Accuracy assessment of global and local atrophy measurement techniques with realistic simulated longitudinal data

The main goal of this work was to assess the accuracy of several well-known methods which provide global (BSI and SIENA) or local (Jacobian integration) estimates of longitudinal atrophy in brain structures using Magnetic Resonance images. For that purpose, we have generated realistic simulated images which mimic the patterns of change obtained from a cohort of 19 real controls and 27 probable Alzheimer's disease patients. SIENA and BSI results correlate very well with gold standard data (BSI mean absolute error < 0.29%; SIENA < 0.44%). Jacobian integration was guided by both fluid and FFD-based registration techniques and resulting deformation fields and associated Jacobians were compared, region by region, with gold standard ones. The FFD registration technique provided more satisfactory results than the fluid one. Mean absolute error differences between volume changes given by the FFD-based technique and the gold standard were: sulcal CSF < 2.49%; lateral ventricles < 2.25%; brain < 0.36%; hippocampi < 1.42%

A New Measure of Perfectionism: The Perfectionism Inventory

In this investigation, we produced a new 8-scale measure of perfectionism called the Perfectionism Inventory (PI) that is designed to capture the important constructs provided by 2 existing Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS; Frost, Marten, Lahart, &amp; Rosenblate, 1990; Hewitt &amp; Flett, 1991b) measures, along with new perfectionism scales. In the results from 3 studies, we describe scale development, scale psychometric properties, and criterion-related validity evidence for the 8 PI scales: Concern Over Mistakes, High Standards for Others, Need for Approval, Organization, Parental Pressure, Planfulness, Rumination, and Striving for Excellence. We present relationships between the 8 PI scales, relevant MPS scales, and other criterion measures. Second-order exploratory and confirmatory analyses provide support for the 8-scale PI model as well as support for 2 composite PI factors labeled Conscientious Perfectionism and Self-Evaluative Perfectionism

Differences Between Self- and Peer Ratings of Interpersonal Problems

Interpersonal problems are frequently a source of distress for individuals and the focus of psychotherapeutic interventions. A self-report circumplex measure, the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-Circumplex (IIP-C), was modified for this investigation to acquire peer report data on interpersonal problems to help assess the validity of self-reported problems. The peer report data replicated the circumplex model of the IIP-C and when general interpersonal distress was removed (by ipsatizing), the data suggested that peers observed more domineering, vindictive, and emotionally cold types of problems than self-report (ipsatized) data. Individuals reported more other-pleasing, overly nurturant types of problems than peers observed. The findings both support the validity of the IIP-C and describe discrepancies in self- versus peer reported interpersonal problems. The results also describe differences in the general interpersonal distress factor accounted for by ipsatizing versus removing the general factor from unipsatized data. The results describe implications for clinicians and others assessing interpersonal problems

Perfectionistic concerns suppress associations between perfectionistic strivings and positive life outcomes

Perfectionism has been frequently associated with diverse negative psychological outcomes, but less frequently with positive psychological outcomes. This investigation reports multiple regression analyses based on survey data from 216 psychology students. These analyses indicate that adaptive perfectionistic strivings and maladaptive perfectionistic concerns predict desirable outcomes including psychological well-being, life satisfaction, and affect. That perfectionistic strivings predicted these outcomes is inconsistent with the small zero-order correlations between perfectionistic strivings and the positive outcomes, indicating that maladaptive perfectionistic concerns act as a suppressor variable in this relationship. These findings illustrate the importance of conceptualizing perfectionism as having both adaptive and maladaptive dimensions, and of assessing both simultaneously when examining relationships between perfectionism and other substantive variables

Adaptive and Maladaptive Narcissism among University Faculty, Clergy, Politicians, and Librarians

Some adaptive narcissistic characteristics may be prevalent in individuals in occupations that involve leadership or authority, provide social attention and prestige, or require a confident social presentation. The present study investigated the expectation that narcissistic characteristics would be more prevalent in higher status occupations involving frequent opportunities for attention and admiration from others. Of four occupations sampled, politicians scored highest in total narcissism, as well as in leadership and authority; university faculty and librarians did not score particularly high or low on any narcissism indices; and clergy were lowest in exploitativeness and entitlement, which represent the more maladaptive aspects of narcissism. The results were discussed with respect to Holland's (1985) classification of vocational personalities

Is Perfectionism Categorical or Dimensional? A Taxometric Analysis

Considerable debate exists within the perfectionism literature regarding whether perfectionism is most accurately conceptualized as a dimensional or categorical construct. Specifically, some researchers have viewed perfectionism as a continuous construct, with extreme scores being associated with negative psychological outcomes (e.g., obsessive–compulsive disorder, eating disorders, etc.). In contrast, others have argued that two distinct forms of perfectionism exist (i.e., adaptive vs. maladaptive perfectionism) that are associated with both positive and negative outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the latent structure of perfectionism using taxometric procedures to determine whether perfectionism is most accurately conceptualized as taxonic (categorical) or dimensional (continuous). We applied four taxometric procedures (maximum eigenvalue [Waller &amp; Meehl, 1998], maximum covariance [Meehl &amp; Yonce, 1996], mean above minus below a cut [Meehl &amp; Yonce, 1994], and latent-mode factor analysis [Waller &amp; Meehl, 1998]) to perfectionism data collected from 2 large nonclinical samples. Results provided convergent evidence for a dimensional conceptualization of perfectionism across samples, perfectionism measures, and statistical procedures. We discuss the implications of these findings for the theory, assessment, and investigation of perfectionism are discussed

Episodic Future Thought: Contributions From Working Memory

Increasing evidence from several domains of research indicates that similar neurocognitive mechanisms underlie both the ability to remember the past and the ability to imagine novel future events. An emerging hypothesis accounting for these similarities suggests that the contents of episodic memory are retrieved and then recombined to provide the source material when mentally simulating future events. Accordingly, executive processes may play a key role in the strategic retrieval and binding of past episodes into a unitary future event representation. I investigated the extent to which individual differences in working memory capacity contributed to the ability to imagine future autobiographical events. College students completed measures of working and short-term memory and were cued to recall autobiographical memories and imagine future autobiographical events consisting of varying levels of specificity (i.e., ranging from generic to increasingly specific and detailed events). The results indicated that future thought was related to performance on measures of autobiographical memory, which likely reflects similar retrieval demands associated with both past and future oriented autobiographical tasks. In addition, after controlling for autobiographical memory, residual working memory variance only independently predicted future specificity. I suggest a specialized functional role of working memory when imagining specific future events

Blended vs. lecture learning : outcomes for staff development

Knowledge of pharmacology is crucial to safe patient management for nurses orienting to critical care areas. Traditionally this education has been offered as a classroom lecture for new nurses. However, adult learning theory identifies the benefit of self-directed, self-paced learning to build on individual knowledge and experience. A review of prior research indicates a lack of studies considering alternative teaching methods for nursing continuing education. The intent of this study was to provide experimentally derived evidence relating to the effectiveness of blended (online with discussion) vs. traditional lecture format education. To examine learning outcomes, nurses new to critical care were randomized into a blended or lecture format with subsequent cognitive knowledge outcomes compared using a pretest, posttest design. Demographics were obtained from participants and analyzed to determine their impact related to the method of learning. In addition, effectiveness of each format was evaluated by the learner using a Likert scale survey and small focus group discussions. Results indicate no statistically significant difference in learning outcomes between the blended and lecture formats. Further, test results were equivalent regardless of participant age, gender, nursing experience, degree or prior online learning experience. A focus group comparison of satisfaction with teaching methods indicates overall positive findings for both blended and lecture learning. However, more positive themes were expressed by the blended group participants, especially relating to convenience, self-pacing and use of time. Implications include the opportunity to provide effective staff development education in blended or lecture format based on class availability, student choice, learning style, prior experience, unit requirements and desire for flexibility. Further considerations include cost-effectiveness of the blended format relating to instructor salary and staff paid time. Alternative methods for critical care pharmacology education enhance the educator’s options to provide learning in effective and timely formats

The Robin Moor Incident

No abstract available

The Science Teacher: A Sanitarian

It was the purpose of this study (1) to enable science teachers to make preliminary determinations of the purity of water; (2) to describe the preliminary methods for testing water within the jurisdiction of the science teacher; and (3) to show how a kit may be constructed to serve the purpose for such duties