Extending the Debate Between Spearman and Wilson 1929: When do Single Variables Optimally Reproduce the Common Part of the Observed Covariances?

The covariances of observed variables reproduced from conventional factor score predictors are generally not the same as the covariances reproduced from the common factors. We sought to find a factor score predictor that optimally reproduces the common part of the observed covariances. It was found algebraically that—under some conditions—the single observed variable with highest loading on a factor reproduces the non-diagonal elements of the observed covariance matrix more exactly than the conventional factor score predictors. This finding is linked to Spearman's and Wilson's 1929 debate on the use of single variables as factor score predictors. A population-based and a sample-based simulation study confirmed the algebraic result that taking a single variable can outperform conventional factor score predictors in reproducing the non-diagonal covariances when the nonzero loading size and the number of nonzero loadings per factor are small. The results indicated that a weighted aggregation of variables does not necessarily lead to an improvement of the score over the variable with the highest loading.     

On the Mathematical Relationship Between Latent Change Score and Autoregressive Cross-Lagged Factor Approaches: Cautions for Inferring Causal Relationship Between Variables

The present paper focuses on the relationship between latent change score (LCS) and autoregressive cross-lagged (ARCL) factor models in longitudinal designs. These models originated from different theoretical traditions for different analytic purposes, yet they share similar mathematical forms. In this paper, we elucidate the mathematical relationship between these models and show that the LCS model is reduced to the ARCL model when fixed effects are assumed in the slope factor scores. Additionally, we provide an applied example using height and weight data from a gerontological study. Throughout the example, we emphasize caution in choosing which model (ARCL or LCS) to apply due to the risk of obtaining misleading results concerning the presence and direction of causal precedence between two variables. We suggest approaching model specification not only by comparing estimates and fit indices between the LCS and ARCL models (as well as other models) but also by giving appropriate weight to substantive and theoretical considerations, such as assessing the justifiability of the assumption of random effects in the slope factor scores.     

地佐辛混合液对预防腭咽成形术苏醒期不良反应观察

比较应用芬太尼和地佐辛在预防腭咽成形术苏醒期,因疼痛以及口咽部呼吸道梗阻引起的患者躁动,恶心呕吐等不良反应情况,寻找最佳药物以及方法组合。200例美国麻醉师协会（ASA）分级I级～Ⅱ级患者,随机分为A、B、C、D四组,给药时间均为手术结束前15分钟,A组：单次静注芬太尼0．1μg·kg^-1;B组单次静注地佐辛0．1mg·kg^-1;C组单次静注地佐辛0．1mg·kg^-1＋氟哌利多2．5mg;D组单次静注地佐辛0．1mg·kg^-1＋氟哌利多2．5mg＋伤口涂抹复方利多卡因乳膏。记录患者苏醒时间,拔管后呼吸抑制,恶心呕吐等情况。结果D组出现恶心呕吐、头痛头晕例数明显少于A、B、C三组（P〈o．05）。手术结束前15分钟单次静注地佐辛O．1mg·kg^-1＋氟哌利多2．5mg＋伤口涂抹复方利多卡因乳膏,对于有效预防腭咽成形术苏醒期疼痛、恶心呕吐、头痛以及躁动是有效的。     

急性冠脉综合征患者血液Rho激酶活性分析

探讨 Rho 激酶（ROCK）活性与急性冠脉综合征（ACS）患者冠状动脉狭窄程度及预后的关系。选取2012年6月至2013年3月住院的129例患者,其中急性心肌梗死（AMI）组68例、不稳定型心绞痛（UA）组30例、对照（CON ）组31例。Western Blot 检测血液白细胞中 ROCK 、ROCK1、ROCK2活性,同时根据冠状动脉的狭窄程度及是否发生心血管意外分组再次比较。 AMI 组和 UA 组 ROCK 、ROCK1、ROCK2活性均增高;且 AMI 组高于 UA 组;三支、双支、单支病变组活性依次减低,Gensini 评分≥20分组及发生心血管意外组均高于 Gensini 评分＜20分组及未发生心血管意外组,差异均有统计学意义（P＜0．05）。 ROCK 活性可能对 ACS 患者预后观察、评估有重要意义。     

A comparative evaluation of factor- and component-based structural equation modelling approaches under (in)correct construct representations

Structural equation modelling (SEM) has evolved into two domains, factor-based and component-based, dependent on whether constructs are statistically represented as common factors or components. The two SEM domains are conceptually distinct, each assuming their own population models with either of the statistical construct proxies, and statistical SEM approaches should be used for estimating models whose construct representations correspond to what they assume. However, SEM approaches have often been evaluated and compared only under population factor models, providing misleading conclusions about their relative performance. This is partly because population component models and their relationships have not been clearly formulated. Also, it is of fundamental importance to examine how robust SEM approaches can be to potential misrepresentation of constructs because researchers may often lack clear theories to determine whether a factor or component is more representative of a given construct. Addressing these issues, this study begins by clarifying several population component models and their relationships and then provides a comprehensive evaluation of four SEM approaches – the maximum likelihood approach and factor score regression for factor-based SEM as well as generalized structured component analysis (GSCA) and partial least squares path modelling (PLSPM) for component-based SEM – under various experimental conditions. We confirm that the factor-based SEM approaches should be preferred for estimating factor models, whereas the component-based SEM approaches should be chosen for component models. Importantly, the component-based approaches are generally more robust to construct misrepresentation than the factor-based ones. Of the component-based approaches, GSCA should be chosen over PLSPM, regardless of whether or not constructs are misrepresented.     

Examining methodological variation in response inhibition: The effects of outcome measures and task characteristics on age-related differences

This study addressed methodological issues common to developmental studies on response inhibition. Age-related differences were investigated using two Stroop-like tasks with different levels of complexity and comparing different outcome measures in a sample of 340 children and adolescents aged 7–15 years. First, speed and accuracy of task performance were examined; the results showing that improvement in speed continued until age 13 in both the basic naming task and the two inhibition tasks. Improvement in accuracy was less consistent and continued until age 9 or 13 years. Second, two different algorithms were employed to control for the effects of basic processes in inhibition tasks. The difference algorithm indicated age-related differences similar to those for speed. The ratio algorithm, however, suggested earlier deceleration of development of response inhibition at 9 or 11 years of age. Factors related to the cognitive requirements and presented stimuli also had an effect on the results. The present findings shed light on the inconsistencies in the developmental studies of response inhibition and demonstrated that the selection of outcome measures and task characteristics are critical because they affect the way development is depicted.     

BODE指数评价慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者戒烟效果的研究

采用BODE评分系统评价慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)患者的戒烟效果.248例吸烟的稳定期COPD患者进行随机分组,一组除常规治疗外给予戒烟干预(即戒烟组),一组给予常规治疗(即对照组).所有患者在入组时和观察结束时均给予肺功能检测、六分钟步行试验(6MWT)、呼吸困难评分(mMRC)、测量身高和体重,观察各指标的变化情况.至1年观察结束时,戒烟组和对照组在BMI(26.70±3.74 vs.25.17±3.63)、FEV1％pred (50.29±12.54 vs.46.68±15.37)、mMRC(1.64±0.90 vs.2.53±1.07)、6MWD(306.84±27.71 vs.257.84士30.34)方面分别比较,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05);戒烟组患者研究结束时除FEV1％ pred之外,其余观察指标BMI(26.70±3.74 vs.23.11±3.51)、mMRC (1.64士0.90 vs.2.18士0.91)、6MWD(306.84±27.71 vs.281.15±32.40)与基线值比较均有所改善(P＜0.05);对照组患者研究结束时除BMI之外,其余观察指标FEV1％ pred(46.68±15.37 vs.51.91±17.22)、mMRC(2.53士1.07 vs.2.01±0.97)、6MWD(257.84±309.34 vs.285.14±30.98)与基线值相比均有所下降(P＜0.05).COPD患者戒烟后其BODE评分系统中包括体重指数、肺功能指标、呼吸困难程度和运动能力在内的各个因素均得到一定程度的改善,生活质量显著提高.     

The Flynn effect,group differences,and g loadings

Flynn effect gains are predominantly driven by environmental factors. Might these factors also be responsible for group differences in intelligence? Group differences in intelligence have been clearly shown to strongly correlate with g loadings. The empirical studies on whether the pattern of Flynn effect gains is the same as the pattern of group differences yield conflicting findings. We present new evidence on the topic using a number of datasets from the US and the Netherlands. Score gains and g loadings showed a small negative average correlation. The general picture is now that there is a small, negative correlation between g loadings and Flynn effect gains. It appears that the Flynn effect and group differences have different causes.     

Personality trait change and life satisfaction in adults: The roles of age and hedonic balance

This paper examines whether changes in personality traits influenced life satisfaction (LS). This involved investigating whether these associations were moderated by age and mediated by hedonic balance (i.e., positive and negative affect). Participants included 11,104 Australian adults aged 18–79 years, with data available from two time points (baseline and 4-year follow up). Latent difference score modeling indicated that increased neuroticism was associated with lower LS, whereas increased extraversion, conscientiousness, and agreeableness were associated with higher LS. These relationships were moderated by age, and were less evident in older adults. Hedonic balance partially mediated the relationships between change in neuroticism and extraversion with LS. These findings provide important insights into longitudinal associations between personality change and LS.