Generalized linear mixed models in dairy cattle breeding

Fitness and fertility traits of dairy cattle are of increasing importance and are often measured on a discrete scale. The development and application of generalized linear mixed models to the genetic analysis of these traits are reviewed. Because current genetic evaluation systems are predominantly based on animal models, the inferential challenges of highly parameterized generalized linear mixed models are discussed. Development and adoption of new methods for drawing appropriate inferences on dispersion parameters are essential. Recent hierarchical extensions have been proposed for generalized linear mixed models, allowing for complex dispersion patterns that accommodate heteroscedasticity and outlier robustness. Steady advances in available computing power have facilitated multiple-trait analyses involving continuous and discrete measures. Full Bayesian inference via the development of Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods will continue to allow even greater generality and dimensions in the genetic model.     

Clinical subtypes of bipolar mixed states: validating a broader European definition in 143 cases

Low-income women are among those at risk for delivering low-birth-weight babies (Lia-Hoagberg et al., 1990; Miller, Magolis, Schwethelm, & Smith, 1989; St. Clair, Smeriglio, Alexander, Connell, & Niebyl, 1990). These women tend to use prenatal care less often, perceive more barriers to care, have less positive reinforcement for receiving care, have less access to care, have lower education levels, maintain less healthy lifestyles, and have lower compliance with recommendations (Henderson, 1994; Koska, 1990; Lia-Hoagberg et al., 1990; Miller et al., 1989). This article will highlight three attributes of the problem of low-income women and prenatal care. First, low-income pregnant women are at risk for delivering low-birth-weight and preterm babies, which usually leads to expensive subsequent care. Second, an unhealthy maternal lifestyle increases the risk of delivering a low-birth-weight or preterm baby. Third, there are social, programming, and lifestyle barriers that low-income women face in receiving prenatal care. Finally, this article examines the use of the Health Belief Model as a theoretical basis for future prenatal care programming for low-income women.     

Displaced aggression is alive and well: A meta-analytic review.

Content analysis of 122 social psychology textbooks confirmed that displaced aggression received a surge of attention immediately following J. Dollard, L. W. Doob, N. E. Miller, O. H. Mowrer, and R. R. Sears (1939), but subsequent interest sharply declined. Contemporary texts give it little attention. By contrast, meta-analysis of the experimental literature confirms that it is a robust effect (mean effect size/&=/&+0.54). Additionally, moderator analyses showed that: (a) The more negative the setting in which the participant and target interacted, the greater the magnitude of displaced aggression; (b) in accord with N. E. Miller's (1948) stimulus generalization principle, the more similar the provocateur and target, the more displaced aggression; and (c) consistent with the contrast effect (L. Berkowitz & D. A. Knurek, 1969), the intensity of initial provocation is inversely related to the magnitude of displaced aggression. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Alcohol's Effect on Triggered Displaced Aggression.

The authors examined alcohol's effect on triggered displaced aggression, the hostile reaction to a second provoking person after provocation from a first. Participants consumed an alcoholic or a nonalcoholic beverage. Subsequently, one individual provoked all of them with moderate intensity. Then, 2 groups were studied: those who received or who failed to receive a second provocation of minimal intensity. Consistent with prior research, participants who received a second, minimal provocation displayed more aggression than those who did not. After participants drank alcohol, the magnitude of this difference was significantly greater, indicating that alcohol increases triggered displaced aggression. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)