The Application of Genetic Information for Regulatory Standard Setting Under the Clean Air Act: A Decision-Analytic Approach

In 2002, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an “Interim Policy on Genomics,” stating a commitment to developing guidance on the inclusion of genetic information in regulatory decision making. This statement was followed in 2004 by a document exploring the potential implications. Genetic information can play a key role in understanding and quantifying human susceptibility, an essential step in many of the risk assessments used to shape policy. For example, the federal Clean Air Act (CAA) requires EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria pollutants at levels to protect even sensitive populations from adverse health effects with an adequate margin of safety. Asthmatics are generally regarded as a sensitive population, yet substantial research gaps in understanding genetic susceptibility and disease have hindered quantitative risk analysis. This case study assesses the potential role of genomic information regarding susceptible populations in the NAAQS process for fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) under the CAA. In this initial assessment, we model the contribution of a single polymorphism to asthma risk and mortality risk; however, multiple polymorphisms and interactions (gene‐gene and gene‐environment) are known to play key roles in the disease process. We show that the impact of new information about susceptibility on estimates of population risk or average risk derived from large epidemiological studies depends on the circumstances. We also suggest that analysis of a single polymorphism, or other risk factor such as health status, may or may not change estimates of individual risk enough to alter a particular regulatory decision, but this depends on specific characteristics of the decision and risk information. We also show how new information about susceptibility in the context of the NAAQS for PM_2.5 could have a large impact on the estimated distribution of individual risk. This would occur if a group were consequently identified (based on genetic and/or disease status), that accounted for a disproportionate share of observed effects. Our results highlight certain conditions under which genetic information is likely to have an impact on risk estimates and the balance of costs and benefits within groups, and highlight critical research needs. As future studies explore more fully the relationship between exposure, genetic makeup, and disease status, the opportunity for genetic information and disease status to play pivotal roles in regulation can only increase.     

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.     

Unresolved struggles: Educating social workers in Aotearoa New Zealand

This article introduces key themes that arise throughout the history of social work education and are central to the education of social workers today. Curriculum and the goodness of fit between agency demands and professional standards, accreditation, provision of social work courses, and more recently, the competency movement, have constantly been significant, albeit in changing forms. In New Zealand, cultural awareness and knowledge of indigenous models for practice together with re-organisation of social service delivery systems have implications for social work education. Managerial devices such as the purchaser/provider split and risk/case management approaches to social work and their impact on social work education and practice are discussed. The role of the national accrediting body and the ensuing tensions around accreditation are discussed. A discussion of opportunities and concerns for the future considers relationships between those who teach social work, those who practice it, their employers and the role of Industry Training Organisations.     

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.