Handling of missing data in long‐term clinical trials: a case study

Missing data in clinical trials is a well‐known problem, and the classical statistical methods used can be overly simple. This case study shows how well‐established missing data theory can be applied to efficacy data collected in a long‐term open‐label trial with a discontinuation rate of almost 50%. Satisfaction with treatment in chronically constipated patients was the efficacy measure assessed at baseline and every 3 months postbaseline. The improvement in treatment satisfaction from baseline was originally analyzed with a paired t‐test ignoring missing data and discarding the correlation structure of the longitudinal data. As the original analysis started from missing completely at random assumptions regarding the missing data process, the satisfaction data were re‐examined, and several missing at random (MAR) and missing not at random (MNAR) techniques resulted in adjusted estimate for the improvement in satisfaction over 12 months. Throughout the different sensitivity analyses, the effect sizes remained significant and clinically relevant. Thus, even for an open‐label trial design, sensitivity analysis, with different assumptions for the nature of dropouts (MAR or MNAR) and with different classes of models (selection, pattern‐mixture, or multiple imputation models), has been found useful and provides evidence towards the robustness of the original analyses; additional sensitivity analyses could be undertaken to further qualify robustness. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pedophiles in the Ultra-Orthodox Haredi Sector in Israel: Thought Processes Regarding their Actions

ABSTRACT

This study explores thought patterns of Jewish Ashkenazi Ultra-Orthodox pedophiles in Israel and how they resolve the contradiction between their commitment to Jewish Law and having committed sexual offenses against minors. Ten adult men participated in this study. Using open semistructured interviews, their cognitive distortions before, during, and after the abuse were examined. Content analysis revealed that participants used cognitive distortions based on their own world of Jewish Law and social-cultural values. The insular nature of Ultra-Orthodox society and its many prohibitions, especially regarding sexuality, tempted offenders to test boundaries. When sexual drive was high, internal control mechanisms were ineffective even in presence of external control mechanisms. Some participants recognized the contradiction between their behaviors and being Ultra-Orthodox Jews, and others did not. Based on the findings, a flow chart was devised describing the cognitive processes of Jewish Ultra-Orthodox pedophiles. Theoretical and practical implications of the results were examined.     

Maternal Sensitivity and Infant Emotional Reactivity

SUMMARY

Although the construct of infant reactivity is thought to be a temperamental dimension, investigators have been interested in the relation between emotional reactivity and maternal behaviors. In this study, infants' emotional reactivity to frustrating stimuli and maternal sensitivity and intrusiveness were observed at 5 and 10 months of age. Cluster analysis of infants' emotional expressions revealed three patterns of expressive behavior emerged at both ages: (1) frequent anger and negative (distress) expressions, (2) intense anger expressions, and (3) frequent happy expressions. Results demonstrated that patterns of emotional reactivity at 5 and 10 months differed by maternal interactive style. In addition, patterns of emotional reactivity at 10 months of age could be predicted by differences in maternal caregiving, and conversely, 5-month infant reactivity was predictive of 10-month maternal behavior. Conclusions are made regarding ways that mothers socialize emotions and the bi-directional nature of mother-infant interactions.     

A Model for Group Work Practice with Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Victims of Domestic Violence: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT

The Orthodox Jewish community has only recently acknowledged that religious practice and commitment does not make one immune to suffering from domestic violence. Effective therapeutic techniques for working with battered Orthodox women have only recently begun to emerge.

This article focuses on the use of group work as an effective therapeutic modality for working with abused Orthodox Jewish women. This research highlights the insight, knowledge, and experience of practitioners who facilitate domestic violence groups, focusing on proficiencies and ethnic-sensitive practice strategies that are perceived to lead to successful outcomes.

The application of ethnic-sensitive strategies is discussed to illustrate viable therapeutic considerations for working with this population. Implications and issues for educators and practitioners will be addressed.     

基于混合差分进化算法的联合补货-配送优化模型

本文综合考虑联合补货与配送决策,研究了随机需求、允许缺货环境下多企业多产品联合补货与配送集成优化模型,设计了混合差分进化算法(Hybrid Differential Evolution, HDE)对该模型进行求解,同时通过算例与遗传算法、标准的DE算法进行了比较,证实HDE算法高效且稳定;另外,设计了一个先补货再配送的两阶段优化模型,对比优化结果发现采用供应链协同时补货成本较高,配送成本较低,且总成本较低。最后,对相关参数进行了敏感性分析,发现需求率和库存维持成本的变动对总成本的影响远远大过次要订货成本对总成本的影响。     

Population-level analysis on reduction in equilibrium population size of the azuki bean beetle

Summary Responses of laboratory population of the azuki bean beetleCallosobruchus chinensis to temperature conditions of 30°C and 32°C are compared. Equilibrium population size was found to be lower at 32°C. A one-generation process examined by reproduction-curve experiments is divided into two consecutive life stages specified by different habitats, i.e., outside and inside beans. Modified logistic difference equations are used to describe these population-level responses at each life stages. Sensitivity analysis is used to determine parameters of importance, thus determining the main cause of the reduced equilibrium population size at 32°C. The reduction resulted from the decrease in maximum population size of emerged adults which have experienced inside-bean process. The application and limitation of this population-level analysis to different levels are discussed.     

跨文化交际能力超越式培养模式构建

文章以Young Yun Kim（2002）对跨文化交际能力提出的跨文化交际能力模型为基础,借鉴高一虹（2002）关于跨文化交际“超越能力培养”的观点,尝试构建着重在意识、态度和情感层面上培养学生跨文化交际能力的教学新模式,为跨文化交际课程的进一步发展提供新的理念和操作模式。     

Dealing with death in an educational context

While empirical investigations and the development of theories for studying intercultural communication are important for developing our understanding of what happens when people of diverse backgrounds come together, equally important are records of specific instances of contact as these provide opportunities to reflect on what we know; to validate or question theories; to critically consider the decisions made by those involved as well as the kinds of decisions we might have taken had we been in that specific situation. This essay represents this latter type of contribution to the field of intercultural communication and intercultural education by presenting a snapshot of some personal experiences I had while living in Japan over a period of 18 years. The focal point of this essay relates to the tragic death of a student – an event that was pivotal in my own acculturation process. It then introduces some other experiences before relating these to some general issues concerning intercultural awareness and intercultural educational practice.     

尿微量白蛋白、超敏C反应蛋白和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇在糖尿病肾病检测中的意义

目的 探讨尿微量白蛋白(mALB)、超敏C反应蛋白(hsCRP)和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)与糖尿病肾病(diabetic nephropathy,DN)的关系.方法 测定185例DN患者的mALB、hsCRP、LDL-C水平,根据尿白蛋白排泄率分为正常蛋白尿组、微量白蛋白尿组、临床蛋白尿组,统计各组尿mALB、hsCRP、LDL-C水平;以100例健康检查者为对照组.结果 DN各组尿mALB、hsCRP、LDL-C水平均高于对照组,DN各组hsCRP、尿mALB水平有显著差异(P<0.05).结论 hsCRP、尿mALB和LDL-C与2型糖尿病肾病的发生、发展有密切联系;hsCRP和尿mALB在早期诊断DN方面优于LDL-C.