We propose a flexible and identifiable version of the 2-groups model, motivated by hierarchical Bayes considerations, that features an empirical null and a semiparametric mixture model for the nonnull cases. We use a computationally efficient predictive recursion (PR) marginal likelihood procedure to estimate the model parameters, even the nonparametric mixing distribution. This leads to a nonp...

In many health-related studies, investigators wish to assess the strength of an association between 2 measured (continuous) variables. For example, the relation between highsensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and body mass index (BMI) may be of interest. Although BMI is often treated as a categorical variable, eg, underweight, normal, overweight, and obese, a noncategorized version is more ...

BACKGROUND The investigation of the predictive variables for utilisation of day care and the views of family caregivers of dementia patients about quality of day care are the goals of this work. METHODS The cross-sectional study was carried out as an anonymous written survey of family caregivers of dementia patients in Germany. Participants were 404 family caregivers of dementia patients, of ...

A major assumption underlying the use of contrast sensitivity testing is that it predicts whether a patient has difficulty seeing objects encountered in everyday life. However, there has been no large-scale attempt to examine whether this putative relationship actually exists. We have examined this assumption using a clinic based sample of adults aged 20-77 years. Contrast thresholds were measu...

We consider a random-design regression model with vector-valued observations and develop nonparametric estimation of smooth conditional moment functions in the predictor variable. This includes estimation of higher order mixed moments and also functionals of the moments, such as conditional covariance, correlation, variance, and skewness functions. Our asymptotic analysis targets the limit dist...

Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, which has been demonstrated as a noninvasive diagnostic technique, relies on quantitative models for extracting optical property values from turbid media, such as biological tissues. We review and compare reflectance models that have been published, and we test similar models over a much wider range of measurement parameters than previously published, with spec...

Business theories often specify the mediating mechanisms by which a predictor variable affects an outcome variable. In the last 30 years, investigations of mediating processes have become more widespread with corresponding developments in statistical methods to conduct these tests. The purpose of this article is to provide guidelines for mediation studies by focusing on decisions made prior to ...

Bridges are essential lifelines for transportation networks during and after an earthquake event, providing routes for emergency response and evacuations. For this reason, bridge fragility modeling has been a major focus in earthquake research, as fragility analysis aids in the post-event determination of possible damage of bridges as well as in pre-event mitigation planning. While fragility an...

BACKGROUND The literature emphasizes the role of early interpersonal experiences in the development of cognitive vulnerability; in particular, interruptions in early family relationships, parental unavailability and dysfunctional parenting are potential evolutionary precursors to negative cognitive style and emotional disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study measured the relationship of re...

OBJECTIVE To investigate possible associations of alexithymia with marital satisfaction and mutual attachment between the partners in a group of parents-to-be during pregnancy. METHODS The present study was conducted in a pregnancy cohort. Cross-sectional data were available for 151 mothers and 106 fathers, and altogether 102 couples. The 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) was used to...