Dependence maps: Local dependence in practice

There is often more structure in the way two random variables are associated than a single scalar dependence measure, such as correlation, can reflect. Local dependence functions such as that of Holland and Wang (1987) are, therefore, useful. However, it can be argued that estimated local dependence functions convey information that is too detailed to be easily interpretable. We seek to remedy this difficulty, and hence make local dependence a more readily interpretable practical tool, by introducing dependence maps. Via local permutation testing, dependence maps simplify the estimated local dependence structure between two variables by identifying regions of (significant) positive, (not significant) zero and (significant) negative local dependence. When viewed in conjunction with an estimate of the joint density, a comprehensive picture of the joint behaviour of the variables is provided. A little theory, many implementational details and several examples are given.     

Tests for cycling in a signalling pathway

Summary.  Cellular signalling pathways, mediating receptor activity to nuclear gene activation, are generally regarded as feed forward cascades. We analyse measured data of a partially observed signalling pathway and address the question of possible feed-back cycling of involved biochemical components between the nucleus and cytoplasm. First we address the question of cycling in general, starting from basic assumptions about the system. We reformulate the problem as a statistical test leading to likelihood ratio tests under non-standard conditions. We find that the modelling approach without cycling is rejected. Afterwards, to differentiate two different transport mechanisms within the nucleus, we derive the appropriate dynamical models which lead to two systems of ordinary differential equations. To compare both models we apply a statistical testing procedure that is based on bootstrap distributions. We find that one of both transport mechanisms leads to a dynamical model which is rejected whereas the other model is satisfactory.     

The stress of driving: A diary study

A study of daily behaviours and feelings while driving was carried out with a sample of drivers to ascertain driving stress levels and changes in these as a function of time of day and day of the week. The analysis of responses to a specially designed diary/checklist showed that drivers experience more stress in the evening than in the morning, and in mid-week than either at the beginning or end of the week. Daily driving stress varies with age and experience as well as with health condition and sleep quality. It is also related to driving conditions and depends upon people's overall perception of driving as a stressful activity.     

Sample size choice for reliability verification in strength-stress models

This paper discusses the choice of sample size for experiments concerned with inference on R = P(Y < X), where X and Y are normal variates, in an acceptance-sampling-theory framework. A conservative approach is derived, and the properties of this solution examined by simulation.     

Time demands on families: Is there a bottom line?

As families continue to adapt to interpersonal and marketplace pressures, time available for household production is becoming scarce. The purpose of the study reported here is to explore the utility of regional economic analyses in determining minimal levels of household production as measured in terms of time. The results provide a minimum family time required in the long term of approximately 35 hours per week and a short term requirement of 2 hours per week. Theoretical frameworks used in family science are integrated in the discussion to explain these findings.Pamela N. Olson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and Family Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131. Her current research interests are family member time-use and families in debt. She completed her Ph.D. at Oregon State University.James J. Ponzetti, Jr. received his Ph.D. from Oregon State University. He is currently an Assistant Professor in Family Studies in the Department of Home Economics, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA 98926. His current research interests include divorce, loneliness, and family planning.Geraldine I. Olson is Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director, Family Resource Management, College of Home Economics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97131. She completed her Ph.D. at The Ohio State University and current research interests include family member time-use, assessing managerial activities, and factors which influence the substitution of marketplace goods with household production.     

Divorced Parents’ Qualitative and Quantitative Reports of Children's Living Arrangements

We use data from a sample of divorced parents in Wisconsin (N = 1,392) to examine how parents describe their children's living arrangements. When the children spend substantial time in both parents’ homes, both parents are less likely to use the phrase live with to describe living arrangements. When children spend most nights with their mother, mothers are more likely than fathers to state that the children live with their mother. Together, these findings suggest that family researchers no longer can rely on simple questions to capture complex living arrangements. We need clearer and more careful question wording and, in some instances, follow‐up questions to accurately describe where children live.     

Second order asymptotic and non-asymptotic optimality properties of combined tests

Let p independent test statistics be available to test a null hypothesis concerned with the same parameter. The p are assumed to be similar tests. Asymptotic and non-asymptotic optimality properties of combined tests are studied. The asymptotic study centers around two notions. The first is Bahadur efficiency. The second is based on a notion of second order comparisons. The non-asymptotic study is concerned with admissibility questions. Most of the popular combining methods are considered along with a method not studied in the past. Among the results are the following: Assume each of the p statistics has the same Bahadur slope. Then the combined test based on the sum of normal transforms, is asymptotically best among all tests studied, by virtue of second order considerations. Most of the popular combined tests are inadmissible for testing the noncentrality parameter of chi-square, t, and F distributions. For chi-square a combined test is offered which is admissible, asymptotically optimal (first order), asymptotically optimal (second order) among all tests studied, and for which critical values are obtainable in special cases. Extensions of the basic model are given.     

Ego strength and achievement motivation in pathological gamblers

This paper argues that there area priori reasons to extract measures of ego strength and achievement motivation from the psychometric data base routinely collected from inpatient pathological gambers in order to clarify the meaning of these constructs and to evaluate their roles in personality organization. A sample of 57 subjects engaged in an inpatient treatment program for pathological gamblers was studied using Barron's Ego Strength Scale (ES) from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and two measures of achievement motivation from the California Personality Inventory, Achievement via Conformance (Ac) and Achievement via Independence (Ai). Compared to the standardization group norms on these instruments, pathological gamblers are significantly deficient in both ego strength and one type of achievement motivation, Ac. Clinical impressions of gamblers in treatment suggest that narcissistic characteristics are a major problem in treatment and that future research should attempt further detailed studies of ego structure in order to refine treatment objectives.     

Behavioral quality assurance: a transforming experience

The captains of the health care industry are leading a transformation in health care. Increasing numbers of physician executives are acquiring the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential to both the science and the art of management. If they wish to practice the art of management at a high professional level, however, physician executives must be willing to experiment with their behavior in interactions. Change and growth in this aspect of human nature will also bring them face-to-face with their self-images. More important, attention throughout an organization to behavior toward one another will have a significant bearing on the quality of the organization's services to clients.