Isotonic Window Estimators of the Baseline Hazard Function in Cox's Regression Model Under Order Restriction

The regression model suggested by Cox (1972) has been widely used in survival analysis with censored observations. We propose isotonic window estimators for a monotone baseline hazard function in the Cox regression model. We prove that these estimators are asymptotically normal. The simulati on results presented in the article suggest that the proposed estimator performs better than several existing estimators in the literature     

Unveiling the Non‐discursivity of the Lifeworld Experience: An Inquiry into the Taken‐for‐Grantedness of the Spousal Sexual World of Hong Kong Chinese Couples*

Although the phenomenological thesis of the lifeworld (Lebenswelt) has posited that the intersubjective experience is largely non‐discursive, sociologists seldom attend to the dimension of non‐discursivity in empirical inquiries. Based on the work of Alfred Schutz, this study first endeavors to explicate that lived experience (Erlebnis) is founded on the non‐discursivity of the lifeworld, that is, the pre‐predicative background expectancies that make possible the everyday life experience. Then, along the Schutzian line of thinking, two novel research techniques—the surface interview and answer‐aire—are designed to delve into the taken‐for‐grantedness of the lifeworld, using the spousal sexual world as a case in point. This study pioneers a way that the structures of the horizon that lie within the unsaid region of the lifeworld become sociologically and scientifically examinable.     

Confounded row–column designs

Confounded row–column designs for factorial experiments are considered and a simple method of construction using the classical method of confounding is described. Partially confounded designs are also studied and a method for generating Rao's (1946) designs is presented.     

Double-blind deconvolution: the analysis of post-synaptic currents in nerve cells

This paper is concerned with the analysis of observations made on a system that is being stimulated at fixed time intervals but where the precise nature and effect of any individual stimulus is unknown. The realized values are modelled as a stochastic process consisting of a random signal embedded in noise. The aim of the analysis is to use the data to unravel the unknown structure of the system and to ascertain the probabilistic behaviour of the stimuli. A method of parameter estimation based on quasi-profile likelihood is presented and the statistical properties of the estimates are established while recognizing that there will be a discrepancy between the model and the true data-generating mechanism. A method of model validation and determination is also advanced and kernel smoothing techniques are proposed as a basis for identifying the amplitude distribution of the stimuli. The data processing techniques described have a direct application to the investigation of excitatory post-synaptic currents recorded from nerve cells in the central nervous system and their use in quantal analysis of such data is illustrated.     

Health Service Utilization and Expenditure of the Elderly in China

Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey, we employed counterfactual propensity score matching to examine the association between income and health service utilization and expenditure of the elderly in China. The results demonstrated that income did not differentiate whether the poor elderly in China visited a doctor when suffering an illness, but their expenditure on medical treatment was significantly associated with income. Subgroup analysis further indicated that the medical demands of female, older, and rural elderly were more likely to be reduced by their income compared with their counterparts.     

The Role of Social Contact in the Experience of Discrimination: Implications for Subjective Health Among Marriage Migrant Women in South Korea

Several studies have found that various social contexts could serve a protective role for minorities facing discrimination. One of these contexts is frequency of social contact, which is known to be positively associated with health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency of social contact with various social groups as a protective factor against the negative association between perceived discrimination and subjective health. Using data from the 2009 Korean National Survey of Multicultural Families, a total of 27,083 marriage migrant women were analyzed via hierarchical multiple regression. After controlling for socio‐demographic factors and Korean proficiency, the experience of discrimination was found to be significantly associated with lower levels of subjective health (B = ?0.22; P < 0.001). More frequent meetings with one's family of origin (B = 0.02; P < 0.01) and in‐laws (B = 0.06; P < 0.001) were associated with higher levels of subjective health, while more frequent meetings with neighbors were negatively associated (B = ?0.02; P < 0.001). More frequent contact with one's family of origin (B = 0.03; P < 0.05), rather than with other groups, such as friends from their country of origin, in‐laws, and neighbors, seemed to reduce the negative influence of discrimination on subjective health.     

Ensuring quality and sustainability in after-school programs

The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education are engaged in a unique public-private partnership that strives to integrate the assets and flexibility of philanthropy with the breadth of a major federal program to support meaningful after-school programs and school-community partnerships for children, youth, families, and communities.     

Culturally Appropriate Career Counseling With Gay and Lesbian Clients

This article details the current knowledge regarding the provision of culturally appropriate career services to gay and lesbian clients. It is divided into 5 parts: history and context for the delivery of career counseling services to gay and lesbian clients, counselor self‐preparation for working with gay and lesbian clients, client‐focused interventions useful for counseling with gay and lesbian clients, program‐focused interventions useful for addressing the special issues that this group presents, and appropriate advocacy or social action interventions. Issues of multiple cultural identities and the intersection of lesbian and gay issues with race and ethnicity are also addressed.     

Career Coaching: Practice,Training, Professional,and Ethical Issues

The authors address the practice, training, professional, and ethical issues of career coaching and propose recommendations regarding the professional organization, training, certification, code of ethics, research, and multicultural issues related to the field.