A Bayesian sequential design with binary outcome

Several researchers have proposed solutions to control type I error rate in sequential designs. The use of Bayesian sequential design becomes more common; however, these designs are subject to inflation of the type I error rate. We propose a Bayesian sequential design for binary outcome using an alpha‐spending function to control the overall type I error rate. Algorithms are presented for calculating critical values and power for the proposed designs. We also propose a new stopping rule for futility. Sensitivity analysis is implemented for assessing the effects of varying the parameters of the prior distribution and maximum total sample size on critical values. Alpha‐spending functions are compared using power and actual sample size through simulations. Further simulations show that, when total sample size is fixed, the proposed design has greater power than the traditional Bayesian sequential design, which sets equal stopping bounds at all interim analyses. We also find that the proposed design with the new stopping for futility rule results in greater power and can stop earlier with a smaller actual sample size, compared with the traditional stopping rule for futility when all other conditions are held constant. Finally, we apply the proposed method to a real data set and compare the results with traditional designs.     

A simulation study of methods for selecting subgroup‐specific doses in phase 1 trials

Patient heterogeneity may complicate dose‐finding in phase 1 clinical trials if the dose‐toxicity curves differ between subgroups. Conducting separate trials within subgroups may lead to infeasibly small sample sizes in subgroups having low prevalence. Alternatively,it is not obvious how to conduct a single trial while accounting for heterogeneity. To address this problem,we consider a generalization of the continual reassessment method on the basis of a hierarchical Bayesian dose‐toxicity model that borrows strength between subgroups under the assumption that the subgroups are exchangeable. We evaluate a design using this model that includes subgroup‐specific dose selection and safety rules. A simulation study is presented that includes comparison of this method to 3 alternative approaches,on the basis of nonhierarchical models,that make different types of assumptions about within‐subgroup dose‐toxicity curves. The simulations show that the hierarchical model‐based method is recommended in settings where the dose‐toxicity curves are exchangeable between subgroups. We present practical guidelines for application and provide computer programs for trial simulation and conduct.     

Colorful Disclosures: Identifying Identity-Based Differences and Enhancing Critical Consciousness in Supervision

ABSTRACT

Managing microaggressions and marginalizing experiences while negotiating the ongoing oppression that occurs in micro, mezzo, and macro settings can be particularly challenging for clinicians of color. Thus, supervision with clinicians of color must include affirmation, empowerment, and exploration of the intracultural/intercultural dynamics inherent in the treatment-providing process and clinical supervision. Through case studies, autoethnographic studies of our supervision experiences, and interviews with supervisors and supervisees, we reflect on how axes of identity, including race, power, and privilege, inform practitioners’ clinical lenses and affect their vulnerability in treatment and the clinical supervision dyad. Special attention is placed on the clinical supervisor–clinician–client triad (the triple process) and the interpersonal dynamics of cultural sensitivity, cultural humility, and authentic responsiveness that supervisors aim to model and cultivate in the supervisory relationship. In addition to sustaining clinical growth for clinicians of color, adding this level of complexity to supervision supports equity in direct clinical practice, enhancing efficacy outcomes for clients and communities. Recommendations and pedagogical strategies are offered to support supervisors in initiating difficult dialogues and shifting the paradigm to promote this transformational perspective.     

“预制语块”在以元认知理论为指导的大学英语写作教学中的应用

在对“预制语块”、元认知理论的内涵进行分析的基础上,结合目前高校大学英语写作教学的特点,探讨了“预制语块”在以元认知理论为指导的大学英语写作教学中的应用。     

外语教学法及其在大学公共俄语教学中的应用

外语教学法流派众多,各教学法各有所长,也各有弊端。我们要依据大学公共俄语教学阶段和课型来选用主体教学方法,博采众长,综合运用外语教学法,同时兼顾其他影响因素,将极大地提高外语教学效果,达到大学公共俄语教学人才培养的目标。     

长笛演奏技巧在《卡门主题幻想曲》中的应用

《卡门》是法国作曲家比才的著名歌剧之一。由F·伯尔纳改编的《卡门主题幻想曲》是一首具有高难度演奏技巧的长笛作品,长笛的各种演奏技巧在作品中得到了充分展示,体现出长笛演奏技巧的独特魅力和《卡门主题幻想曲》的艺术感染力。     

自贡市国际科技合作与交流人才英语应用能力的调查分析

科技的国际交流与合作越来越广泛,科技全球化促使英语应用能力成为科技工作人员的必备技能。掌握、精通英语成为面向世界、参与国际间竞争的基础。为了适应全球化发展,调查自贡市国际科技合作与交流人才英语应用能力,分析其现状并针对存在的问题提出相应对策迫在眉睫。培养具备英语应用能力的科技人才,加快国际合作与人才交流,对于促进自贡市的国际科技合作与交流,发挥自贡市的科研优势以及促进自贡市的发展有着积极而深远的意义。     

Unifying CRM and EWOC designs for phase I cancer clinical trials

The main goal of phase I cancer clinical trials is to determine the highest dose of a new therapy associated with an acceptable level of toxicity for the use in a subsequent phase II trial. The continual reassessment method (CRM) [O’Quigley, J., Pepe, M., Fisher, L., 1990. Continual reassessment method: a practical design for phase I clinical trials in cancer. Biometrics 46, 33–48] and escalation with overdose control (EWOC) [Babb, J., Rogatko, A., Zacks, S., 1998. Cancer phase I clinical trials: efficient dose escalation with overdose control. Statist. Med. 17 (10), 1103–1120] are two model-based designs used for phase I cancer clinical trials. A few modifications of the (original) CRM and EWOC have been made by many authors. In this paper, we show how CRM and EWOC can be unified and present a hybrid design. We study the characteristics of the approach of the hybrid design. The comparisons of the three designs (CRM, EWOC, and the hybrid design) are presented by convergence rates and overdose proportions. The simulation results show that the hybrid design generally has faster convergence rates than EWOC and smaller overdose proportions than CRM, especially when the true maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is above the mid-level of the dose range considered. The performance of these three designs is also evaluated in terms of sensitivity to outliers.     

刍议社会科学应用对策研究

社会科学应用对策研究作为社会科学研究服务经济社会发展的重要方面和领域,其最重要的特征是提出干预社会发展的观点、思路和建议。在应用对策研究中,研究者要对问题有敏感性,注重实际的调研和与实际部门相结合,注重研究的学科范式的应用和综合研究方法,应当在坚持鲜明的基本价值取向的前提下,根据社会发展的需要和满足社会成员发展需求的标准,提出具体的对策建议。     

汉语中军事用语的隐喻表达

当语言使用者认识到两种事物之间的差别,或者语言中存在着现成的词语或表达法,为了获得更好的交际效果,会选择使用现存事物来谈论另一事物.文章通过归纳军事用语在政治、经济、文化、体育四个领域的隐喻表达,探讨了军事用语隐喻的应用对社会各领域产生的影响,分析了军事用语隐喻应用广泛的主客观原因.