7 three-dimensional designs, each nearly optimal in defined classes of designs, are listed in the appendices. A need for such designs is apparent when the blocking criteria are implemented successively and empty nodes do not represent wasted experimental units.     

Examining Mental Health Court Completion: A Focal Concerns Perspective

Sociologists have long‐raised concern about disparate treatment in the justice system. Focal concerns have become the dominant perspective in explaining these disparities in legal processing decisions. Despite the growth of problem‐solving courts, little research has examined how this perspective operates in nontraditional court settings. This article used a mixed‐method approach to examine focal concerns in a mental health court (MHC). Observational findings indicate that gender and length of time in court influence the court's contextualization of noncompliance. While discussions of race were absent in observational data, competing‐risk survival analysis finds that gender and race interact to predict MHC termination.     

Comments on “bootstrapping time series models”

Many applied workers are strongly oriented to residual analysis for assessing model adequacy. Formal test statistics of adequacy however are frequently derived from likelihood theory, particularly through Lagrange Multipliers. In contraGt, the present paper derives the formal statistics by concentrating Upon the distribution of residuals. It is shown that most existing tests can be derived in this way from a few elementary principles of specification analysis. One advantage of this alternative methodology is that it highlights some difficulties in existing approaches and simultaneously indicates a resolution of them; a good example being testing for heteroscedasticity in simultaneous equations. Other issues such as independence and robustness of diagnostic tests are also easily explored within the proposed framework.     

The effectiveness and safety of ginger for pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting: A systematic review

BackgroundGinger has been used throughout the world as a therapeutic agent for centuries. The herb is increasingly used in Western society also, with one of the most common indications being pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting (PNV).ObjectivesTo examine the evidence for the safety and effectiveness of ginger for PNV.MethodsRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) of ginger and PNV were sourced from CINAHL, the Cochrane library, MEDLINE and TRIP. The methodological quality of RCTs was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool.ResultsFour RCTs met the inclusion criteria. All trials found orally administered ginger to be significantly more effective than placebo in reducing the frequency of vomiting and intensity of nausea. Adverse events were generally mild and infrequent.ConclusionThe best available evidence suggests that ginger is a safe and effective treatment for PNV. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the maximum safe dosage of ginger, appropriate duration of treatment, consequences of over-dosage, and potential drug–herb interactions; all of which are important areas for future research.     

Evaluating a social work introductory programme

Many social work programmes spend considerable time at the end of the course consolidating learning experiences, looking to employment issues, the nature of supervisory contracts, future training needs and so on (see for example the Janus week at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen). On a social level students also experience a round of parties, a graduation ceremony, the collection of certificates and formal farewells. Such activities are fairly predictable rites of passage. Whilst the importance of beginnings in social work practice is part of the folklore, little has been said or written about the actual process of induction onto social work training programmes. In this article we focus on the beginning of such a programme leading to an award of MA and Diploma in Social Work. We analyse what happens, describe the structures and under-pinning theories and conclude by arguing that the start of a course is an important land-mark for students' relationships with each other, with teaching staff and their own self-perceptions and sense of empowerment. Our reflection on these processes has been useful in looking at the conscious and unconscious messages given by ourselves and our institution.

Firstly, we briefly explore perspectives emanating from broad sociological discourse about the nature of professionalisation. We can then reflect on the perspective of anthropology which raises useful notions of initiation, celebration and ritual. We are particularly interested in looking at the power relationship between staff and students and at learning styles. Theory therefore demands that we look at this introduction in other than mechanistic or rational ways.

The second part of this article considers a three day introduction to a social work programme, concentrating on styles of learning and the inherent issues of power relationships.