MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'factor'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:52:51 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181801&cid=t_104319_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fapixaban-finally-showing-superiority-over-warfarin-in-clinical-trial%2F2011.09.01 With the publication of “Apixaban versus Warfarin in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation” (the ARISTOTLE trial) in the New England Journal of Medicine, the third drug in a series of medications designed to attack thrombin in the clotting cascade. The study was announced with quite a fanfare in Europe as cardiologists, financial analysts and reporters gushed forth with ‘mega-blockbuster’ praise this past weekend. And for good reason. This is the first trial to conclude that (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Dr. Wes* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181801 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:00:00 +0100 5181801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050747&cid=t_104319_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2011%2F07%2F22%2Fthe-impact-factory-song%2F Buffer Received a mood lifting email written by one of my distinguished colleagues from Britain which I couldn’t resist publishing here for my readers. The colleague is Peter Tyrer. I call upon ZDoggMD to write some music to it, preferably hip hop. I thought that, despite our best intentions, we are all in the Impact Factory together and perhaps we need to have a British Journal of Psychiatry song we could sing to our potential contributors, which I know includes all of us, so here it is: The Impact Factory Song There comes a time of year Which for some yields joy and cheer Whereas for others it brings gloom And impending signs of doom I refer to the end of June It’s the Impact Factor tune Which we dance to tho’ we fear Its strains may cost us dear In promoting our allian... Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050747 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 05:37:03 +0100 5050747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4840507&cid=t_104319_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FK_TcIei6UQI%2F Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Margaret McFall-Ngai, Cliff Mintz, Elio Schaecter, and Michael Schmidt. On episode #7 of the podcast This Week in Microbiology, Vincent, Cliff, Elio, Margaret, and Michael discuss programmed cell death in E. coli, and the daily synthesis and degradation of enzymes needed for photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation by cyanobacteria. Click the arrow above to play, or right click to download TWiM #7 (44.5 MB, .mp3, 64 minutes). Subscribe to TWiM (free) on iTunes, Zune Marketplace, via RSS feed, by email or listen on your mobile device with the Microbeworld app. Image of Cyanobacteria in Lake Littoistenjärvi by Stefe via flickr Links for this episode: E. coli extracelluar death factor EDF mRNA cleavage by MazF toxin Myxococcus programmed cell death Using toxins in ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4840507 Thu, 19 May 2011 18:16:33 +0100 4840507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841741&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fresearch-bytes-reliability-paradox-in.html Conclusions from this review suggest that unlike effect (reflective) indicators, whose application is based on classical test theory, today’s application of causal (formative) indicators is based on research demonstrating their practical application rather than on psychometric theory supporting their use. The authors suggest that this lack of theory has contributed to the confusion surrounding their implementation. Recent research has questioned the generalizability of formatively measured latent constructs. In the current study, the authors discuss how the use of fixed-weight composites may be one way to employ causal indicators so that they may be generalized to additional contexts. More specifically, they suggest the use of meta-analysis principles for identifying optimum causal indic... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841741 Wed, 18 May 2011 15:27:00 +0100 4841741 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4767994&cid=t_104319_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbeer-bellies-anyone-waist-measurement-can-determine-risk-for-heart-disease%2F2011.04.30 Extra fat that accumulates around the abdomen goes by many names: beer belly, spare tire, love handles, apple shape, middle-age spread, and the more technical “abdominal obesity.” No matter what the name, it is the shape of risk. Abdominal obesity increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, and other woes. The danger zone is a waist size above 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women. As I describe in the April 2011 issue of the Harvard Men’s Health Watch, beer is not specifically responsible for a beer belly. What, then, is to blame? Calories. Take in more calories with food and drink than you burn up with exercise, and you’ll store the excess energy in fat cells. Many studies indicate that people who store their extra fat around the midsection (ap... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4767994 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 12:00:10 +0100 4767994 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4693388&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fap101-brief-8-guest-brief-independent.html This IAP AP101 Brief Report was sent to me for posting by Philippe Golay.  It is reproduced "as is" with only minor editing.  This is a guest blog/brief report.  Figures included should be possible to enlarge by double clicking on them.If other folks have completed research related to this blog, and would like to make brief post reports, please contact the blogmaster @ iap@earthlink.netPhilippe Golay, Isabelle Reverte, Thierry Lecerf,University of Geneva, SwitzerlandThe fourth edition of the French Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adult (WAIS-IV) was recently released (Editions du Centre de Psychologie Appliquée – ECPA, 2011). The French WAIS-IV was standardized on a representative sample of 876 people in France ranging in age from 16 to 79. However, for some subtests (Let... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4693388 Fri, 08 Apr 2011 15:54:00 +0100 4693388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684316&cid=t_104319_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fis-church-attendance-a-risk-factor-for-obesity%2F2011.04.07 For competitive cyclists, Sunday morning usually signifies a time for combining spirituality with calorie-burning. Whether we are immersed in the total focus of a hotly-contested bike race or meditating our way through a seemingly endless training ride, it’s a given that most cyclists use Sundays to churn out the kilo-joules. This kind of Sunday-behavior differs significantly from many regular (normal) people, who like to sleep late, get up slowly, dress themselves nicely and amble off to church. It goes without saying that this kind of spiritual exercise doesn’t burn many calories. And it is also well known that worship and consuming high-calorie comfort food frequently go hand in hand. In the hard-to-believe-that-people-study-this kind-of-thing category, comes a report that frequent ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684316 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:00:08 +0100 4684316 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4664103&cid=t_104319_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fsquamous-cell-carcinoma-skin%2F Pathophysiology neoplasm of keratinizing epidermal cells Signs and Symptoms 1) presents in variable forms – ulcerated nodule, superficial erosion, or verrucous papule or plaque 2) ill-defined margins 3) can be fixed to underlying structures 4) has metastatic potential (1%-3%) Histology/Gross Pathology premalignant forms – 1) actinic keratoses 2) actinic cheilitis 3) Bowen’s disease Associated Conditions 1) cumulative exposure to sunlight (especially UV-B) 2) arsenic 3) cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in tar and soot 4) cigarette smoking and oral tobacco 5) chronic immunosuppression 6) HIV 7) burns 8) chronic ulceration/wounds 9) xeroderma pigmentosa 10) some forms of albinism Biochemistry 1) considered an angiogenic tumor 2) inactivation of p53 tumor-suppressor gene 3) downr... Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4664103 Fri, 01 Apr 2011 05:59:54 +0100 4664103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4570655&cid=t_104319_129_f&fid=27216&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifewithadhd.com%2Fadhd-research%2Fadhd-in-children-and-the-omega3-factor.php In the Western Culture, more and more adults and childhood adhd are being diagnosed. People seek natural therapies as a form of alternative treatment. A new form of treatment utilizing fatty acids from Omega 3 is being utilized as an alternative treatment. But how does omega 3 oils or fish oils relate to Childhood ADHD and its symptoms? There has been a few medical research studies on the effect of natural fish oil on Childhood ADD and Childhood ADHD. Research study made in the UK, utilizing a randomized double blind, placebo controlled group. Both of these children are having Childhood ADHD and learning difficultiies such as dyslexia. For a 12 weeks period, the children are being given treatment of Omega 3 FAtty acids or a placebo pill. The placebo group shows highe Read More (Source: L... Life With ADHD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4570655 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4570655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4501690&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fresearch-brief-wais-iv-us-canadian.html The transportability of the meaning of an intelligence test batteries composite scores across countries/cultures is important when a test is originally developed and normed in one country and is then adapted and used in a second country.Bowden et al (2010) recently investigated the factorial invariance of the WAIS-IV across US and Canadian samples. The results are summarized in the abstract below (click to enlarge). The WAIS-IV was found to measure the same theoretical constructs across the two countries. However, the reported difference in latent mean factor intercepts indicated that the WAIS-IV provides higher scores with Canadian subjects. The need for Canadian norms are suggested.- iPost using BlogPress from my Kevin McGrew's iPadintelligence IQ tests IQ testing IQ scores CHC intellige... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4501690 Sun, 20 Feb 2011 23:54:00 +0100 4501690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4482972&cid=t_104319_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FTPwrSwUNAKo%2F Good morning, everyone. Nice to see you again. A sunny day is unfolding here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where we are happily quaffing our mandatory cup of stimulation. This will be an especially busy day as we must break for a personal matter, but we will endeavor, nonethless, to hunt about for interesting items. Meanwhile, we would like to remind you that we are hosting a webinar on requirements for disclosing payments to physicians (look here). See you soon… Sanofi-Aventis To Buy Genzyme For $20 Billion (Bloomberg News) Sanofi-Aventis Will Withdraw Anzement From Five Countries (Dow Jones) Merck No Longer Has Buyer For Dutch R&D Unit (Reuters) Takeda Strikes Deal With Covance And Quintiles (Outsourcing Pharma) Generic Drugmakers To Support FDA User Fees (Wall Street Jou... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4482972 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:56:39 +0100 4482972 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4450391&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fcarroll-like-exploratory-factor.html An excellent Jack Carroll-like exploratory factor analysis of the WISC-IV Integrated at Joel Schneider's blog.- iPost using BlogPress from my Kevin McGrew's iPadintelligence IQ tests IQ testing IQ scores CHC intelligence theory CHC theory Cattell-Horn-Carroll human cognitive abilities psychology school psychology individual differences cognitive psychology neuropsychology psychology special education educational psychology psychometrics psychological assessment psychological measurement IQs Corner neuroscience neurocognitive cognitive abilities cognition WISC-IV factor analysis Generated by: Tag Generator (Source: Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner)) Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4450391 Wed, 09 Feb 2011 01:46:00 +0100 4450391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399678&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fblending-neuropsychological-and-chc.html Here is more on my take on how neuropsychological and CHC-based psychometric approaches to assessment can be understood and potentially blended. This is material from my keynote presentation at the Australian Neuropsychology Conference (click here for more information and a link to the PPT of the entire presentation).Note: Images are embedded in this post. It should be possible to enlarge them by double clicking on each. If that does not work I would suggest you go to the link above and see the entire PPT show, which you can download for free.​CHC-based neuropsychologists have integrated CHC theory into assessment practice based largely on theoretical, non-CHC empirical research, or logical analysis. Empirical CHC-based neuropsychological assessment research has been sparse. The CHC psyc... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399678 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:27:00 +0100 4399678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4304988&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fhot-and-cold-chc-intelligence-abilities.html Interesting article in the journal Intelligence reviewing the state-of-the-art of factor analysis practices for identifying the g (general intelligence) factors. Abstract is below. Of interest is the use of the CHC framework to classify the type of broad CHC factor indicators found in the research synthesis.Not unexpectedly, Gf, Gc, and Gv were found most often in IQ factor analysis research, followed by Gq, Gs and Gsm. Abilities that appear underrepresented in IQ factor analysis g research are the domains of Glr and Ga.However, a couple of major caveats. The literature review was primarily adult samples. There has been considerable factor analysis activity with tests in childhood and adolescent samples that might increase the proportion of Glr and Ga indicators. Also, the authors did not ... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4304988 Sun, 02 Jan 2011 23:29:00 +0100 4304988 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4304989&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fmds-analysis-of-wisc-iv.html It is no secret that I'm a big fan of multidimensional scaling (MDS--especially Guttman's Radex) model as a supplement to factor analysis of cognitive tests. While going thru some of my e-files I found a recent 3D MDS analysis of the WISC-IV. Below is the abstract and final 3D model. Clicking on images should take you to a larger version of the image.For those interested, the content/stimulus dimension of my proposed cognitive ability assessment design and interpretation matrix is due to my application of MDS to data from the WJ III and the various Wechsler batteries. The complete "beyond CHC theory" presentation can be found at a prior post.- iPost using BlogPress from my Kevin McGrew's iPadintelligence IQ tests IQ scores CHC theory Cattell-Horn-Carroll human cognitive abilities psycholog... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4304989 Sun, 02 Jan 2011 19:43:00 +0100 4304989 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4298720&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fresearch-brief-wais-iv-factor-structure.html Click on image to enlarge. A related publication (IAP AP101 Report #2) regarding the WAISIV factor structure can be found here.- iPost using BlogPress from my Kevin McGrew's iPadintelligence intelligence testing Atkins cases ICDP blog psychology school psychology neuropsychology Forensic psychology IQ tests IQ scores IQs Corner WAIS-IV factor analysis CHC theory (Source: Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner)) Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4298720 Wed, 29 Dec 2010 16:56:00 +0100 4298720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4295034&cid=t_104319_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FY7WnUxfe6U8%2F Whether you’re deep in debt or just having a few financial hiccups, it’s almost certainly the case that you’re spending more than you’re making. A lot of personal finance writers will advise you to cut your expenditure. Eat out less often, downgrade your cable package, stop buying pricy coffees, and so on. There’s a strong focus on getting rid of unnecessary, day-to-day spending – sometimes dubbed “the Latte Factor” (a term coined by financial adviser David Bach). Wise Geek explains it like this: The Latte Factor® is a euphemistic label for all that extra money we spend daily on nonessentials such as candy, bottled water, doughnuts, muffins, soda, cigarettes, magazines, newspapers, and yes, lattes. It’s good advice, as far as it goes. Da... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4295034 Mon, 27 Dec 2010 06:40:50 +0100 4295034 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4294556&cid=t_104319_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fdisseminated-intravascular-coagulation-dic%2F Pathophysiology 1) abnormal clotting process that can have as the major symptom(s) bleeding, thrombosis or both 2) a specific triggering process is required to start the cascade by acting on factor 12 (Hageman’s factor) 3) phases of condition are thrombotic, procoagulant consumption, and fibrinolysis 4) this cycle of fibrin formation and lysis results in eventual depletion of coagulation factors and platelets with resulting hemorrhage 5) also contributing to hemorrhage are the hemorrhagic properties of the accumulated fibrin degradation products Signs and Symptoms 1) varies in severity from subclinical to life-threatening 2) purpura 3) hemorrhage from areas of surgery or venipuncture 4) hemorrhage from mucosal surfaces 5) deposition of microthrombi and vasospasm, causing peripheral a... Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4294556 Mon, 27 Dec 2010 04:33:06 +0100 4294556 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4245426&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fresearch-bytes-factor-analysis-of-sb5.html Conclusions: Collectively, the results suggested a relatively strong psychometric basis for using the factor structure in clinical samples that match the characteristics of this cohort. This confirmed an invariant factor structure should prove useful in research aimed to detect the earliest cognitive signature of preclinical AD in similar middle aged cohorts.Williams, T. H., McIntosh, D. E., Dixon, F., Newton, J. H., & Youman, E. (2010). A CONFIRMATORY FACTOR ANALYSIS OF THE STANFORD-BINET INTELLIGENCE SCALES, FIFTH EDITION, WITH A HIGH-ACHIEVING SAMPLE. Psychology in the Schools, 47(10), 1071-1083.AbstractThe Stanford–Binet Intelligence Scale, Fifth Edition (SB5), is a recently published, multidimensional measure of intelligence based on Cattell–Horn–Carroll (CHC) theory. The author... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4245426 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 15:47:00 +0100 4245426 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4168208&cid=t_104319_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FWoFKcVzc854%2F Mention the phrase ‘white paper’ and an authoritative guide to a particular policy issue may spring to mind. Of course, white papers may also be nothing more than promotional thoughts dressed up as think pieces. And that’s what the FDA has decided the Ipsen Group did in creating and distributing a paper about Insulin-like Growth Factor Deficiency, an affliction in which growth is inhibited. In a recently disclosed warning letter, the agency took Ipsen to task for omitting important risk info and broadenening the indication for its Increlex treatment. But the underlying issue was that the white paper wasn’t really a white paper and there were several tell-tale signs that offer some interesting insight into agency thinking on such situations. To wit, the FDA noted the... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4168208 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:13:53 +0100 4168208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4065416&cid=t_104319_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F10%2F13%2F3-danger-signs-your-partner-may-be-having-an-affair%2F Mira Kirshenbaum is one of my favorite relationship experts. She has written two books that I often recommend to my clients: Too Good to Leave, Too Bad to Stay and Women and Love. They are easy reads, full of compassion and insight. As I contemplated writing a post about how couples become vulnerable to affairs I read this interview of Ms. Kirshenbaum where she really says it all: Is Your Partner Cheating on You? on Mira’s blog. Here she talks not only about real risk factors, she also rules out signs that could be misread. In other words, not all suspicious signs point to an affair. “…it’s not so much about warning signs. It’s about risk factors. And if you know what the risk factors are, you can do something about them and have a better relationship to boot…&#... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4065416 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:02:28 +0100 4065416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3858131&cid=t_104319_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fthe-latte-factor-could-you-give-up-small-things-to-save-big-money%2F Even if you haven’t heard of the “Latte Factor”, you probably already know what it is: It’s the simple money-saving strategy of giving up small things, like your daily $5 latte, to save big money in the long run. The problem is… We don’t really like giving up our daily lattes (or post-workout smoothies, daily glasses of wine, or bi-weekly mani-pedis). Even if those small things seem disposable and unessential, there’s a reason we keep shelling out our cash for them: They make us happy. Our tiny indulgences, according to the personal finance blog, The Simple Dollar, not only make a big impact on our wallets, they make a big impact on our emotions, too. Instead of cutting out your weekly bottle of Pinot, they suggest identifying which small things re... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3858131 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:00:00 +0100 3858131 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3798822&cid=t_104319_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FHSVJDgpaePI%2F For two decades, a bitter controversy has taken place over a blood-clotting medicine that was blamed for infecting hemophiliacs with HIV in Asia and Latin America, while a newer, safer version was sold in the US and other Western nations. And now, after having lost a recent court battle, Taiwanese hemophiliacs have petitioned the US Supreme Court to hear their story. Their lawsuit contends Bayer and a predecessor company illegally used paid plasma donors who were at high risk for transmitting blood-borne diseases - drug users, prisoners, and promiscuous urban gay males - to make Factor VIII, which can stop uncontrolled bleeding. But even after the company began using newer and safer heat-treated process, older inventory continued to be sold in Asia. The assumption was older meds could be s... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3798822 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:39:28 +0100 3798822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3794913&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fjoint-cfa-floyd-et-al-2010-of-wj-iii.html John Garruto took advantage of my offer and thus, now provides his comments regarding the following recently published research study.  John has been a regular guest blogger at IQ's Corner....how about the rest of you!!!!!!!  I am open to any topic, but am particularly interested in guest posts regarding articles that have been FYI-mentioned at this blog (typically under Research Bytes tag)---and I especially would like to encourage graduate students to send me possible guest posts...as a way to get experience with analyzing research and providing brief summaries.  Maybe some of my professorial colleagues could make the submission of one guest blog post a requirement in one of their classes :)Floyd, R. G., Bergeron, R., Hamilton, G. & Parra, G. R. (2010).  How do ex... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3794913 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:02:00 +0100 3794913 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3776617&cid=t_104319_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Falcohol-risk-factors-differ-for-men-and-women%2F Research Summary; Women and men appear to have different genetic and environmental risk factors for alcoholism, Reuters reported. A quartet of new family studies on alcoholism show, for example, that while both sexes are more likely to develop alcoholism if they have a history of aggressive behavior in childhood, women who experienced severe physical punishment in childhood were also at elevated risk, while men were not. "Clearly, there are some common antecedents (to alcoholism), such as conduct disorder or symptoms, but there are also predictors unique to each gender," said researcher Aruna Gogineni of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "These are the kinds of findings that call out for many more studies on women in order to determine how the mechanisms of a... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3776617 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:05:18 +0100 3776617 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3724507&cid=t_104319_125_f&fid=36046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdentistrylibrary.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2F2009-impact-factors.html The 2009 Impact Factors are now out. You can access them by logging in to the Web of Knowledge database.These are the five top ranking Dentistry journals by impact factor:1. Journal of Clinical Periodontology2. Journal of Dental Research3. Oral Oncology4. Periodontology 20005. Journal of Endodontics You can access them electronically, just click on their title. Subscribe in a reader (Source: DentistryLibrary@Sydney) DentistryLibrary@Sydney blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3724507 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:24:00 +0100 3724507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3721964&cid=t_104319_150_f&fid=38374&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FePharmaSummit%2F%7E3%2Fw1D_7EmV3jk%2Fbayer-healthcares-latest-iphone-app.html TMC Net has an article about Bayer's latest mobile application. Those affected with Hemophilia A now have a way to track their condition with the FactorTrak(TM) app. It measures dosing history, frequency and locations of bleeds. The captured information can also be emailed to the individual or others, such as healthcare professionals. It is available on the iPhone, iTouch, iPad or other smart phones. The app captures no personal information, just tracks conditions. Find it here. (Source: ePharma Summit) ePharma Summit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3721964 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:01:00 +0100 3721964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695567&cid=t_104319_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fusing-ultrasound-to-zap-the-brain-back-into-action%2F2010.06.24 Scientists at Arizona State University have developed a new method of non-surgical brain stimulation using pulsed ultrasound that enhances cognitive function in mice, and may one day be used to non-invasively treat patients with mental retardation, Alzheimer’s disease and other central nervous system (CNS) dysfunctions. In intact motor cortex in mice, ultrasound was found to stimulate action potentials and elicit motor responses comparable to those only previously achieved with implanted electrodes and related techniques. It also activates meaningful brain wave patterns and the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus — one of the most potent regulators of brain plasticity. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Medgad... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695567 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 22:00:01 +0100 3695567 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3633417&cid=t_104319_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fvon-willebrands-disease%2F Pathophysiology 1) type of bleeding disorder (can be inherited or acquired) due to a defect in, or reduction of, von Willebrand factor 2) four inherited forms exist – type I, type IIb, type IIN, and type III 3) type I – most common with mild to moderate symptoms; vWF is 50% decreased 4) types IIb and IIN – amount of vWF is near normal but activity is decreased 5) type III – defect in both amount and activity of vWF; a rare and severely hemorrhagic condition Signs and Symptoms 1) severity of symptoms is highly variable -from bleeding only after surgery or trauma to spontaneous 2) epistaxis 3) gastrointestinal bleeding 4) genitourinary tract bleeding 5) petechiae 6) ecchymosis 7) hemarthrosis Characteristic Test Findings Laboratory – 1) prolonged bleeding time ... Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3633417 Sun, 06 Jun 2010 06:59:32 +0100 3633417 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3502876&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fresearch-bytes-4-24-10-wisc-iv-tbi-and.html In this study, the structure and cross-age invariance of the latest WAIS–IV revision were examined to (a) elucidate the nature of the constructs measured and (b) determine whether the same constructs are measured across ages. Results suggest that a Cattell–Horn–Carroll (CHC)–inspired structure provides a better description of test performance than the published scoring structure does. Broad CHC abilities measured by the WAIS–IV include crystallized ability (Gc), fluid reasoning (Gf), visual processing (Gv), short-term memory (Gsm), and processing speed (Gs), although some of these abilities are measured more comprehensively than are others. Additionally, the WAIS–IV provides a measure of quantitative reasoning (QR). Results also suggest a lack of cross-age invariance resulting ... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3502876 Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:32:00 +0100 3502876 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3460419&cid=t_104319_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2F12%2Fcan-milk-cause-acne%2F My post last Friday concerned my ‘love-hate’ relationship with dairy products – I generally like the way they taste, but am also acutely aware that they can quite-often trigger health issues in myself and others. I first leaned this when the elimination of cow’s milk products 20-odd years ago eliminated my eczema too. Other symptoms [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3460419 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:52:10 +0100 3460419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3346523&cid=t_104319_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2010%2F03%2F09%2Fpersonality-and-retirement%2F Who retires gracefully, who adjusts to retirement easily and who doesn’t. Which personality traits play a part in successful retirement? The five factor model of personality or the Big Five can be used to see how personality traits are linked to how people adjust to retirement. It has been done in the past for other life transitions. The researchers not only used the Big Five but also the Satisfaction with Life Scale and questionnaires devised to measure reasons for retirement and the quality of experiences in retirement. These questionnaires were all part of an online survey on which 365 individuals responded, of whom 86 were close to retirement and 279 were already retired. From this research extraversion was found to relate to life satisfaction while still at work but not during r... Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3346523 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:15:46 +0100 3346523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3231106&cid=t_104319_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2010%2F02%2Fmicrobial-phylogenetics-global-markers.html The introduction of comparative rRNA sequence analysis represents a major milestone in the history of microbiology. The current taxonomy of prokaryotes as well as modern probe and chip based identification methods are mainly based upon rRNA derived phylogenetic conclusions. Also of importance is single gene based phylogenetic inference and alternative global markers include elongation and initiation factors, RNA polymerase subunits, DNA gyrases, heat shock and recA proteins. Although the comparative analyses are hampered by the generally low phylogenetic information content, and different resolution power, and multiple copies of the individual markers, the domain and prokaryotic phyla concept is globally supported read more ... from Molecular Phylogeny of Microorganisms by Aharon Oren and ... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3231106 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:32:00 +0100 3231106 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3172067&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fpushing-edge-of-chc-theory-and-wj-iii.html I just posted a new online presentation at SlideShare summarizing a series of recent analyses I've completed. The analyses are grounded in a variety of exploratory data analysis I've completed over the past nine years, which when combined with recent theoretical literature, resulted in an attempt to search for possible modifications and extensions to CHC model of intelligence, as operationally defined by the WJ III test battery.The show can be viewed by clicking here. Alternatively, clicking here provides access to a PDF copy of the slides.This is part Iof a two-part series. Part II will present information regarding new insights into the abilities measured by some of the WJ II  individual tests as well as possible new interpretive clusters to consider.Stay tuned for updatesThe results, i... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3172067 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:43:00 +0100 3172067 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3153403&cid=t_104319_107_f&fid=34860&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.corporeality.net%2Fmuseion%2F2010%2F01%2F08%2Fanother-yuck-factor-coming-up%2F I seem to have acquired a strange interest in therapies involving animals. Especially if they trigger ‘the yuck factor‘. Leeches and maggots have been used for centuries and are also used in biomedicine today. Whereas these tiny crawling creatures are used externally (fixed on or in the skin), parasitic worms are used internally — the patient drinks a cocktail of worm eggs. Why? Well, most people have heard of MS (see here), but how many have heard of this particular experimental treatment: Once the eggs are inside the body, they will hatch into worms that live in the gut. It is hoped they will then stimulate the release of a certain type of immune system cell that will allow the body to heal the damage done by MS  Interesting but also … yuck! (Source: Biomed... Biomedicine on Display blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3153403 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:51:49 +0100 3153403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3133703&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fwmf-human-cognitive-abilities-hca.html The free on-line WMF Human Cognitive Abilities (HCA) archive project was updated today. An overview of the project, with a direct link to the archive, can be found at the Woodcock-Muñoz Foundation web page (click on "Current Woodcock-Muñoz Foundation Human Cognitive Abilities Archive") . Also, an on-line PPT copy of a poster presentation I made at the 2008 (Dec) ISIR conference re: this project can be found by clicking here.After a period of inactivity (due to being swamped), I am pleased to announce the following additions and revisions.Currently, 115 of Jack Carroll's original correlation matrices (in Excel file format) are now available at the archive. These correlation files can be downloaded for free and can be used for secondary data analysis. Of these 115, 75 also include the ori... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3133703 Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:57:00 +0100 3133703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3115197&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fresearch-byte-12-23-09-shared-and.html A factorial analysis of timed and untimed measures of mathematics and reading abilities in school aged twins (Sara A. Hart, Stephen A. Petrill and Lee A. Thompson)  Learning and Individual Differences, In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 27 October 2009, AbstractThe present study examined the phenotypic and genetic relationship between fluency and non-fluency-based measures of reading and mathematics performance. Participants were drawn from the Western Reserve Reading and Math Project, an ongoing longitudinal twin project of same-sex MZ and DZ twins from Ohio. The present analyses are based on tester-administered measures available from 228 twin pairs (age M = 9.86 years). Measurement models suggested that four factors represent the data, namely Decoding, Fluency, Comprehensi... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3115197 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:48:00 +0100 3115197 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3061541&cid=t_104319_140_f&fid=35471&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolar-a-way-of-life.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fwrapping.html Mood Rating: 8/10I've spent the day alone today - usually not a good thing - but I've got quite a bit of Christmassy stuff done. I've wrapped all the presents I can, but I've run out of tags, grrr! Found a few extra decorations in an odd box and decorated the hallway. Going to get a real tree for the dining room next weekend, I think. I want it to look lovely for Christmas Day, as this will be the first time I've hosted Christmas; I'm so looking forward to it.Hubby's been off airsofting all day in Reading. He's just text to say he'll be home about 7pm. I'm betting it'll be closer to 8pm.I've no plans for this evening, except for watching X Factor. I want Stacey or Olly to win, although I think Joe might swipe it. Read an article from The Sun online today that reckons that Olly and Danyl ha... Bipolar: A Way of Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3061541 Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:39:00 +0100 3061541 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3023302&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fdissertation-dish-new-insights-on.html Exploring the relationships among various measures of processing speed in a sample of children referred for psychological assessments by Nelson, Megan A., Ph.D., University of Virginia, 2009 , 102 pages; AAT 3348732AbstractProcessing speed is a robust psychometric factor in modern tests of cognitive ability (Carroll, 1993), but the common factors underlying mental speed and its contributions to individual differences in functioning are not well understood. The goal of the current study was to further explore mental speed by conducting a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on 11 speeded subtest scores. It was hypothesized that the 11 subtests would be best represented by a four-factor model. These four factors were then submitted to a cluster analysis to identify whether certain patterns of ... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3023302 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:27:00 +0100 3023302 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2974096&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fwhat-does-wais-iv-measure-applied.html What does the WAIS-IV measure?:  CHC analysis and beyond.IAP AP101 # 2 report is now available (click here for other AP101 reports and briefs).  "IAP AP101 IQ TEST SCORE DIFFERENCE SERIES #2: What does the WAIS-IV measure? CHC analysis and beyond" can be viewed  or downloaded by clicking here.The PPT files are also viewable and downloadable via SlideShare.AbstractThe WAIS-IV (2008) is the latest revision of the adult Wechsler battery. The addition of new, and deletion of old tests, plus a more-factor based foundation for the composite indexes, requires psychologists to be familiar with the best possible interpretative structure of the venerable battery. In this PowerPoint based report, the available published and unpublished confirmatory factor studies of the WAIS-IV subtest... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2974096 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:51:00 +0100 2974096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2966798&cid=t_104319_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F11%2Febv-latent-membrane-protein-1.html Latent infection membrane protein 1 (LMP1) is expressed in most malignances associated with EBV infection, has oncogene-like effects on immortalized fibroblasts, and is essential for EBV to efficiently transform the growth of resting primary B-lymphocytes into long-term autonomously proliferating lymphoblastoid cell lines. Recombinant virus, genetic, and biochemical analyses have revealed that LMP1 is a constitutively active membrane receptor that appropriates signaling adapters of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily to alter cell gene expression through NF κB, mitogen-activated protein kinases, or interferon regulatory factors. LMP1 signaling mediated alterations in gene expression are critical for long-term cell proliferation and survival, and this is consistent with a s... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2966798 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:26:00 +0100 2966798 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2946786&cid=t_104319_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fsleep-across-america.html Today the CDC released new survey data about the sleep of people in the U.S. It examined the rate of “insufficient rest or sleep” in 2008.The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System is the world’s largest, ongoing telephone health survey. It collects data on risk behaviors and health conditions. One question on the 2008 survey was, “During the past 30 days, for about how many days have you felt you did not get enough rest or sleep?"Nearly 404,000 people participated; they were 18 years of age or older.Results show that about 31 percent were sound sleepers; they reported no days of insufficient rest or sleep in the preceding 30 days.Who were these sound sleepers? They were more likely to be male, Hispanic, 65 years of age or older, and retired.The results also suggest that island... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2946786 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:55:00 +0100 2946786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916146&cid=t_104319_107_f&fid=34860&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.corporeality.net%2Fmuseion%2F2009%2F10%2F22%2Fmaggot-therapybiosurgery-and-the-yuck-factor%2F When I was working at the Medical Museion as a docent, I often introduced visitors to our fabulous pharmacy. Here the visitors are introduced to such interesting objects as a jar containing moss from a human skull and a container for leeches. Leeches were used to draw blood from patients to restore their blood balance. The theoretical basis for this procedure was of course humoral pathology. The use of animals is not something that is restricted to pharmacies in medical museums like ours. Animals are also used in biomedicine today. I’ll get back to that.   One of the advantages of being a museum docent is that one gets an opportunity to see the facial expression of visitors when they listen to stories like the one about the leeches. It’s interesting but hard to des... Biomedicine on Display blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916146 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:05:37 +0100 2916146 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796600&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fwmf-human-cognitive-abilities-hca.html The free on-line WMF Human Cognitive Abilities (HCA) archive project was updated today. An overview of the project, with a direct link to the archive, can be found at the Woodcock-Muñoz Foundation web page (click on "Current Woodcock-Muñoz Foundation Human Cognitive Abilities Archive") . Also, an on-line PPT copy of a poster presentation I made at the 2008 (Dec) ISIR conference re: this project can be found by clicking here.Today's update added the following 10 new datasets from John "Jack" Carroll's original collection.Davis, F.B. (1944). Fundamental factors of comprehension in reading. Psychometrika, 9, 185-197.Davis, P.C. (1956). A factor analysis of the Wechsler-Bellevue scale. Educational & Psychological Measurement, 16, 127-146.**Day, R. (1980). Unpublished study of the Langua... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796600 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:41:00 +0100 2796600 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2719831&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fdependability-of-general-g-factor.html This is an update to a prior "IQ Pipeline" post regarding a manuscript that had been accepted for publication in the journal Intelligence.  The article is now official.  The reference citation (with link to copy) is:Floyd, R. G., Shands, E. I., Rafael, F. A., Bergeron, R., & McGrew, K. S. (2009). The dependability of general-factor loadings: The effects of factor-extraction methods, test battery composition, test battery size, and their interactions. Intelligence, 37, 453-465. (click here to view/download)As an FYI, the prior post included a link the to original Thorndike (1987) classic "Stability of Factor Loadings" article that was foundation of the current article.Technorati Tags: psychology, educational psychology, school psychology, cognition, neuropsychology, intelligence, IQ, ... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2719831 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:40:00 +0100 2719831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2670862&cid=t_104319_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Fplos-one-impact-factor-and-page-rank.html Discussion Expert for PLoS. Everyone and their grandmother knows that Impact Factor is a crude, unreliable and just wrong metric to use in evaluating individuals for career-making (or career-breaking) purposes. He adds that despite this, many institutions (or rather, their bureaucrats – scientists would abandon it if their bosses would) cling to impact factor anyway. Alternatives to impact factor are being attempted, and in today’s online world of social bookmarking, forums and preprint archives it is not without irony that the Google pagerank model may offer a new approach. A version of PageRank has recently been proposed as a replacement for the traditional Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) impact factor. It has been implemented at eigenfactor.org. Instead of simply ... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2670862 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:00:47 +0100 2670862 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2614008&cid=t_104319_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F26P7O1fRDg0%2F I know this sounds off-topic for a human-health blog, but bear with me in this: Dog researchers have discovered a gene event that may have implications for understanding human dwarfism. Published early in Science, scientists found that those cute-looking short-legged dog pedigrees that include Bassett Hounds and Dachshunds are products of a single mutational event in the dog evolution. Somewhere in evolution when dogs separated from the wolves, a mutation caused certain dogs to have short legs, and that mutation was preserved through time to create the modern-day short-leg breeds like the dachshund, corgi, Pekingese and basset hound. In these dogs, scientists found an extra copy of a gene that codes for a growth-promoting protein called fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4). The extra gene ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2614008 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:28:50 +0100 2614008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2611052&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fcattell-horn-cattell-chc-intelligence.html I've been busy taking information from my Cattell-Horn-Carroll CHC (Gf-Gc) Theory:  Past, Present & Future book chapter (in Flanagan & Harrison, 2005 CIA book) and putting it together in a piece of professional timeline software (Timeline Maker).  The software is "way cool" as it allows me to embed hyperlinks to files, images, web pages, etc.  Then, I can use the software, when making presentations, and bring events in one-at-a-time.  AND, at each event there are icons that serve as menus to files, images, etc. that I can "bring up" for viewing and discussion.  I've been embedding the timeline with all kinds of historical images, original classic articles (e.g., Spearman, Thurstone, Cattell, etc.) as well as more recent CHC-related articles.  The idea is for a timeline-based ... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2611052 Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:13:00 +0100 2611052 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2598351&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fjohn-horn-1965-doctoral-dissertation.html John Horn's Gf-Gc dissertation available for viewing.I'm working on a visual-graphic and text-based summary and extension of my previously published "CHC Theory: Past, Present and Future" book chapter...so it can be displayed on the web, and more importantly, can serve as a presentation for instructional/historical purposes. When done I will be giving this material away to those that are interested.In the process I'm trying to embed hyperlinks to classic articles that will give readers the chance to view and read many of the seminal works that have led us to contemporary CHC theory and intellectual assessment.Today I'm posting a real gem I found in the process of completing this project. A PDF copy of John Horn's original dissertation (1965). According to Carroll (1993), this was the first... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2598351 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:56:00 +0100 2598351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2584270&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fapplied-psych-test-design-part-g.html The seventh  in the series Art and Science of Applied Test Development is now available.The seventh module (Part G:  Psychometric/technical statistical analysis:  External) is now posted and is accessible via SlideShare.In addition, I've made some new edits and additions  to prior presentations (Part A-F)....so if you've viewed the prior modules you may want to revisit them again.This is the seventh in a series of PPT modules explicating the development of psychological tests in the domain of cognitive ability using contemporary methods (e.g., theory-driven test specification; IRT-Rasch scaling; etc.). The presentations are intended to be conceptual and not statistical in nature. Feedback is appreciated.This project can be tracked on the left-side pane of the blog under the heading of ... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2584270 Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:20:00 +0100 2584270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2580365&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fapplied-psych-test-development-series_07.html The sixth in the series Art and Science of Applied Test Development is now available.The sixth module (Part F--Psychometric/technical statistical analysis:  Internal) is now available.In addition, I've made some edits and additions (esp. summary "Tools, Tips, and Troubles" and "Advanced Topics" slides) to prior presentations (Part A-E).This is the sixth in a series of PPT modules explicating the development of psychological tests in the domain of cognitive ability using contemporary methods (e.g., theory-driven test specification; IRT-Rasch scaling; etc.). The presentations are intended to be conceptual and not statistical in nature. Feedback is appreciated.This project can be tracked on the left-side pane of the blog under the heading of Applied Test Development Test Development Series.T... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2580365 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:41:00 +0100 2580365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2580366&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fwj-iii-chc-cluster-g-specificity.html The following article, which was previously previewed in an earlier post, has now been published. Check the prior post for links to supplementary tables mentioned in the article. [Conflict of interest disclosure - I am a co-author of the WJ III, which was the focus of this publication]Floyd, R., McGrew, K., Barry, A., Rafael, F & Rogers, J. (2009) General and Specific Effects on Cattell–Horn–Carroll Broad Ability Composites: Analysis of the Woodcock–Johnson III Normative Update CHC Factor Clusters Across Development. School Psychology Review, 38(2), 249-265AbstractMany school psychologists focus their interpretation on composite scores from intelligence test batteries designed to measure the broad abilities from the Cattell-Hom-Carroll theory. The purpose of this study was to inv... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2580366 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:35:00 +0100 2580366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2561400&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fdifferntiation-of-cognitive-abilites.html The following manuscript, which analyzed the WJ III norm data [conflict of interest--I'm a coauthor of the WJ III), has been accepted for publication in the journal Developmental PsychologyDifferentiation of Cognitive Abilities across the Lifespan. Elliot M. Tucker-Drob, Department of Psychology University of Virginia Charlottesville, V.A.AbstractExisting representations of cognitive ability structure are exclusively based on linear patterns of interrelations. However, a number of developmental and cognitive theories predict that abilities are differentially related across ages (age differentiation-dedifferentiation) and across levels of functioning (ability differentiation). Nonlinear factor analytic models were applied to multivariate cognitive ability data from 6,273 individuals, ages 4... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2561400 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:45:00 +0100 2561400 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2511973&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fiq-pipeline-dependability-of-general-g.html The following article, which is a contemporary update (via more sophisticated statistical methodology) and extension of Thorndike's (1987) classic article on the "Stability of Factor Loadings", is now "in press" in the journal Intelligence.Floyd, R., Shands, E., Rafaela, F., Bergeron, R & McGrew, K. (2009, in press). The dependability of general-factor loadings: The effects of factor-extraction methods, test battery composition, test battery size, and their interactions. IntelligenceAbstractTo understand the extent to which the general-factor loadings of tests are inherent in their characteristics or due to the sampling of tests, the number of tests in the correlation matrix, and the factor-extraction methods used to obtain them, test scores from a large sample of young adults were ins... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2511973 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:43:00 +0100 2511973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2469731&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fart-and-science-of-test-development-ets.html I'm in the process of developing a four-hour course presentation on the "Art and Science of Test Development:  Theories, tools, tips and troubles" that I will unveil late July at a Brazil psychological assessment conference.  I'm very excited about putting this together.  There are many books on different aspects of test development and psychometrics, but nothing that is really "applied" test development or psychometrics.  I'm excited, but also am finding it a challenge to do within a four-hour time constraint.  When done, it may serve as the outline for a manuscript and PPT slides that may be available via the WMF.  Much of it is based on Dr. Woodock's approach to test development and he has graciously provided me access to many of his notes and documents.  If we do ever get this t... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2469731 Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:45:00 +0100 2469731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2464207&cid=t_104319_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FAyI3XflToKY%2F Medical professionals make sweeping assessments when they work. Doctors, nurses, and midwives (among others) are trained to pick up details that give them clues on what is going on. One such assessment is the Apgar score, which is done on every newborn and has been done for almost 60 years now. What is the Apgar score? The Apgar score, named after Dr. Virginia Apgar, looks at how the newborn is 1 minute after birth and again at 5 minutes after birth. They are looking at how the baby moves and muscle tone (Activity), heart rate (Pulse), reflex (Grimace response), skin color (Appearance), and breathing rate and effort (Respiration). Each assessment is worth from 0 to 2 points. If the assessment is good, the baby gets 2 points, if it’s absent, the baby gets zero, if it’s there but... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2464207 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:13:35 +0100 2464207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442304&cid=t_104319_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FtQtmK58W5wo%2F Did you know that having gum disease (periodontitis) is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD)? It’s been found that people with periodontal diseases are twice as likely to get coronary artery disease than those without any gum disease. Almost 92% of people who have CVD also have severe to moderate periodontitis, according to a 2004 study. Some studies suggest that oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and contribute to a thickening of the arterial walls or clot formation. Any blockage of the arteries can lead to heart attacks. But a new study found that gum and heart disease may actually share the same variation of a gene! The researchers found that a locus on chromosome 9p21. is associated with both heart attack and gum disease. Both diseases share several risk factors in... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442304 Fri, 29 May 2009 22:43:00 +0100 2442304 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2390097&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fdissertation-dish-dimensionality-of.html Exploring the relationships among various measures of processing speed in a sample of children referred for psychological assessments by Nelson, Megan A., Ph.D., University of Virginia, 2009, 102 pages; AAT 3348732Abstract (Summary)Processing speed is a robust psychometric factor in modern tests of cognitive ability (Carroll, 1993), but the common factors underlying mental speed and its contributions to individual differences in functioning are not well understood. The goal of the current study was to further explore mental speed by conducting a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on 11 speeded subtest scores. It was hypothesized that the 11 subtests would be best represented by a four-factor model. These four factors were then submitted to a cluster analysis to identify whether certain pat... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2390097 Tue, 05 May 2009 14:20:00 +0100 2390097 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2380883&cid=t_104319_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F30%2Fsilencing-groupthink-in-your-organization%2F Groupthink is a term describing the idea that people in a group or meeting will stay quiet out of fear of the disagreement of others. It’s easier to remain quiet and have the meeting end or have the group move on than to spend another hour in disagreement or having to defend one’s beliefs or opinions: Collective decision-making failures are often attributed to group members’ unwillingness to express unpopular opinions, and incident investigations frequently name lack of dissent as a causal factor (Sunstein, 2006). The investigation following the Columbia space-shuttle explosion, for instance, cited a culture at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in which “it is difficult for minority and dissenting opinions to percolate up through the agency’s ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2380883 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:00:00 +0100 2380883 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2367561&cid=t_104319_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FlfG-u-Twxeo%2F Today’s the day we announce the winner for the Live Food Factor book by Susan Schenck. You ready? It’s: Veronica Garrett! Veronica thought the book sounded great, and I must admit, I think the same thing. I was so intrigued by our interview with Susan Schenck that I did some research and discovered that Carol Alt has been on a raw food diet for about 15 years. And if you’ve seen Carol Alt lately, she looks great! No way does she look close to 50 years old. In reading an interview with Carol, I was surprised to learn that a raw food diet isn’t necessarily a vegan diet. I think that’s one reason I always shunned it. She also said that she eats like a football player (hard to believe) and that the diet cured her of many things like allergies and acid stomach. Im... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2367561 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:54:44 +0100 2367561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2348676&cid=t_104319_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FR1FuZ2h5sL4%2F We’ve come to the final installment of our three-part interview with Susan Schenck, author of The Live Food Factor. (Please read Parts 1 and 2, and don’t forget to enter our giveaway of Susan’s book.) Have people really been healed from disease from a raw food diet? Could you share an example from someone you’ve met? Studies at various clinics have shown that by eating 80-85% of your calories raw, most people can avoid degenerative diseases. People using a 100% raw food diet have even been able to reverse disease. Entire books have been written by people sharing their stories of healings using a raw food diet—healing from diabetes, colitis, various types of cancers, asthma, thyroid conditions, obesity, AIDs, hepatitis, and more. Some of the people I have met or c... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2348676 Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:12:09 +0100 2348676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2348677&cid=t_104319_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fux5jxVeH-z8%2F We are continuing our interview with Susan Schenck, author of The Live Food Factor. Don’t forget to read Part 1 of our interview and enter our giveaway for Susan’s book. What’s the number one thing people are surprised about when they learn more about a raw food diet? People find it incomprehensible that cooked food is toxic. Not just processed food. (Most people know that is bad.) But even your standard baked potato has been found to have 400 toxic byproducts that result from cooking. Research by Dr. Paul Kouchakoff (and later Dr. Howard Loomis) has proven that when you eat cooked food, your white blood cells increase. This means your body is trying to fight off an invasion. But if you eat the food raw, this phenomenon doesn’t occur. In 1916, Louis Maillard proved... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2348677 Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:05:14 +0100 2348677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349268&cid=t_104319_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F2Pi6qFaeMZY%2F Depending on the source, stroke is considered as either the third-leading or second-leading cause of death worldwide. Neither one is a comforting thought, isn’t it? Image credit: Newscom What factors can increase one’s risk for stroke? Blood pressure, smoking, obesity, cholesterol, diet, physical inactivity and alcohol are responsible for two-thirds of stroke risk. Genetic factors also play an important role, but scientists have not found any common genetic markers associated with an increased risk for stroke. Until now. A large study found single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on chromosome 12p13 that individually increased the risk of stroke by as much 30 percent. The markers were located very near the gene NINJ2, which encodes a protein that is involved in nerve injury. The study is... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349268 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:32:00 +0100 2349268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349062&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fwmf-human-cognitive-abilities-project.html The free on-line WMF Human Cognitive Abilities (HCA) archive project was updated today. An overview of the project, with a direct link to the archive, can be found at the Woodcock-Muñoz Foundation web page (click on "Current Woodcock-Muñoz Foundation Human Cognitive Abilities Archive") . Also, an on-line PPT copy of a poster presentation I made at the 2008 (Dec) ISIR conference re: this project can be found by clicking here.Request for assistance: The HCA project needs help tracking down copies of old journal articles, dissertations, etc. for a number of datasets being archived. Please visit he special "Requests for Assistance" section of this archive to view a list of manuscripts that we are currently having trouble locating. If you have access to either a paper or e-copy of any of th... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349062 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:18:00 +0100 2349062 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2323361&cid=t_104319_131_f&fid=35743&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthegenesherpa.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Ffamily-history-beats-fancy-genetic-test.html I was talking to the president elect of the ACMG the other day about something that could be pretty useful. I told him that even though we disagree about the role of DTC, I laud his efforts towards education.Our teaching point should be plain and simple. The family history is the best addition to the geneticist's history and physical. It separates them from other specialities. It is a help towards clinical judgement and use of testing. This is precisely the thing that will keep geneticists from being replaced by eager self-testers and Online "web apps" to teach patients about their 6 billion base pair report.In genetics we all know of benign variants in genes and hell, even chromosomes. Changes which in the grand scheme of things may never make a difference......that's because clinical alw... Gene Sherpas: Personalized Medicine and You blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2323361 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:35:00 +0100 2323361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2326620&cid=t_104319_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F04%2Fjohns-hopkins-discovers-a-protein-that-contributes-to-ovarian-cancer-recurrence-by-causing-chemoresistance%2F ” … Ground-breaking work on an ovarian cancer-related protein in the lab of Ie-Ming Shih at the [Johns Hopkins] School of Medicine is leading to new insights into cancer biology. … They have revealed a novel protein that creates cancer cells that are resistant to traditional cancer chemotherapies and partially revealed its mechanism of action. [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2326620 Sun, 05 Apr 2009 00:57:57 +0100 2326620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2320450&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fdivergent-thinking-creative-problem.html Results from a large scale study (n=1300+) of German subjects (Kuhn & Holing, 2009;  European Journal of Psychological Assessment) suggests that the factor structure of divergent thinking (idea generation, creative problem solving, etc.) abilities may be domain-specific (numerical, verbal, figural), consistent with the BIS intelligence theory (which was the framework for the study).  My only criticism is that no attempt was made to relate (test a model?) or interpret the results as per the divergent abilities that are subsumed as the fluency/rate factors under Glr in the CHC theory of intelligence.  Without detailed descriptions of the tests in the manuscript, it is not possible to do a post-hoc BIS-CHC "cross-walk."  My hunch is that the content-classified divergent thinking tests... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2320450 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:41:00 +0100 2320450 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2295402&cid=t_104319_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2Fj4uxM6ckVXQ%2F Asians would know what I’m talking about. You drink a few sips of alcohol and suddenly, you feel nauseated and hot, you face turns beet red, and your heart beats faster. Known as the “Asian Glow” or “Asian Flush”, this reaction to alcohol is a risk factor for cancer of the esophagus, one of the deadliest in the world. The alcohol flushing response is an inherited genetic trait – deficiency in the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2)- common among one third of Japanese, Chinese and Koreans. Here’s how the enzyme works: In normal individuals, alcohol is broken down into a non-toxic forms by the action of two enzymes. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) oxidizes alcohol into acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is a carcinogen that causes DNA damage, so the final steps in the metabolism of a... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2295402 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:26:56 +0100 2295402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2267324&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fquantoids-corner-confirmatory-factor.html Just read a good article in Psychological Methods on the state-of-the-art of CFA methods, statistical methods used with considerable frequency in intelligence research. Here is a nifty manuscript/research checklist ... double click on image to enlarge. I will follow-up with a more detailed post in the next few days. (Source: Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner)) Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2267324 Sun, 15 Mar 2009 01:45:00 +0100 2267324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2259382&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fquantoids-corner-reporting-cfa-results.html Double click on image to enlarge (Source: Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner)) Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2259382 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:17:00 +0100 2259382 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260416&cid=t_104319_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F09%2Fmd-anderson-researchers-find-gm-csf-and-rifn-gamma1b-plus-carboplatin-effective-for-the-treatment-of-recurrent-platinum-sensitive-ovarian-cancer%2F Researchers working in the Gynecologic Oncology Department of The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, reported Phase II clinical study results from their evaluation of the use of carboplatin, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and recombinant interferon gamma 1b (rIFN-gamma1b) in women with recurrent, platinum-sensitive ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer. … Researchers working in [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260416 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:35:16 +0100 2260416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2242985&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fwmf-human-cognitive-abilities-hca.html The free on-line WMF Human Cognitive Abilities (HCA) archive project was updated today. An overview of the project, with a direct link to the archive, can be found at the Woodcock-Muñoz Foundation web page (click on "Current Woodcock-Muñoz Foundation Human Cognitive Abilities Archive") . Also, an on-line PPT copy of a poster presentation I made at the 2008 (Dec) ISIR conference re: this project can be found by clicking here.Current Update: Today's update added information (either original correlation matrix or manuscript--or both) for the datasets listed below:FAIRO1A/FAIRO1:  Fairbank, B.A. Jr., Tirre, W., Anderson, N.S. (1991).  Measures of thirty cognitive tasks:  Intercorrelations and correlations with aptitude battery scores. In P.L. Dann, S. M. Irvine, & J. Collis (Eds.), A... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2242985 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:46:00 +0100 2242985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2235744&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fwhere-does-attention-fit-in-chc.html I just read with great interest (and attention) an excellent article that investigated the relations between the construct of attention and intelligence within the confines of the CHC model of intelligence. A constant source of discomfort with the CHC model, and, in particular, the use of the CHC nomenclature to classify what is measured by the tests in individual intelligence batteries, has been the lack of clarity of the role/presence/validity of AC (attention/concentration) in the model. Carroll (1993) clearly articulated the unknown status of attention in a model of cognitive abilities when he stated:"...it can be argued that attention is involved, in varying degrees, in all cognitive performances and, thus, in all performances that are regarded as indicating cognitive abilities. One c... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2235744 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:22:00 +0100 2235744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2227542&cid=t_104319_131_f&fid=35743&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthegenesherpa.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fnew-family-history-tool-to-debut.html It's as if everyone in the technology land had been hearing my cries!"Family history is the cheapest and the best whole genome scan we have!!"The Government fixed theirs others are working on it as well.......With the potential in ancestry companies to turn their tools into family history gathering machines we are now seeing a big shift in focus from merely ancestry to ancestry AND medical history. One great tool that is coming comes from a website called ItRunsInMyFamily.com And like every self respecting entrepreneur looking to boost SEO, they have started a blog. But what's even better, they beat me to the punch when comparing genetic testing versus family history...They pit them head to head.....From the blog:Breadth of DiseasesOver 6,000 known single-gene disorders. (This does not inc... Gene Sherpas: Personalized Medicine and You blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2227542 Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:02:00 +0100 2227542 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2078790&cid=t_104319_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2F502821701%2F Eigenfactor.org computes journal’s influence (akin to Impact Factor).  Here’s a plot of the influence and number of articles in journals classified as “Mycology”.  It shows bubbles representing eigenfactor and the lines are the representation of change over time - the animation is much more informative so click over to see it play out. Unfortunately a few mycology journals like Fungal Genetics and Biology/Experimental Mycology aren’t included. Mycology Journals influence over time. From http://eigenfactor.org © Jason Stajich for The Hyphal Tip, 2009. | Permalink | No comment Add to del.icio.us Search blogs linking this post with Technorati Want more on these topics ? Browse the archive of posts filed under journals, news. (Source: Fungal Gen... Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2078790 Sun, 04 Jan 2009 21:41:51 +0100 2078790 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2063130&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fdetterman-laws-of-individual.html Early in my career I ran across a tremendous tongue-in-check book chapter by Doug Detterman where he articulated Detterman's Laws of Individual Differences (click here to view--you will need to rotate in your pdf reader). Many of the laws make me laugh to this day. All serious individual difference psychologists (psychometrics, intelligence researchers, developers and users of intelligence tests) should read these from time-to-time....to regain perspective on research in this area. You can read them for yourself...but below are a few of my favorites:Laws of statistical inertiaLaw II. Anything which exists can be measured incorrectlyLaw III. Incorrect measurements require intelligent application of appropriate statistics to be interpretableLaw IV. It can't be done.Law VII. Everything is cor... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2063130 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:15:00 +0100 2063130 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2042806&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fmcgrew-2009-now-official-chc-and-hca.html As previously reported, my article in Intelligence (CHC theory and the Human Cognitive Abilities project:  Standing on the giants of psychometric intelligence research) is now officially published and available (click here).Technorati Tags: psychology, educational psychology, school psychology, neuropsychology, intelligence, cognition, IQ, HCA, CHC, Human Cognitive Abilities, Catell-Horn-Carroll (Source: Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner)) Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2042806 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 03:12:00 +0100 2042806 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2035911&cid=t_104319_125_f&fid=36046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdentistrylibrary.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fseminar-on-publishing-excellence-beyond.html Nature Publishing Group (NPG) and Thomson Reuters will hold a joint seminar on Publishing Excellence and how to correctly interpret journal citation data on the 23rd January in Sydney. This seminar will go into detail about the use and misuse of impact factors along with a detailed presentation by Leslie Sage, senior editor, physical sciences, Nature, on how to get published in Nature. In total four speakers will present on the following: 1. Antoine BocquetAssociate Director, Asia-Pacific, Nature Publishing Group (NPG) Executive Vice-President, NPG Nature Asia-Pacific"Growth of Nature Publishing Group"2. Dr Leslie SageSenior editor, physical sciences, Nature "How to publish a paper in Nature"3. Dr Berenika M WebsterStrategic Business Manager, Thomson Reu... DentistryLibrary@Sydney blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2035911 Mon, 15 Dec 2008 01:48:00 +0100 2035911 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2035588&cid=t_104319_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F12%2F13%2Fcan-blue-colored-light-prevent-suicide%2F An intriguing, anecdotal finding was recently reported by some news outlets that the implementation of blue-colored streetlights has reduced both crime and suicides: Glasgow, Scotland, introduced blue street lighting to improve the city’s landscape in 2000. Afterward, the number of crimes in areas illuminated in blue noticeably decreased. The Nara, Japan, prefectural police set up blue street lights in the prefecture in 2005, and found the number of crimes decreased by about 9 percent in blue-illuminated neighborhoods. Many other areas nationwide have followed suit. Keihin Electric Express Railway Co. changed the color of eight lights on the ends of platforms at Gumyoji Station in Yokohama, Japan, in February. Since the railway company introduced the new blue lights, they&#8217... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2035588 Sat, 13 Dec 2008 17:00:30 +0100 2035588 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2019279&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fwmf-human-cognitive-abilities-overview.html At the forthcoming 2008 International Society for Intelligence Researchers (ISIR) conference (next week- Dec 11-14), I'm presenting an overview and update of the Woodcock-Munoz-Foundation (WMF) Human Cognitive Abilities project.For those who cannot attend, I've uploaded a copy of my PPT slides to Slideshare. Click here to view. I would recommend selecting the "full view" icon to better see the detail in the slides.Technorati Tags: psychology, educational psychology, school psychology, neuropsychology, cognition, cognitive, intelligence, HCA, Human Cognitive Abilities, WMF, Woodcock-Munoz Foundation.ISIR (Source: Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner)) Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2019279 Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:17:00 +0100 2019279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1985810&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fdissertation-dish-chc-theory-and.html This study determined whether popular neuropsychological measures evaluate Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) broad and narrow cognitive abilities. A thorough literature review was conducted to identify relevant datasets that would permit factor analyses of targeted instruments. Seventy-seven datasets were obtained and analyzed, or reanalyzed, to ensure methodological consistency across samples. Many factor solutions included dimensions that reflected broad CHC ability constructs, which suggests it is possible to integrate aspects of neuropsychological assessment and the CHC theory. Overall, the project is relevant to assessment practice because it connects neuropsychological tests with CHC theory, and thus facilitates accurate interpretation of performances across different measures. It ultimatel... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1985810 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:53:00 +0100 1985810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1962547&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fresearch-bytes-3-friday-pm-intelligence.html Friday afternoon factor analysis fest!I just posted information on a CFA study examining the constructs of broad cognitive processing speed (Gs) and sustained attention (SA).  A few other factor-analysis based articles caught my eye in my e-inbox.Blaga et al. have an "in press" study in the journal Intelligence that examined the continuity of the structure of cognitive development from infancy to preschool with a longitudinal research design.  Support was found for strong continuity of cognitive development.  To learn more...Also in press in Intelligence is a very intriguing article by Demetriou et al. that attempts to go beyond the hot research topic/hypothesis that fluid reasoning (Gf) or g (general intelligence) may be strongly influenced by working memory (Gsm-MW) and indirectly by ... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1962547 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:23:00 +0100 1962547 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1962548&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fprocessing-speed-gs-measures-sustained.html This study is limited to a young adult age range and 199 subjects. It would be nice to see simlar studies across the entire age range.Krumm, S, Schmidt-Atzert, L., Michalczyk, K. & Danthiir, V. (2008). Speeded Paper-Pencil Sustained Attention and Mental Speed Tests: Can Performances Be Discriminated?J ournal of Individual Differences, 29,p. 205–216Abstract. Mental speed (MS) and sustained attention (SA) are theoretically distinct constructs. However, tests of MS are very similar to SA tests that use time pressure as an impeding condition. The performance in such tasks largely relies on the participants’ speed of task processing (i.e., how quickly and correctly one can perform the simple cognitive tasks). The present study examined whether SA and MS are empirically the same or diffe... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1962548 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:33:00 +0100 1962548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1940985&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Ffree-on-line-wmf-human-cognitive.html The free on-line WMF Human Cognitive Abilities (HCA) archive project was updated today. An overview of the project, with a direct link to the archive, can be found at the Woodcock-Muñoz Foundation web page (click on "Current Woodcock-Muñoz Foundation Human Cognitive Abilities Archive") .Request for assistance: The HCA project needs help tracking down copies of old journal articles, dissertations, etc. for a number of datasets being archive. Please visit the "master bibliography/inventory" section of this archive and visit the on-line dataset/reference file. When viewing the on-line working inventory, manuscripts/references featured in the color red are those we are currently having trouble locating. If you have access to either a paper or e-copy of any of the designated "fugitive" docu... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1940985 Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:13:00 +0100 1940985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1918042&cid=t_104319_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2Fjvux56F3-bg%2F Malnourishment in a pregnant woman has a lasting effect on her child’s DNA. This was the implications of a new study on children born during the famine of World War II. Scientists studied the DNA of children who were born to women starved during the 1944 Hunger Winter in the Netherlands. They analyzed a gene called insulin-like growth factor 2 or IGF2, an important growth hormone. Methyl groups that attach to IGF2 very early in fetal development determine how much of the growth hormone is made later, and protect the DNA from damage. The scientists found that those children (now in their 60s)  who were exposed to famine in the first trimester of pregnancy had lesser methyl groups in the IGF2 gene than their siblings of the same sex. Loss of methylation in IGF2 has previously b... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1918042 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:00:46 +0100 1918042 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1897016&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fwisc-iiiwj-iii-cross-battery-gspecific.html WISC-III/WJ III cross-battery g+specific abilities research reinforces "just say maybe" program of CHC g+specific abilities research.I'm just starting the process of drafting a manuscript to summarize the results of the IAP CHC COG-ACH Correlates Meta-Analysis project (click here).  In that on-line EWOK (Evolving Web of Knowledge) I list a McGrew (2007a) study in the reading and math summary tables.  That reference reflects unpublished re-analysis I completed (last fall) with the Phelps et al. (2007) joint (cross-battery) WISC-III/WJ III dataset.  In order to include the findings in the synthesis manuscript, I felt it appropriate to at least informally publish the final models for reference.  Two important caveats.  I'm a coauthor of the WJ III (conflict of interest disclosure).  The... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1897016 Tue, 21 Oct 2008 22:27:00 +0100 1897016 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1889372&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fwj-iii-2-d-mds-analysis-ages-6-18.html As promised, this is a follow-up to my posting of a 3-D Guttman Radex MDS model of WJ III tests. I'm now presenting a 2-D Radex model based on the analysis of all WJ III norm subjects from ages 6-18 (using the WJ III NU norms). You can view/download the pdf file by clicking here.I could write an entire chapter on implications, hypotheses, etc. Instead, I'm going to make just a few comments and post a few questions in hopes that this approach to examining the characteristics of tests generates some interest. IMHO, MDS is an excellent analytic tool that provides a unique lens by which to augment our factor-analytic based understanding of cognitive ability tests. I wish more of us would complete these analyses with all major intelligence batteries.A few thoughts/comments/questions:Note that C... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1889372 Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:51:00 +0100 1889372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1883516&cid=t_104319_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Freceptor_finding_may_lead_to_more_potent_anxiety_depression.htm Researchers in the Laboratory of Structural Sciences at the independent research organization Van Andel Institute (VAI), have determined how the hormone corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) precisely binds to its receptor. This detailed structural information can help drug developers design new drugs for anxiety, depression, and related disorders. "There are a few drugs in development to treat anxiety, depression, and other conditions by targeting the cellular receptor that CRF binds to, but there are no drugs currently on the market," said VAI Distinguished Scientific Investigator Eric Xu, Ph.D. "There is a lot of interest in this receptor as a drug target, and we are the first to determine the structural details necessary to develop an ideal drug." CRF is a hormone and neurotransmitter ... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1883516 Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:17:00 +0100 1883516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1881402&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fgfg-revisited-schneider-lopez-and.html Joel Schneider provided some excellent thoughts and questions related to my recent "Gf=g: Maybe not" post over on the NASP listserv. His comments were then augmented by Ruben Lopez and Cathy Fiorello. I thought the quality of the comments were so good that they should be preserved for others to read. They are produced below - "as is" from the NASP list.Joel Schneider comment:Kevin's recent blog post about the Gf=g hypothesis is interesting and worth reading.For most hypotheses about the structure of cognitive abilities, I can think of no better dataset on which to test them than on the WJ-III standardization sample. However, in this particular case, I've always had my doubts about WJ-III Gf tests. I am confident that both the primary WJ-III Gf tests are excellent markers of Gf. However, I'... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1881402 Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:58:00 +0100 1881402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1881403&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fgfg-revisted-maybe-not.html Does Gf=g?The possibility that Gf is isomorphic with general intelligence (g - if you believe g exists) has been discussed/debated in many research articles during the past few decades.  Kvist and Gustafsson (2008) recently took a new approach to investigating the viability of the Gf=g hypothesis [The reference and the journal abstract are included at the bottom of this post.]  These researchers use Cattell's investment theory to test the hypothesis. They argue, as per an extension of Catell's Investment hypothesis, that in populations with homogeneous learning experiences the Gf=g relationship would hold, while in more heterogenous populations the relationship between Gf and g would not approach unity.  As noted in their abstract and article, their research confirmed their hypothesis.�... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1881403 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:58:00 +0100 1881403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1871467&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fdissertation-dish-k-abc-ii-sb5-wj-iii.html Two new CHC-based dissertations I stumbled across this weekend.A joint-confirmatory factor analysis using the Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Cognitive Ability and the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales: Fifth Edition with high-achieving children by Williams, Tasha H., Ph.D., Ball State University, 2005, 206 pages; AAT 3176652 Abstract: A considerable about of research has concentrated on studying the performance of high achieving children on measures of intellectual functioning. Findings have indicated high achieving children display differences in performance patterns as well as in the cognitive constructs measured when compared to their average peers. The conceptualization of intelligence has evolved over time and contemporary theories of intelligence have described cognitive ability as c... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1871467 Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:04:00 +0100 1871467 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1829213&cid=t_104319_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FfMJuVJ8H5QQ%2F Scientists have previously posited that autism’s cause is at the synapse. Mutations in the genes for neuroligins—which ensure that signal transitions between nerve cells function—-have been suggested as a cause of autism.  Neuroscientists at Children’s Hospital Boston have identified what is being called a “master switch” that organizes the functioning of inhibitory synapses. Synapses are the connections between brain cells and enable communication among neurons; they’re essentially for virtually all brain functions, such as memory, sensory perception, motor coordination, learning. The “master switch” is Npas4, which is a transcription factor, a “switch” that activates or represses other genes; it regulates over 200 genes t... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1829213 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:37:00 +0100 1829213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1779197&cid=t_104319_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F09%2F09%2Fcan-loneliness-kill-you%2F Well, maybe not kill you, but it can definitely negatively impact your health. Last week, we reported on how loneliness can actually harm your health. We’ve long known how couples seem to enjoy a health advantage over those who are single. But those health advantages may diminish over time. But just as obesity, lack of exercise, or smoking will eventually catch up to you, the authors of a new book suggest that loneliness is an often-overlooked risk factor for health issues: Loneliness leads to higher rises in morning levels of the stress hormone cortisol, altered gene expression in immune cells, poorer immune function, higher blood pressure and an increased level of depression. Loneliness also is related to difficulty getting a deep sleep and a faster progression of Alzheimer�... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1779197 Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:21:54 +0100 1779197 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1739445&cid=t_104319_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fresearch_points_to_new_anti_depressant_drug_target.htm The news about antidepressant medications over the past several years has been mixed. The bad news from large multicenter studies such as STAR*D is that current antidepressant medications are effective, but not as effective as one might hope. Thus, there is a significant need for new treatment mechanisms for depression. On that front, there has been mixed news as well. One of the most exciting new drugs to reach human clinical trials, the corticotrophin releasing factor-1 (CRF1) receptor blocker CP-316,311 did not work in a large clinical trial sponsored by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. So, is it time to abandon CRF1 antagonists as antidepressants or should we revisit these agents from a new perspective? It is in this context that a new paper by AlexanDr Surget and colleagues, published in the A... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1739445 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:31:00 +0100 1739445 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1715314&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fin-press-chc-theory-overview-and-hca.html I'm pleased to announce that the following manuscript re: CHC (Cattell-Horn-Carroll ) theory and the Human Cognitive Abilities (HCA) project is now "in press" in the journal Intelligence. Readers may be particularly interested in the CHC Theory model figure (Figure 1) which represents the most comprehensive overview of contemporary CHC theory.McGrew, K. S. (in press). CHC Theory and the Human Cognitive Abilities Project: Standing on the Shoulders of the Giants of Psychometric Intelligence Research. Intelligence.As per the the Scholary Posting provision of the journals publication agreement, I've made a pre-publication copy of the submitted manuscript available at the HCA Archive web page (it can be found on the "HCA Project Communications and Announcements" branch).Technorati Tags: psychol... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1715314 Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:51:00 +0100 1715314 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1715319&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fwmf-human-cognitive-abilities-hca.html The free on-line WMF Human Cognitive Abilities (HCA) archive project was updated today. The major updates included the following:New datasets: A number of new datasets (correlation matrices analyzed in Carroll's 1993 factor analysis meta-analysis) and original journal articles were added to the archive. Nine new correlation matrices were added to the archive. They are listed below.BACH01: Bachman, L.F. (1982). The trait structure of cloze test scores. TESOL Quarterly, 16, 61-70.BAIR01: Bair J.T. (1951). Factor analysis of clerical aptitude tests. Journal of Applied Psychology, 35, 245-249.BANN11: Bannatyne, A.D., Wichiarajote, P. (1969). Relationships between written spelling, motor functioning, and sequencing skills. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 2, 4-16.BECH01: Bechtold, H.P. (19... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1715319 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:17:00 +0100 1715319 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1727802&cid=t_104319_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F08%2F03%2Fcombination-targeted-therapy-with-sorafenib-bevacizumab-shows-antitumor-activity%2F The results from a recent Phase I solid tumor clinical trial indicate that combination targeted therapy with sorafenib and bevacizumab produces anti-tumor activity (and enhanced toxicity) with respect to 43% of the ovarian cancer patients enrolled in that trial. Sorafenib (Nexavar®) inhibits the Raf kinase and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor. Bevacizumab (Avastin®) is [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1727802 Mon, 04 Aug 2008 02:36:13 +0100 1727802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1715323&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fwmf-human-cognitive-abilities-hca.html The free on-line WMF Human Cognitive Abilities (HCA) archive project was updated today. The major updates included the following:A number of new datasets (correlation matrices analyzed in Carroll's 1993 factor analysis meta-analysis) and original journal articles were added to the archiveThe HCA project needs help tracking down copies of old journal articles, dissertations, etc. for a number of datasets being archive. Please visit the "master bibliography/inventory" section of this archive and visit the on-line dataset/reference file. When viewing the on-line working inventory, manuscripts/references featured in the color red are those we are currently having trouble locating. If you have access to either a paper or e-copy of any of the designated "fugitive" documents, and would be willing... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1715323 Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:58:00 +0100 1715323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1715330&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fintelligencetesting.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fwechsler-arithmetic-test-measure-of-gq.html What does the Wechsler Arithmetic test measure? Why has it's interpretation been so variable over the decades? Why is it now classified (as per CHC theory) as a mixed measure of Gsm (Short-term Memory - Working memory; MW) and Gf (Fluid Reasoning - Quantitative reasoning; RQ) in the latest Essentials of Cross-Battery Assessment book (Flanagan, Ortiz and Alfonso, 2007)? [Click here if you need more information on CHC theory and the major abilities, definitions, and abbreviations]While preparing for my recent presentation at the Third National School Psychology Neuropsychology Conference, I consulted the 2nd edition of the Essentials of Cross-Battery book. I noticed on page 310 that, in contrast to prior cross-battery classifications of the Arithmetic test as a primary measure of Gq (Quantit... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1715330 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:49:00 +0100 1715330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1413595&cid=t_104319_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F281626086%2F This subject has been off the collective radar screen for awhile, but a recently unearthed court document reminded us of a passionate controversy that’s played out for the past two decades ago over the use of a blood-clotting medicine that was blamed for infecting hemophiliacs with HIV in Asia and Latin America, while a newer, safer version was sold in the US and other Western nations. The backdrop: A former Bayer division known as Cutter Biological introduced a new version of its med in 1984, but continued to sell the old one overseas, according to documents filed in federal court in Illinois. By doing so, Cutter avoided a build-up of inventory of its old Factor VIII concentrate, which provided a missing ingredient that allows a hemophiliac’s blood to clot. Look here. Why woul... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1413595 Thu, 01 May 2008 19:09:03 +0100 1413595 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1385432&cid=t_104319_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2F273661350%2Famusing-asides-truthiness-and-wisdom-of.html In an amusing aside, I was doing a quick search just now on Wikipedia for "the yuck factor" - rest assured, I was just reference hunting and feeling too lazy to go over to my bookshelf. I ended up on... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1385432 Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:10:58 +0100 1385432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1356583&cid=t_104319_122_f&fid=36506&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBrainSciencePodcastBlog%2F%7E3%2F266048860%2F In Episode 33 of the Brain Science Podcast, Harvard’s Dr. John Ratey introduced us to brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), which he described as “Miracle Grow for the Brain” because it actually stimulates the grow of new neurons in the brain. The emphasis in our discussion was on the importance of exercise in stimulating the release of BDNF. If you are interested in checking out some further references on BDNF you may want to check out Charles Daney’s Science and Reason Blog. Daney also does a good job of explaining exactly what a neurotropic factor is and does. (Source: the Brain Science Podcast and Blog with Dr. Ginger Campbell) the Brain Science Podcast and Blog with Dr. Ginger Campbell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1356583 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:50:37 +0100 1356583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1255096&cid=t_104319_131_f&fid=34976&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftalk.dnadirect.com%2F2008%2F02%2F25%2Fny-times-insurance-fears-and-dna-testing%2F Amy Harmon looks at the issue of privacy, fear of discrimination, and the very real repercussions some people are facing as a result of the tension between important medical information and lack of comprehensive legislation to protect patients' genetic privacy. She quotes Francis Collins, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute at the NIH, “It’s pretty clear that the public is afraid of taking advantage of genetic testing. If that continues, the future of medicine that we would all like to see happen stands the chance of being dead on arrival.” I don't think it's as dire as that, but all of us -- patients, physicians, industry and thought leaders -- need to push for systemic solutions. (Source: DNA Direct Talk) DNA Direct Talk blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1255096 Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:59:54 +0100 1255096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1204756&cid=t_104319_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fgene_variant_protects_some_abused_children_from_depression_i.htm Some forms of a gene that controls the body's response to stress hormones appear to protect adults who were abused in childhood from depression, psychiatrists have found. People who had been abused as children and who carried the most protective forms of the gene, called corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor one (CRHR1), had markedly lower measures of depression, compared with people with less protective forms, the researchers found in a recent study. The findings could guide doctors in finding new ways to treat depression in people who were abused as children, says senior author Kerry Ressler, MD, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Emory University School of Medicine. "We know that childhood abuse and early life stress are among the strongest contributors... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1204756 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 07:05:00 +0100 1204756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1122564&cid=t_104319_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F208743723%2F Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! We might just have a new type of oral diabetes treatment. It is derived from yeast and yes, that did make me giggle since yeast is in bread and bread is carbs and carbs turns to sugar and… you get my point. It is called glucose tolerance factor, GTF, and is essential in understanding how your body builds a resistance to insulin and can use it an ineffective way at different parts of the day or in differing situations. The results indicate that GTF acts similarly to insulin in the rats, lowering the level of glucose, and of LDL-cholesterol, (the “bad” cholesterol), and raising the level of HDL-cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol). GTF inhibited oxidation processes that can cause atherosclerosis and result in further complications of the ... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1122564 Mon, 31 Dec 2007 03:28:34 +0100 1122564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1107033&cid=t_104319_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomensbioethics.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fmothers-professors-little-helper.html (Source: Women's Bioethics Blog) Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1107033 Thu, 20 Dec 2007 03:03:00 +0100 1107033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1019448&cid=t_104319_109_f&fid=35677&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBrainBasedBusiness%2F%7E3%2F183258902%2Fmarks_of_onthejob_intelligence.html  In the Book What is Intelligence … James Flynn gives 5 marks to human brains that many businesses miss. 1. People can enhance their mental abilities given the right environment. Could you imagine what it would be like to work in a setting which optimizes your own ability to take risks, create and refine your best skills at work?  2. Leaders must transcend the  limited notion of fixed intelligence or the g-factor – if a business is to make progress through drawing more intelligence from people. What would it be like to hold a crown over each person’s head and fully expect that person to grow into it? 3. Productivity requires us to treat the brain, individual differences, and social trends as having equal integrity. Would a wider notion of how to gain ... BrainBasedBusiness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1019448 Sun, 11 Nov 2007 21:39:44 +0100 1019448 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1019423&cid=t_104319_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F183226162%2F Here are a few good links and articles that go right along with our Hearty blog… Have a great Sunday! We all know that smoking cigarettes increases your risk for heart disease, right? Then why don’t more people quit? Well duh, it is an addiction after all so that makes it more than tough. Researchers have found that the individual differences in brain chemistry can have a profound effect on a person’s susceptibility to addiction, and smoking may predispose adolescents to mental disorders in adolescence and adulthood such as affective disorders like depression. It is a vicious cycle! Another risk factor in heart disease… obesity. Scientists can now measure how full or hungry a mouse feels, thanks to a new technique which uses imaging to reveal how neurons behave in t... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1019423 Sun, 11 Nov 2007 20:10:21 +0100 1019423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=949974&cid=t_104319_109_f&fid=35677&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBrainBasedBusiness%2F%7E3%2F169896779%2Fwhy_we_focus_more_on_fear_at_w.html This study supported the observation that people become aware of fearful faces far faster than they recognize content or happy faces. It seems that the brain’s amygdala, in the presence of fearful faces, shortcuts the usual mental pathways that process and make sense of visual images. Do people focus on fear factors … or do they recognize people more who do their jobs well, maintain balance, and encourage others … where you work? (Source: BrainBasedBusiness) BrainBasedBusiness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=949974 Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:04:56 +0100 949974 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=889703&cid=t_104319_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract__extensive_genotyping_of_the_bdnf_and_ntrk2_genes_.htm Conclusions: These findings support a role for the BDNF/NTRK2 signaling pathway in genetic susceptibility to OCD. (Text has been reformatted for clarity, links added; ed.) Source... (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=889703 Fri, 21 Sep 2007 07:51:00 +0100 889703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=828078&cid=t_104319_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F28%2Fsugary-hazard-high-fructose-corn-syrup-may-raise-diabetes-risk%2F Filed under: Type 2, Diet, Research, ProductsA lot of people I know avoid foods that list high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as an ingredient. Apart from the calories they add to foods, there's a growing belief that lab-devised products like HFCS are simply unnatural and may be harmful. Wikipedia has an interesting article on the origins and controversy surrounding HFCS, if you want to learn more.Not surprisingly, the food industry has always defended HFCS against claims that it is harmful. But here's the latest contradiction of that claim: a recent study found that HFCS is "astonishingly" high in reactive carbonyls, which are thought to contribute to the development of diabetes. The study was led by Dr. Chi-tang Ho, head of Rutgers University's Department of Food Science, and colleagues. The... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=828078 Tue, 28 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 828078 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=823673&cid=t_104319_109_f&fid=35677&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBrainBasedBusiness%2F%7E3%2F148711110%2Fresearcher_who_redefined_free.html What separates people who steal from the public purse and those who give back millions to help others? That moment of choice ... which makes some a sinner and others a saint … consumed Benjamin Libet’s research until his July 23 death at the age of 91. Libet’s well respected research points to a smaller window on choices than once observed, according to latimes.com. After 20 years of studying the brain, Libet concluded that instead of a free will, the mind has a free won’t. Through a series of experiments Libet and his research team observed electrodes imbedded deep in the brains of epilepsy patients - and measured neural circuits stimulated.He compared how long a signal is required to elicit a response and how long that response took. Electrical sti... BrainBasedBusiness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=823673 Mon, 27 Aug 2007 09:48:43 +0100 823673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=776125&cid=t_104319_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F03%2Fcombo-drug-therapy-reverses-type-1-in-mice%2F This study suggests stopping the development of type 1 in humans must address the autoimmune T-cell disorder and the loss of insulin responsiveness in tissues due to inflammation. Once a body starts losing insulin-generating beta cells, the cells that remain have to work even harder to control blood sugar. Dr. Strom stated human clinical trials will begin within a year. The study is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (Source: The Diabetes Blog) The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=776125 Fri, 03 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 776125 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=687108&cid=t_104319_131_f&fid=35743&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthegenesherpa.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F06%2Fforbes-and-genetics-part-two.html Given the recent emails I have received I will now present the other author to the 12 Gene Tests That Could Change Your Life Matthew Herper. It turns out I am not the only person trying to find out who Matt Herper is. But I am slightly daunted given the fact that WikiAnswers hasn't been able to answer this question.Why investigate the authors? Because they are telling you that these tests could CHANGE YOUR LIFE! Frankly, I wonder who advised either of these guys. True, they are medical writers for several years. But there is always someone who advises a writer......So once again I dial up spy-engine Google.....According to the NewsBios 30 Under 30 AwardsMr. Herper focuses on science and medicine both for the print and online editions of Forbes and is tasked with devoting about half of his ... Gene Sherpas: Personalized Medicine and You blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=687108 Sat, 16 Jun 2007 22:32:00 +0100 687108 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=543562&cid=t_104319_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F04%2F14%2Fthought-for-the-day-linking-breast-cancer-abortion%2F Filed under: Breast Cancer, Research, Opinion, Daily news, Thought for the DayIs there a link between breast cancer and abortion? This is the first of I've heard of it -- and I consider myself fairly well-versed in the topic of breast cancer. Maybe I missed a beat somewhere along the line.Think about this:There is a Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer out there and Karen Malec, head of the group, says there would be far fewer breast cancer cases and deaths if women had been told the truth in the 1980s when conclusive evidence linked abortion with the disease.Malec reports that government scientists wrote a letter in 1986 to the British journal Lancet, acknowledging that abortion causes breast cancer. She says as of 2006, eight medical organizations had recognized abortion as one cause of t... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=543562 Sat, 14 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 543562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=541240&cid=t_104319_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F04%2F13%2Fpress-secretary-tony-snow-clears-up-cancer-confusion%2F Filed under: Colon and Rectal Cancer, Politics, Daily news, Cancer SurvivorsWhite House Press Secretary Tony Snow popped in for an unexpected visit on Bill O'Reilly's Radio Factor on Wednesday with the purpose of clearing up a certain cancer matter. "Some of this has been misreported," Snow told O'Reilly in reference to his recent cancer recurrence. "I do not have liver cancer," Snow said. "There are a number of small tumors that are in my abdominal cavity; they have not hit any other organs." Snow, 51, said there is also no cancer traveling through his bloodstream and that he plans to return to work after recovering from the surgery he had two weeks ago to remove tumors from his abdomen.Although his cancer is not threatening his life -- he says if the tumors didn't grow from now until the... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=541240 Fri, 13 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 541240 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=506829&cid=t_104319_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F03%2F28%2Fone-in-three-will-get-cancer%2F Filed under: All Cancers, Exercise, Obesity, Nutrition, Cancer prevention foods, Vitamins and nutrients, SmokingOne out of three Americans will get cancer before they die. Who is at the highest risk? Dr. David Nanus, an oncologist who has been treating cancer patients for over twenty years, says that "If you're obese or overweight, you have an increased incidence in a number of cancers". Nanus also tells CBS news that someone with a family history, someone who smokes, has a high fat diet and does not exercise are in the highest risk category for developing cancer in their lifetime. According to the American Cancer Institute about one third of cancer deaths in 2006 were related to nutrition, physical inactivity and being overweight or obese -- and could have been prevented. Nanus also says ... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=506829 Wed, 28 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 506829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=485338&cid=t_104319_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F03%2F20%2Felectromagnetic-field-didnt-cause-australia-cancer-cluster%2F Filed under: Breast Cancer, Research, Environment, Daily newsAn independent report revealed recently that women employed at the Toowong site of ABC's former Brisbane studios in Australia were six times more likely to develop breast cancer than other women.The site has been vacated. And the hunt is on -- for the cause of this unusually high rate of the disease.No luck yet -- but new findings, while not definitive on what has caused this cluster, do indicate exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) is not a factor -- because the low frequency fields at the site were typical of other workplaces and residences, without any such cancer cluster.Further testing will take place in an attempt to solve this on-going mystery, chronicled in the posts that follow.ABC journalists walk out over cancer cl... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=485338 Tue, 20 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 485338 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=728516&cid=t_104319_149_f&fid=35791&url=http%3A%2F%2Flevorotation.blogspot.com%2F2006%2F12%2Fchemistry-journals-on-web.html I succesfully managed to import my Google Shared Items with what I like in the Advance Articles for a number of journals. Of course, to make this possible, RSS Feeds are required and although most publishers offer feeds for their journals there are some important exceptions. I'll start from the bad ones: Thieme and ScienceDirect. The Synlett/Synthesis website is possibly the worst for organic chemistry. I did not expect to find RSS and indeed I was right. After all, they do not even have a search option in the website! The Tetrahedron family goes a bit better but not too much. If you google "ScienceDirect RSS" you get this. There are only two Live bookmarks, a newsletter and the unbelievable "Title Alerts", a feed informing you on "New, Changed and Discontinued Titles" (makes sense? really... Levorotation blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=728516 Sun, 17 Dec 2006 10:55:00 +0100 728516