Identification of words in whispered speech: The role of cues to fricatives' place and voicing.

The temporal distribution of acoustic cues in whispered speech was analyzed using the gating paradigm. Fifteen Portuguese participants listened to real disyllabic words produced by four Portuguese speakers. Lexical choices, confidence scores, isolation points (IPs), and recognition points (RPs) were analyzed. Mixed effects models predicted that the first syllable and 70% of the total duration of the second syllable were needed for lexical choices to be above chance level. Fricatives' place, not voicing, had a significant effect on the percentage of correctly identified words. IP and RP values of words with postalveolar voiced and voiceless fricatives were significantly different.

Tracking and understanding phase progression in Lisa's case.

This study adds a phase-by-phase perspective to the well-known, and thoroughly analysed on a moment-by-moment basis, case of Lisa. The aim is to see whether this phase-by-phase analysis adds anything valuable to the understanding of the processes of change in this case and the therapeutic processes in general. In this good-outcome case study, a team of raters integrated the temporal sequencing phase component of the Paradigmatic Complementarity Metamodel (PCM) with a moment-by-moment tracking method-the Developmental Analysis of Psychotherapy Process Method (DAPP)-to analyse what occurred along the process that could explain the phase transitions and consolidations observed and how the therapist facilitated them. We illustrate and explain the therapeutic progression with therapeutic interactions from the dyad. The results suggest that Lisa evolved in accordance with the sequence of phases proposed by the PCM until phase 4 (out of 7). However, only phase 2 gains show evidence of structural consolidation. The sequence of phases proposed by the PCM seems to represent a natural progression for patients throughout the therapeutic process, and the consideration of a phase-by-phase map in analysing and thinking of therapeutic cases may be a valuable tool regarding clinical decision making.

Exploring Phase Progression Throughout the Therapeutic Process: The Case of Eva.

This study intends to clarify how Eva [a good-outcome case] developed a more differentiated and integrated sense of herself and her experience, and how the therapist facilitated this developmental process. It aims to deepen our understanding of the processes of change throughout the therapeutic process by analysing a longitudinal case study integrating a phase-by-phase map-the sequential phases of the Paradigmatic Complementarity Metamodel [PCM]-with a moment-by-moment tracking method-the Developmental Analysis of Psychotherapy Process [DAPP] Method. A team of three researchers analysed the sessions from the first year of therapy, identified phase transitions and consolidations, and discussed what in the process appears to have fostered them. The results suggest that Eva evolved in accordance with the sequence of phases proposed by the PCM, which we illustrate and explain with therapeutic interactions representative of Eva's development within the evolving therapeutic process. This case study is one of a series intended to contribute to the optimization of clinical decision making by identifying markers of phase progression and assessing the usefulness of the therapeutic interventions offered. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE: Integrating moment-by-moment and phase-by-phase guiding maps facilitates the understanding of therapeutic processes. Therapists' attunement and responsiveness to patients' assimilation capacities supports therapeutic progress. Being aware of both phase-by-phase and moment-by-moment movements in psychotherapy helps lead to better clinical decisions.

Remission in rheumatoid arthritis: is it all the same?

Remission is the key treatment goal in rheumatoid arthritis and should provide the optimal state for patients. Clinical remission criteria are based on composite scores of disease activity and are widely used in clinical practice and trials. With the use of biologic therapies and treat to target strategies, rates of clinical remission have significantly improved. Despite achieving this target, many patients demonstrate structural and functional deterioration. This raises the question regarding the validity of clinical criteria, although they have evolved significantly over the years. Imaging modalities such as ultrasound have been described as more accurate methods of assessing the remission state compared with clinical assessment alone. Furthermore, immuno-pathological assessments are gaining significant interest as this would enable assessment of disease activity at the primary site of pathology. Further research is required to develop accurate biomarkers of remission. We aimed to review the evolution of remission criteria in rheumatoid arthritis to date and to evaluate novel concepts in and the future of defining remission.