What are the causes of reduced fit in scaling and clustering studies of semantic proximity data, and how else to measure them: A comment on Storms et al. (2003).

G. Storms, T. Dirikx, J. Saerens, S. Verstraeten, and P. P. De Deyn (2003) noted that the goodness-of-fit indices for scaling and clustering solutions of proximity data from populations with hypothesized semantic deficits tend to be reduced in comparison with control participants, and that this precludes an unambiguous interpretation of such data. However, this effect is not necessarily as inconsistent with the proposal of semantic degradation in these groups, or as consistent with explanations in terms of access or attentional problems, as is suggested by G. Storms et al. Also, although performance on word fluency tasks is certainly constrained by the ability to access stored information, there are ways in which this confounding influence may be controlled for in the study of semantic deficits. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Ras-p21,p53在阴茎癌腹股沟淋巴结中的表达及临床意义

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and clinical significance of ras-p21 and p53proteins in inguinal lymph nodes with penis carcinoma. Methods: The clinical data of 44 patients of penis (squamous) carcinoma and 40 non-tumor patients from 1990 to 2002 in our hospital were added to our research, 84 inguinal lymph nodes were got by lymph node biopsy from each patient at random. Pathological examination showed that 18 cases of cancer group were metastatic carcinoma as group A, the other 26 cases were inflammatory affection as group B. 20 cases of non-tumor group were nonspecific inflammatory inguinal lymph nodes as group C and the other 20 cases were normal lymph nodes as group D, all the 84 cases in our research were investigated by immunohistochemistry to detect the expression of ras-p21 and p53protein. Results: Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the expression of as-p21 and p53 protein were significantly higher in cancer group A (88.89%, 72.22%) and B (30.77%, 23.08%) than in control group C (5%, 0%) and group D (0%, 0%.). The expression of two proteins showed significant differences between group A and group B (P ＜ 0.01), and no significant differences between group B and group C (P ＞ 0.05). The expression of two proteins showed significant difference between group A and control group (C + D) (P ＜ 0.01). The expression of two proteins showed significant differences between cases of cancer groups (A + B) and control groups (C + D) (P ＜ 0.01). Significant differences were showed between group (A + B) and group D with the expression of ras-p21 and p53 (P ＜ 0.01). The expression of ras-p21 and p53 in three different differentiated groups were G1 (well-differentiated) group: (22.73%, 13.64%), G2 (moderate-differentiated) group: (81.25%, 68.75%), G3 (poorly differentiated) group: (100%, 83.33%). There was significant differences between G1 group and G3 group (P ＜ 0.05), and no significant differences between G1 group and G2 group, G2 group and G3 group (P ＞ 0.05). There was significant differences between three clinical stages with the expression of ras-p21 and p53 (P ＜ 0.05). Conclusion: Ras-p21 and p53 protein werehighly expressed in cancer groups in this study, while, two proteins hardly detected from control groups. If the inflammatory lymph nodes of penile cancer patients show the positive expression of p21 and p53 protein, the inguinal lymph nodes also need dissection, which is important to improve the diagnosis of inguinal lymph node metastasis rate and patient survival of penile cancer. Ras-p21 and p53 protein detection can act an objective indicator of tumor metastasis and prognosis, and also for our treatment of penile cancer in the inguinal lymph node dissection surgery provides determine indicators.     

Things aren't as bad as they seem: A comment on Storms et al. (2003).

G. Storms, T. Dirikx, J. Saerens, S. Verstraeten, and P. P. De Deyn (2003) criticized the use of scaling techniques, in proposing "semantic storage deficits" in Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenic patients in some studies, arguing that most reported multidimensional scaling (MDS) models for patients were not adequately fit and did not differ from models generated by random data. The studies cited by G. Storms et al. were reexamined and all available data relevant to their claim were compared. A more complete review revealed somewhat different conclusions; it showed that many of the MDS models seem to meet the criteria of adequate fit, and it does not seem to support the notion that patients' performance is close to random. Suggestions are made to improve the validity of scaling analysis in neuropsychological studies. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

New directions in the study of semantic deficits: A comment on Storms et al. (2003).

G. Storms, T. Dirikx, J. Saerens, S. Verstaeten, and P. P. De Deyn (2003) have provided an important critique of the use of multidimensional scaling (MDS) to evaluate semantic knowledge in Alzheimer's disease. If MDS is to be used with semantic proximity data (in spite of well-documented reasons for not doing so), at minimum, the issues raised in G. Storms et al. should be considered. A few criticisms of the target article are presented. Then, the manner in which key points from the article, along with a consideration of such factors affecting proximity elicitation as semantic domains, tasks, and the experimental context, could be applied to correct certain shortcomings in the literature are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Peritoneal membrane transport function in children receiving long-term dialysis

Accurate characterization of peritoneal solute transport capacity in children has been hampered by a lack of standardized test mechanics and small patient numbers. A standardized peritoneal equilibration test was used to study 95 pediatric patients (mean age, 9.9 +/- 5.6 yr) receiving chronic peritoneal dialysis at 14 centers. Patients were divided into four age groups (< 1, 1 to 3, 4 to 11, 12 to 19 yr) for analysis. Each patient received a 4-h peritoneal equilibration test with an exchange volume of 1100 mL/m2 per body surface area. Dialysate to plasma (D/P) ratios for creatinine (C) and urea (U) and the ratio of dialysate glucose (G) to initial dialysate glucose concentration (D/D0) were determined. Mass transfer area coefficients (MTAC) were calculated for the three solutes and potassium (P). The mean (+/- SD) 4-h D/P ratios for C and U were 0.64 +/- 0.13 and 0.82 +/- 0.09, respectively. The mean 4-h D/D0 for G was 0.33 +/- 0.10. D/P and D/D0 ratio results were similar across age groups. Normalized (for body surface area) mean MTAC (+/- SD) values were as follows: C, 10.66 +/- 3.74; G, 12.93 +/- 5.02; U, 18.43 +/- 4.02; and P, 14.02 +/- 3.94. Whereas a comparison of the normalized MTAC values across age groups with an analysis of variance showed significant age group differences only for glucose (P = 0.001) and potassium (P = 0.036), analysis by quadratic regression demonstrated a nonlinear decrease with age for C (P = 0.016), G (P < 0.001), and P (P = 0.034). In summary, evaluation of D/P and D/D0 ratios obtained from a large group of children in a standardized manner reveals values that are similar across the pediatric age range and not unlike the results obtained in adults. In contrast, normalized MTAC values of young children are greater than the values of older children, possibly as a result of maturational changes in the peritoneal membrane or differences in the effective peritoneal membrane surface area.     

Taking the thumbs off the multidimensional scales in the debate on semantic memory and Alzheimer's disease: A comment on Storms et al. (2003).

G. Storms, T. Dirikx, J. Saerens, S. Verstraeten, and P. P. De Deyn (2003) bring into focus at least 3 important issues. First, the performance of even simple tasks may be affected by several basic cognitive processes. Second, the statistical variance that these processes contribute to task performance may be different for a group of participants with neuropsychological deficits than for normal control participants. Third, claims regarding the nature of semantic memory in Alzheimer's disease (AD) reflect indeterminacy about the nature and assessment of semantic memory itself. Critically, their analysis suggests that the T. Shallice and E. K. Warrington (1979) criteria widely used to operationalize the semantic memory deficit in AD be carefully scrutinized and reevaluated. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Prediction of dysfunctional job behaviors among law enforcement officers

This study examined the predictability of dysfunctional job behaviors among law enforcement officers using 3 scales (Responsibility, Socialization, and Self-Control) of the California Psychological Inventory (H. G. Gough, 1995) that were hypothesized to assess the construct of conscientiousness, and 3 construct-oriented life history indices (drug use, criminal, work). Law enforcement officers were classified into disciplinary and control groups (n = 109 each), using a matched-case control study design. Mean differences between the 2 criterion groups on the 6 predictor variables were all statistically significant and in the hypothesized direction. The results are discussed in the context of conscientiousness as an explanatory construct, the relationship between life history and personality constructs, and methodological concerns in the development of construct-oriented life history indices.     

M proteins of group G streptococci: mechanisms of resistance to phagocytosis

Group G streptococci that express M protein and resist phagocytosis in human blood (virulent strains) were compared with strains of groups G and A that are readily phagocytosed (avirulent). Virulent group G streptococci were less effective (P < .05) as activators of the alternative complement pathway (ACP) than were avirulent streptococci. In immunofluorescence studies, C3 bound more avidly to avirulent than to virulent group G streptococci. Resistance of virulent group G strains to ACP opsonization and to phagocytosis was markedly diminished by removal with pepsin of the type-specific portion of the M molecule. Preincubation with fibrinogen did not diminish ACP activation or C3 binding by virulent group G and A streptococci but did exert an antiphagocytic effect. Given the similarity of M proteins of groups G and A in structure and function, other microbial constituents are likely responsible for differences in the spectra of illnesses attributable to the two serogroups.     

The influence of interactional semantic patterns on the interpretation of noun–noun compounds.

The CARIN theory (C. L. Gagné & E. J. Shoben, 1997) proposes that people use statistical knowledge about the relations with which modifiers are typically used to facilitate the interpretation of modifier–noun combinations. However, research on semantic patterns in compounding has suggested that regularities tend to be associated with pairings of semantic categories, rather than individual concepts (e.g., P. Maguire, E. J. Wisniewski, & G. Storms, in press; B. Warren, 1978). In the present study, the authors investigated whether people are sensitive to interactional semantic patterns in compounding. Experiment 1 demonstrated that the influence of a given modifier on ease of interpretation varies depending on the semantic category of the head. Experiment 2 demonstrated that the relation preference of the head noun influences ease of interpretation when the semantic category of the modifier is compatible with that preference. In light of these findings, the authors suggest that people are sensitive to how different semantic categories tend to be paired in combination and that this information is used to facilitate the interpretation process. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A comparison of implosive therapy and systematic desensitization in the treatment of test anxiety.

Administered I. G. Sarason's 21-item Test Anxiety Scale as a pre- and posttest measure of the comparative efficacy of 2 techniques for reducing test anxiety in 34 undergraduates. Both desensitization and implosive therapy resulted in significant decreases in scores. However, the desensitization group also demonstrated a significant reduction in state anxiety assessed during simulated testing sessions and a significant increase in GPA, while the implosive therapy group showed no comparable improvement. Results are discussed in relation to a number of conceptual and methodological issues that have received relatively little empirical attention in behavior therapy research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Measurement invariance versus selection invariance: Is fair selection possible?

This article shows that measurement invariance (defined in terms of an invariant measurement model in different groups) is generally inconsistent with selection invariance (defined in terms of equal sensitivity and specificity across groups). In particular, when a unidimensional measurement instrument is used and group differences are present in the location but not in the variance of the latent distribution, sensitivity and positive predictive value will be higher in the group at the higher end of the latent dimension, whereas specificity and negative predictive value will be higher in the group at the lower end of the latent dimension. When latent variances are unequal, the differences in these quantities depend on the size of group differences in variances relative to the size of group differences in means. The effect originates as a special case of Simpson's paradox, which arises because the observed score distribution is collapsed into an accept-reject dichotomy. Simulations show the effect can be substantial in realistic situations. It is suggested that the effect may be partly responsible for overprediction in minority groups as typically found in empirical studies on differential academic performance. A methodological solution to the problem is suggested, and social policy implications are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Peptide-mediated regulation of the allergic immune response

The objective of our study was to investigate if there are abnormalities in signal transducing G proteins in patients with panic disorder. We utilized selective antibodies to quantitate the levels of the G protein alpha subunits that regulate adenylyl cyclase activity (G alpha s and G alpha i2) and phosphoinositide turnover (G alpha q/11) in platelet membranes (and leukocyte membranes for G alpha s), and also carried out pertussis toxin (PT) catalyzed [32P]ADP-ribosylation in platelet membranes from a group of 13 untreated panic disorder patients, 10 untreated social phobia patients, and 12 healthy subjects. There were no significant differences among the three groups in the immunolabeling of G alpha s in platelets or leukocytes, or in the immunolabeling of G alpha i1/2, G alpha q/11, or PT-catalyzed [32P]ADP-ribosylation in platelets. Within the constraints imposed by using peripheral blood cells to reflect brain composition, our results do not provide support for G protein abnormalities in patients with panic disorder. These results contrast with those obtained using identical methodology in bipolar affective disorder, where elevated G alpha s in leukocytes has been reported (Manji et al. 1995).     

"Bilateral neurotoxic amygdala lesions in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta): Consistent pattern of behavior across different social contexts": Correction.

Reports an error in "Bilateral neurotoxic amygdala lesions in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta): Consistent pattern of behavior across different social contexts" by Christopher J. Machado, Nathan J. Emery, John P. Capitanio, William A. Mason, Sally P. Mendoza and David G. Amaral (Behavioral Neuroscience, 2008[Apr], Vol 122[2], 251-266). In the aforementioned article, Table 1 on page 256 was incorrect. The correct table is printed in the erratum. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2008-03769-001.) Although the amygdala has been repeatedly implicated in normal primate social behavior, great variability exists in the specific social and nonsocial behavioral changes observed in nonhuman primates with bilateral amygdala lesions. One plausible explanation pertains to differences in social context. This study measured the social behavior of amygdala-lesioned and unoperated rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) in 2 contexts. Monkeys interacted in 4-member social groups over 32 test days. They were previously assessed in pairs (N. J. Emery et al., 2001) and were therefore familiar with each other at the beginning of this study. Across the 2 contexts, amygdala lesions produced a highly consistent pattern of social behavior. Operated monkeys engaged in more affiliative social interactions with control partners than did controls. In the course of their interactions, amygdala-lesioned monkeys also displayed an earlier decrease in nervous and fearful personality qualities than did controls. The increased exploration and sexual behavior recorded for amygdala-lesioned monkeys in pairs was not found in the 4-member groups. The authors concluded that the amygdala contributes to social inhibition and that this function transcends various social contexts. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Is there madness in the method? A comment on Storms et al. (2003).

G. Storms, T. Dirikx, J. Saerens, S. Verstraeten, and P. De Deyn (2003) offer a critique of multidimensional scaling studies purporting to reveal systematic semantic deficits in Alzheimer's disease and other syndromes which, in contrast to prior claims, demonstrates that patient performance is indiscriminable from random data. The argument is an indictment against the conclusions drawn by previous researchers; but a consideration of the materials used in these studies suggests that the problem may not lie in the method per se, but in poor stimulus design. In all of the similarity judgment tasks reviewed, stimulus items were differentiated solely on the basis of subtle conceptual distinctions of the sort known to be most vulnerable to semantic impairment. Thus, one would not expect systematic responding from semantically impaired patients to begin with. An alternative design is suggested. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Expectation of future treatment, stimulus satiation, and smoking.

Attempted to replicate J. Resnick's (see record 1969-00876-001) study on the effects of stimulus satiation on smoking behavior. Stimulus satiation, minimal treatment, and individual effort groups were compared using expectation or no expectation of future treatment. Results with 48 smokers show significant reductions in smoking for all groups. Results do not support Resnick's findings for stimulus satiation. Procedural and methodological differences between the studies are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Diversifying our understanding of diversity and communication in groups: Dialoguing with Clark, Anand, and Roberson (2000).

M. A. Clark, V. Anand, and L. Roberson's (see record 2000-12222-001) article is a welcome addition to the growing literature on the nature, dynamics, and effects of diversity on small groups. Their model linking diversity with communicative practices and subsequent group and member outcomes provides an important conceptual framework that can help to synthesize existing research and suggest directions for future research. This article notes the contributions and limitations of the proposed model. Concerns are raised about what constitutes diversity, how best to conceptualize communicative behavior in groups, and methodological practices appropriate for studying diverse groups. Alternative conceptual lens and methodological procedures are offered for diversifying the study of diversity and communication in groups to ensure that the process mirrors the desired outcome. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Common methodological problems in research on the addictions.

Among the common methodological problems in research on the addictions are (a) selective, incomplete, or biased reviews of prior research; (b) reliance on inadequate or incomplete diagnostic criteria in choosing Ss; (c) choice of inappropriate comparison groups; (d) use of inadequate alcoholic analogs when alcoholic Ss are unavailable; (e) failure to adequately account for treatment dropouts; (f) unwarranted choice of single-S over group designs and vice versa; (g) failure to ensure that comparably trained, equivalently committed therapists provide both experimental and control treatments; (h) failure to ensure that patients in both experimental and control treatments receive treatments as therapist- and time-intensive; (i) failure to follow patients for adequate lengths of time posttreatment; (j) failure to provide for adequate, multidimensional treatment outcome measures tapping a full range of patient behavior; (k) failure to exercise restraint, scientific modesty, and criticality in reporting results of one's own research; and (l) failure to recognize differences between statistical and clinical significance. (39 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

鸦胆子、丝裂霉素和卡介苗膀胱灌注预防浅表性膀胱癌术后复发的前瞻性临床研究

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects and safety of brucea javanica oil, mitomycin and BCG for preventing postoperative relapse of superficial bladder cancer through perfusion. Methods: From July 2000 to May 2006, 178 patients with primary superficial bladder cancer (Ta-1, G1-2) were divided into three groups after operation in random: 57 pa-tients in group A received perfusion of 60 mL 10% brucea javanica oil, and 66 patients in group B received perfusion of 20 mg mitomycin while 55 patients in group C received perfusion of 120 mg BCG. Eighteen perfusions per patient were carried out regularly a week after operation. Patients were followed up for clinical, analytical and cystoscopic evaluations every 3 months for 2 years. The tumor relapse rates and side effects after treatment were evaluated. Results: The relapse rate was 14.04% (8/57), 34.85% (23/66) and 18.18% (10/55) in group A, B and C respectively. The relapse rate in group A was obviously lower than that in group B (χ2 = 6.17, P < 0.05). Disease free interval in group A was significantly different from that in group B (F = 7.03, P < 0.05). Side effect in group A (12.28%) was observably lower than that in group B (43.94%) and group C (83.64%) (χ2AB = 15.72, P < 0.01; χ2AC = 55.34, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Perfusion of 10% brucea javanica oil after operation is safer and more effective in preventing superficial bladder tumour relapse and worth for popularizing.     

Simultaneous study of individual differences and relationship effects in social behavior in groups.

The behavior of 35 graduate students, divided into 4 experiential training groups as part of a course in group psychotherapy, was observed over 12 weekly meetings to assess whether relationship and individual effects in dyads in groups are associated with specific types of behavior. The authors focused on 2 relevant verbal behaviors for small group settings: self-disclosure and questions asked. Self-disclosure was represented by sharing of personal information with another and by feeling statements; questioning was represented by asking for information or for a specific behavior from another. Self-disclosure comprised 40% and questioning 20% of all behavior coded. Round-robin ANOVAs of total verbal behavior, self-disclosing, and questioning during the 1st 6 wks and the last 6 wks revealed several indications of relationship effects and actor and partner individual difference effects. Results demonstrate that self-disclosing behavior in small groups is a function of the relationships among members in the group, in addition to individual differences in self-disclosing behavior. Findings support the incremental validity of relationship effects as in the study by L. La Voie (unpublished dissertation) and extend the external validity of relationship effects to important social behavior in small group settings. (21 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)