Testing for Granger Causality in the Frequency Domain: A Phase Resampling Method

This article introduces phase resampling, an existing but rarely used surrogate data method for making statistical inferences of Granger causality in frequency domain time series analysis. Granger causality testing is essential for establishing causal relations among variables in multivariate dynamic processes. However, testing for Granger causality in the frequency domain is challenging due to the nonlinear relation between frequency domain measures (e.g., partial directed coherence, generalized partial directed coherence) and time domain data. Through a simulation study, we demonstrate that phase resampling is a general and robust method for making statistical inferences even with short time series. With Gaussian data, phase resampling yields satisfactory type I and type II error rates in all but one condition we examine: when a small effect size is combined with an insufficient number of data points. Violations of normality lead to slightly higher error rates but are mostly within acceptable ranges. We illustrate the utility of phase resampling with two empirical examples involving multivariate electroencephalography (EEG) and skin conductance data.     

心肺复苏时肾上腺素剂量变迁的思考

肾上腺素是临床上心肺复苏的一线药物,但在最近二十几年以来,其剂量应用方案几经变迁,从20世纪80年代的小剂量,到90年代大剂量方案的兴起,又经历了个体化方案阶段,近几年又重新回归到小剂量给药方案。从唯物辩证法的基本思想出发,阐述心肺复苏时肾上腺素剂量变迁的哲学基础,并运用辩证唯物主义原理来探讨肾上腺素剂量研究的发展方向,这将有助于心肺复苏研究的理论与实践。     

Changes and responsibilities: Policy challenges confronting careers guidance in New Zealand

Several policy shifts and changes to careers guidance that have occurred in New Zealand recently are examined, and the difficulties faced by counsellors in coping with the ongoing change are highlighted. These developments are discussed in the broader context of major economic changes and evolving organisational structures in New Zealand among many other countries. Lessons drawn from the New Zealand experience include the importance of evaluating services, being prepared for change, and being open to new ideas where change is inevitable.     

Trust in the Normative Domain

Abstract

Pessimists about trust in the normative domain believe that (i) forming normative beliefs on the basis of trusting others is problematic, (ii) forming normative beliefs in other ways is not so problematic and (iii) forming non-normative beliefs on the basis of trust is not so problematic. Whilst there is substantial disagreement over the best way of accounting for pessimist ideas about trust, it is widely accepted that the intuitively problematic character of forming normative beliefs on the basis of trust cannot be explained in terms of the idea that trust cannot be a source of normative knowledge. This paper argues that the dismissal of scepticism about trust as a source of normative knowledge is unwarranted. It does so by developing a sceptical explanation of pessimist ideas, arguing that the obvious arguments against the sceptical explanation fail and arguing that the sceptical explanation has the resources to resolve the considerations that present problems for existing explanations.     

Uptake of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis in Female BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutation Carriers

Women with a germline pathogenic variant in the BReast CAncer susceptibility genes (BRCA1 or BRCA2) have an increased risk of early-onset breast and ovarian cancer. In addition to weighing cancer screening and risk-reduction options, healthy BRCA mutation carriers of childbearing age may choose to preclude passing the mutation to the next generation. In the current study, we report on preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) practices in BRCA-positive Israeli women who were offered PGD at no cost. Methods: we measured PGD uptake, decision satisfaction or regret, and predictors of uptake. Of the 70 participant female carriers, only 25.7% chose to use PGD to prevent transmission of the mutation, and were not predicted by age or religious affiliation. For those who chose IVF/PGD, satisfaction with the decision regarding IVF and PGD was significantly higher than those who did not have IVF and PGD (p?<?0.04). Experiencing previous infertility was the only significant predictor of uptake of IVF/PGD (p?<?0.001), which may suggest that BRCA status is secondary to infertility in the decision-making process for PGD in women with a BRCA mutation.     

Intention to communicate BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic test results to the family.

Guided by the theory of planned behavior, this analysis explores the communication skills of women who had genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2. The key outcome was intention to tell test results to adult first-degree relatives. The theory predicts that global and specific attitudes, global and specific perceived social norms, and perceived control will influence the communication of genetic test results. A logistic regression model revealed that global attitude (p < .05), specific social influence (p < .01), and perceived control (p < .05) were significant predictors of intention to tell. When gender and generation of relatives were added to the regression, participants were more likely to convey genetic test results to female than to male relatives (p < .05) and were also more likely to communicate test results to children (p < .01) or siblings (p < .05) than to parents. However, this association depended on knowing the relative's opinion of genetic testing. Intention to tell was lowest among participants who did not know their relative's opinion. These results extend the theory of planned behavior by showing that gender and generation influence intention when the relative's opinion is unknown.     

Self-Concepts, Domain Values, and Self-Esteem: Relations and Changes at Early Adolescence

We assessed how children's self-concepts of ability for mathematics, English, social, and physical skills activities, ratings of the importance of these activities, and general self-esteem change across the transition to junior high school. Three types of change were assessed: change in mean levels, change in stability, and change in relationships. Twice each year during the sixth and seventh grades, 1,450 children completed questionnaires. Mean levels of children's self-esteem were lowest immediately after the transition, but recovered during seventh grade. Self-concept of ability and importance ratings for math and sports activities showed linear declines. Self-concept of ability for social activities showed a cubic trend, but importance ratings for social activities declined in a linear fashion. Children's self-concepts of ability for math and English became less stable across the junior high transition, whereas beliefs about other activities and general self-esteem were more stable in seventh grade.     

The Decision to Test in Women Receiving Genetic Counseling for BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations

Functions of genetic counseling include provision of risk information and provision of support in an effort to assist with decision making. This study examines (1) the relationship among intentions to test, self-reported provision of blood sample, and receipt of test results; (2) the impact of genetic counseling on distress specific to gene status, perceived risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer in the context having BRCA1/2 mutations (mutations predisposing to increased risk of breast-ovarian cancer), and perceived risk factors for breast cancer; and (3) the clinical profile of those receiving/not receiving results. Intentions to test for BRCA1/2 mutations, self-reported provision of blood sample immediately after counseling, and receipt of test results were statistically different but highly correlated, and intentions to test increased from pre- to postcounseling. A repeated measures ANOVA found distress specific to gene status and perceived risk factors decreased from pre- to postcounseling. Further, two clinical profiles of consultands emerged: (1) those receiving results with change in intentions to test having lower levels of distress and (2) those not receiving results and those receiving results with no change in intentions to test with higher levels of distress. Our findings are consistent with the function of genetic counseling-to provide information and support to those with familial cancer, as well as to assist in decision making. The provision of support is important as distress specific to gene status may impede flexible decision making about genetic testing.     

Domain specificity in the primate prefrontal cortex

Experimental studies in nonhuman primates and functional imaging studies in humans have underlined the critical role played by the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in working memory. However, the precise organization of the frontal lobes with respect to the different types of information operated upon is a point of controversy, and several models of functional organizations have been proposed. One model, developed by Goldman-Rakic and colleagues, postulates a modular organization of working memory based on the type of information processing (the domain specificity hypothesis). Evidence to date has focused on the encoding of the locations of visual objects by the dorsolateral PFC, whereas the ventrolateral PFC is suggested to be involved in processing the features and identity of objects. In this model, domain should refer to any sensory modality that registers information relevant to that domain—for example, there would be visual and auditory input to a spatial information processing region and a feature analysis system. In support of this model, recent studies have described pathways from the posterior and anterior auditory association cortex that target dorsolateral spatial-processing regions and ventrolateral object-processing regions, respectively. In addition, physiological recordings from the ventrolateral PFC indicate that some cells in this region are responsive to the features of complex sounds. Finally, recordings in adjacent ventrolateral prefrontal regions have shown that the features of somatosensory stimuli can be discriminated and encoded by ventrolateral prefrontal neurons. These discoveries argue that two domains, differing with respect to the type of information being processed, and not with respect to the sensory modality of the information, are specifically localized to discrete regions of the PFC and embody the domain specificity hypothesis, first proposed by Patricia Goldman-Rakic.     

Moving from Principles to Practice: Recommended Policy Changes to Promote Family-Centered Care

This paper emphasizes the value of family-centered care. Discussion highlights family-centered philosophies (e.g., Systems of Care [SOCs]) and practice models (i.e., wraparound) and identifies discrepancies between conceptualizations and actual practice. Data from multiple sources detail issues in fidelity to family-centered values and needs and risks experienced by siblings of children with severe emotional disturbance and their caregivers. This discussion provides a springboard for policy recommendations to strengthen family support programming and enhance family-centered care, from modifying funding streams such that systems extend their reach beyond children with full-blown, diagnosable problems (those meeting standards of "medical necessity), to supporting prevention and early intervention initiatives that address families as targets for intervention. Recommendations include ensuring that communities with SOC funding address the needs of families; broadening Medicaid rules and definitions; expanding the range of reimbursable activities and services; and increasing funding for evaluating family-centered care models and family support programming.     

Family Communication of BRCA1/2 Results and Family Uptake of BRCA1/2 Testing in a Diverse Population of BRCA1/2 Carriers

Previous studies examining communication of BRCA1/2 results with relatives and family uptake of BRCA1/2 testing have sampled from predominantly white, high SES cohorts ascertained solely from tertiary care centers. No studies have focused on family communication and testing among relatives of diverse BRCA1/2 carriers. We conducted structured interviews with 73 BRCA1/2 carriers identified at a public hospital and a tertiary cancer center. We asked participants if each first- and second-degree relative was aware of their BRCA1/2 results and whether or not each relative had tested. Generalized estimating equations identified rates and predictors of family communication and testing. Participants disclosed their test results to 73 % of 606 eligible relatives and 31 % of 514 eligible relatives tested. Communication and testing rates were similar for relatives of participants from the public hospital and the tertiary cancer center. Hospital site was not a significant predictor of either result disclosure or relative uptake of testing. African American and Asian/Pacific Islander participants were significantly less likely to disclose their results to their relatives; relatives of African American participants were significantly less likely to test. Addressing these disparities will require further research into the best ways to facilitate family communication and counsel at-risk relatives of racially and socioeconomically diverse BRCA1/2 mutation carriers.     

On the Domain of Metaphilosophy

This article argues for four interrelated claims: (i) Metaphilosophy is not one sub‐discipline of philosophy, nor is it restricted to questions of methodology. Rather, metaphilosophical inquiry encompasses the general background conditions of philosophical practice. (ii) These background conditions are of various sorts, not only those routinely considered “philosophical” but also those considered biographical, historical, and sociological. Accordingly, we should be wary of the customary distinction between what is proper (internal) and merely contingent (external) to philosophy. (iii) “What is philosophy?” is best understood as a practical question concerning how members of different philosophical sub‐communities identify what is pertinent to their respective activities and self‐conceptions. (iv) Given (i)–(iii), understanding what philosophy is requires us to take more seriously the social‐institutional dimension of contemporary philosophical practice.     

Patient Motivation, Satisfaction, and Coping in Genetic Counseling and Testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2

Women with a strong family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer can now have genetic testing, that may identify mutations associated with increased cancer predisposition. Within the context of a clinical trial evaluating printed educational materials, we examined motivation, satisfaction, coping, and perceptions of genetic counseling and testing among 159 women who underwent pretest counseling and made a testing decision. Ninety-six percent of the participants elected to have BRCA1/2 testing. When making a decision about genetic testing, study participants were concerned less about the potential negative effects that could result from testing than the potential benefits. After counseling, participants said that they felt better able to make decisions that were right for them and that their questions and concerns were adequately addressed during the session. Ninety-five percent of the women were satisfied with their test decision. Participants used a range of strategies to cope with thoughts and feelings about cancer and/or genetic testing immediately following test decision. Results suggest that the genetic counseling session helped women make decisions about testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2, even in the setting of a trial in which all women also received detailed educational materials. Further, the results indicate that future research focusing on perceptions of risks and benefits of testing and of coping strategies immediately following test decision may be warranted.     

生涯决策中的优柔寡断

优柔寡断是跨领域地长期体验到决策困难的一般倾向, 对个人的职业生涯决策和发展的很多方面产生影响, 近年来成为职业生涯心理学中的研究热点。与优柔寡断相关的概念较多, 有必要探讨它们的中文翻译及其在生涯决策领域相关概念体系中的位置。在整理分析了优柔寡断的特点、理论解释、研究方法及相关研究后, 提出未来值得深入研究的方向是：优柔寡断的结构, 其在动态情境下对决策的影响, 其前因变量研究和纵向研究。     

Trainees with Competence Problems in the Professionalism Domain

Increasingly, professionalism has been recognized as a core competency for health service professionals and is the domain in which vexing competence problems are observed in trainees. We begin by describing manifestations of problems of professionalism in accord with the values that fall within the rubric of this multifaceted construct. We provide an approach for evaluating problems of professionalism and discuss intervention for trainees with mild, moderate, or severe problems in this domain. We propose implications for training focused on enhancing the culture of programs; bolstering the education, guidance, and mentoring provided related to professionalism; and encouraging best practices for addressing trainees with problems of professionalism. We conclude by sharing ideas about defining professionalism, identifying problems of professionalism, strengthening our approach to assessing professionalism and intervening when problems are evident, developing strategies for preventing professionalism problems, and ensuring that psychologists take seriously their responsibility to address professionalism concerns with colleagues.     

Experience of Norwegian Female BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutation-Carrying Participants in Educational Support Groups: a Qualitative Study

Women identified as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers are advised to manage their cancer risk through intensive screening programs and/or by undergoing risk-reducing surgery. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of female BRCA1/2 mutation carriers living with cancer risk and their experiences with participation in educational support groups (ESG). This qualitative study enrolled 17 (10 + 7) ESG participants in two different ESGs. The focus group interviews were performed immediately prior to and following two ESGs. The data were analyzed using John Knodel’s (1993) practical approach. Three main themes were identified; the women’s expectation and experience with ESG, the feeling of loneliness and isolation, and the feelings of living with “something else.” In this paper we have focused on one of the main themes- the women’s expectation and experience with ESG. This main theme presents four subthemes: the women’s need for unambiguous, clear and unified information from health professionals, the need for social support, the important role of the patient representative, and increased knowledge potentially raising concern. Participation in an ESG for women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations can provide relevant information and support in the decision-making process related to risk-reducing surgery.     

Properties in a Contingentist's Domain

This article attempts to make sense of property contingentism, the view that the metaphysical nature of properties is contingent. That is, it is contingent whether properties are universals or tropes or some other kind of entity. The article argues that even if one thinks that necessities are exhausted by conceptual truths and a posteriori necessities, the sort of methodology that can lead one to endorse contingentism in various domains in metaphysics does not give us good grounds to suppose that the nature of properties is contingent.     

铲除医学领域的伪科学

简要回顾几年来关于医学庸俗化的学术讨论明确提出应从本质上对前科学、科学、伪科学和反科学这四个相关概念加以区分。医学庸俗化现象事实上包括伪科学和反科学两种既相联系、相区别的社会现象。指出“法轮功”是反科学而不是伪科学。医学中伪科学包括在基础医学１临床医学、临床药物不,乃至卫生管理领域弄虚作假,欺世盗名,违背科学,图财害命的百法行径。医学中的反科学则包括邪教活动、巫医神汉、预卜吉凶等迷信破坏活动。     

生态领域中的价值观念冲突

把生态问题提升到文化哲学高度来考察 ,需要探讨一些深层次的理论问题。其中 ,生态问题上的价值观念冲突值得我们关注。本文拟对这些冲突进行梳理、研究 ,以期在更广阔的理论视野来把握生态环境问题。1.生态文明与市场文明的冲突文化哲学把生态文明提升为人类文明发展的一个必经的阶段。以往的人类历史可以划分为两个阶段 :自然因素占主导地位的社会与社会历史因素占主导地位的社会。前者是工业革命出现之前的诸社会 ;后者是从工业革命到现在为止的社会。前者基本上不存在今天那种大规模危害到人类生存的全球生态环境问题 ;后者则由于科学技…     

Learning Strategies and Transfer in the Domain of Programming

We report two studies involving an intelligent tutoring system for Lisp (the Camegie Mellon University Lisp Tutor). In Experiment 1, we developed a model, based on production system theories of transfer and analogical problem solving, that accounts for effects of instructional examples, the transfer of cognitive skills across programming problems, and practice effects. In Experiment 2, we analyzed protocols collected from subjects as they processed instructional texts and examples before working with the Lisp Tutor and protocols collected after subjects solved each programming problem. The results suggest that the acquisition of cognitive skills is facilitated by high degrees of metacognition, which includes higher degrees of monitoring states of knowledge, more self-generated explanation goals and strategies, and greater attention to the instructional structure. Improvement in skill acquisition is also strongly related to the generation of explanations connecting the example material to the abstract terms introduced in the text, the generation of explanations that focus on the novel concepts, and spending more time in planning diminishing returns. Finally, reflection on problem solutions that focus on understanding the abstractions underlying programs or that focus on understanding how programs work seems to be related to improved learning.