Non parametric Bayesian analysis of the two-sample problem with censoring

Testing for differences between two groups is a fundamental problem in statistics, and due to developments in Bayesian non parametrics and semiparametrics there has been renewed interest in approaches to this problem. Here we describe a new approach to developing such tests and introduce a class of such tests that take advantage of developments in Bayesian non parametric computing. This class of tests uses the connection between the Dirichlet process (DP) prior and the Wilcoxon rank sum test but extends this idea to the DP mixture prior. Here tests are developed that have appropriate frequentist sampling procedures for large samples but have the potential to outperform the usual frequentist tests. Extensions to interval and right censoring are considered and an application to a high-dimensional data set obtained from an RNA-Seq investigation demonstrates the practical utility of the method.     

Detection and management of mood disorders in the maternity setting: The Australian Clinical Practice Guidelines

BackgroundMood disorders arising in the perinatal period (conception to the first postnatal year), occur in up to 13% of women. The adverse impact of mood disorders on mother, infant and family with potential long-term consequences are well documented. There is a need for clear, evidence-based, guidelines for midwives and other maternity care providers.AimTo describe the process undertaken to develop the Australian Clinical Practice Guidelines for Depression and Related Disorders in the Perinatal Period and to highlight the key recommendations and their implications for the maternity sector.MethodUsing NHMRC criteria, a rigorous systematic literature review was undertaken synthesising the evidence used to formulate graded guideline recommendations. Where there was insufficient evidence for recommendations, Good Practice Points were formulated. These are based on lower quality evidence and/or expert consensus.FindingsThe quality of the evidence was good in regards to the use of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and psychological interventions, but limited as regards medication use and safety perinatally. Recommendations were made for staff training in psychosocial assessment; universal screening for depression across the perinatal period; and the use of evidence based psychological interventions for mild to moderate depression postnatally. Good Practice Points addressed the use of comprehensive psychosocial assessment – including risk to mother and infant, and consideration of the mother–infant interaction – and gave advice around the use and safety of psychotropic medications in pregnancy and breastfeeding. In contrast to their international counterparts, the Australian guidelines emphasize a more holistic, woman and family centred approach to the management of mental health and mood disorders in the perinatal setting.ConclusionThe development of these Guidelines is a first step in translating evidence into practice and providing Australian midwives and other maternity care providers with clear guidance on the psychosocial management of women and families.     

论理性系统的层次结构和复杂性

不同哲学家分别从理性的不同层次对理性进行解读。这种单向度的理论,虽不能反映出理性的整体性,但表明人类理性具有一定层次性。不同层次理性对材料进行加工和创造依赖于主体各自的价值标准和选择意向;不同层次的价值标准和选择意向的冲突表明不同理性层次之间具有复杂性;理性的复杂性产生于理性系统跨越层次的相干关系。揭示理性系统层次结构和复杂性,对于理清技术（工具）理性与交往理性等价值理性的关系脉络,把握整体性的理性思想和学科之间的关系,挖掘新的认识具有重大意义。     

浅析转型期公共风险的内在规定性

当前,我国正处于经济转轨和社会转型时期,社会的经济结构、政治环境、思想文化仍处于激烈的变动之中,而各种不确定因素的相互作用,必然会引发许多潜在的或现实的矛盾和冲突,给国家和地方政府带来种种不确定的公共风险,本文根据相关理论自定义"公共风险",并研究它的内涵及特性。同时指出地方政府进行公共风险防控的重要性,为地方政府预防和控制公共风险的分析研究提供重要的理论依据。