To make fast and accurate behavioral choices, we need to integrate noisy sensory input, take prior knowledge into account, and adjust our decision criteria. It was shown previously that in two-alternative-forced-choice tasks, optimal decision making can be formalized in the framework of a sequential probability ratio test and is then equivalent to a diffusion model. However, this analogy hides ...

There are numerous factors which need to be considered when selecting a bull to mate over heifers. In many cases, the primary aim of the beef producer is to produce a live calf which is born unassisted, with other economic traits (e.g. growth) of secondary importance. Traditionally this has been done by selecting a ‘heifer bull’ to mate over the heifers; that is, a bull with a low birth weight ...

If it is impossible in the circumstances to follow the wish, or the SDM does not know of a wish applicable to the situation, the SDM must make the decision according to the person’s best interests. 2. Best Interests of the Person 1. The values and beliefs of the person 2. Any current wishes the incapable person may have 3. Whether the treatment is likely to: i. Improve the condition or well-bei...

Surgeons share their challenges and dilemmas in making ethical decisions in these twelve personal stories. The three commentary articles draw out the lessons the stories address. The commentators come from diverse backgrounds including sociology, bioethics, nursing, and surgery.

Social reciprocity may explain certain emerging psychological processes likely to be founded on dyadic relations. Although indexes and statistics have been proposed to measure and make statistical decisions regarding social reciprocity in groups, these tools were generally developed to identify association patterns rather than to quantify the discrepancies between what each individual addresses...

A major challenge in the treatment of major depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder is differentiating this illness from major depressive episodes associated with major depressive disorder. Mistaking the former for the latter will lead to incorrect treatment and poor outcomes. None of the classic antidepressants, serotonin specific reuptake inhibitors, or serotonin-norepinephrine r...

UNLABELLED A recent trial in rheumatoid arthritis found an inexpensive, but infrequently used, combination of therapies is neither inferior nor less safe than an expensive biologic drug. If the trial had been conducted over 10 years ago, arguably 100's of millions of dollars since spent on biologics could have been released to other, more effective treatments. Given the ever increasing number o...

In December, 2010, Canada's 6 year old Assisted Human Reproduction Act was successfully challenged in the Supreme Court of Canada. There may be important implications for public health and the evolution of reproductive technologies in this country.