Chromosome mapping: radiation hybrid data and stochastic spin models

This work approaches human chromosome mapping by developing algorithms for ordering markers associated with radiation hybrid data. Motivated by recent work of Boehnke et al. [1], we formulate the ordering problem by developing stochastic spin models to search for minimum-break marker configurations. As a particular application, the methods developed are applied to 14 human chromosome-21 markers tested by Cox et al. [2]. The methods generate configurations consistent with the best found by others. Additionally, we find that the set of low-lying configurations is described by a Markov-like ordering probability distribution. The distribution displays cluster correlations reflecting closely linked loci.Comment: 26 Pages, uuencoded LaTex, Submitted to Phys. Rev. E, [email protected], [email protected]

Early formation of the Moon 4.51 billion years ago

Establishing the age of the Moon is critical to understanding solar system evolution and the formation of rocky planets, including Earth. However, despite its importance, the age of the Moon has never been accurately determined. We present uranium-lead dating of Apollo 14 zircon fragments that yield highly precise, concordant ages, demonstrating that they are robust against postcrystallization isotopic disturbances. Hafnium isotopic analyses of the same fragments show extremely low initial 176Hf/177Hf ratios corrected for cosmic ray exposure that are near the solar system initial value. Our data indicate differentiation of the lunar crust by 4.51 billion years, indicating the formation of the Moon within the first ~60 million years after the birth of the solar system

Meta‐analysis of gene‐environment interaction exploiting gene‐environment independence across multiple case‐control studies

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/138916/1/sim7398_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/138916/2/sim7398.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/138916/3/sim7398-sup-001-sup.pd

The Role of Environmental Heterogeneity in Meta‐Analysis of Gene–Environment Interactions With Quantitative Traits

With challenges in data harmonization and environmental heterogeneity across various data sources, meta‐analysis of gene–environment interaction studies can often involve subtle statistical issues. In this paper, we study the effect of environmental covariate heterogeneity (within and between cohorts) on two approaches for fixed‐effect meta‐analysis: the standard inverse‐variance weighted meta‐analysis and a meta‐regression approach. Akin to the results in Simmonds and Higgins ( ), we obtain analytic efficiency results for both methods under certain assumptions. The relative efficiency of the two methods depends on the ratio of within versus between cohort variability of the environmental covariate. We propose to use an adaptively weighted estimator (AWE), between meta‐analysis and meta‐regression, for the interaction parameter. The AWE retains full efficiency of the joint analysis using individual level data under certain natural assumptions. Lin and Zeng (2010a, b) showed that a multivariate inverse‐variance weighted estimator retains full efficiency as joint analysis using individual level data, if the estimates with full covariance matrices for all the common parameters are pooled across all studies. We show consistency of our work with Lin and Zeng (2010a, b). Without sacrificing much efficiency, the AWE uses only univariate summary statistics from each study, and bypasses issues with sharing individual level data or full covariance matrices across studies. We compare the performance of the methods both analytically and numerically. The methods are illustrated through meta‐analysis of interaction between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in FTO gene and body mass index on high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol data from a set of eight studies of type 2 diabetes.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/107543/1/gepi21810.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/107543/2/gepi21810-sup-0001-appendix.pd

School-based intervention study examining approaches for well-being and mental health literacy of pupils in Year 9 in England: study protocol for a multischool, parallel group cluster randomised controlled trial (AWARE)

Introduction The prevalence of emotional difficulties in young people is increasing. This upward trend is largely accounted for by escalating symptoms of anxiety and depression. As part of a public health response, there is increasing emphasis on universal prevention programmes delivered in school settings. This protocol describes a three-arm, parallel group cluster randomised controlled trial, investigating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of two interventions, alongside a process and implementation evaluation, to improve mental health and well-being of Year 9 pupils in English secondary schools. Method A three-arm, parallel group cluster randomised controlled trial comparing two different interventions, the Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) or the Mental Health and High School Curriculum Guide (The Guide), to Usual Provision. Overall, 144 secondary schools in England will be recruited, involving 8600 Year 9 pupils. The primary outcome for YAM is depressive symptoms, and for The Guide it is intended help-seeking. These will be measured at baseline, 3–6 months and 9–12 months after the intervention commenced. Secondary outcomes measured concurrently include changes to: positive well-being, behavioural difficulties, support from school staff, stigma-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours, and mental health first aid. An economic evaluation will assess the cost-effectiveness of the interventions, and a process and implementation evaluation (including a qualitative research component) will explore several aspects of implementation (fidelity, quality, dosage, reach, participant responsiveness, adaptations), social validity (acceptability, feasibility, utility), and their moderating effects on the outcomes of interest, and perceived impact. Ethics and dissemination This trial has been approved by the University College London Research Ethics Committee. Findings will be published in a report to the Department for Education, in peer-reviewed journals and at conferences

A meeting report: OECD-GESIS Seminar on Translating and Adapting Instruments in Large-Scale Assessments (2018)

This report summarizes the main themes and conclusions from the OECD-GESIS Seminar on Translating and Adapting Instruments in Large-Scale Assessments, which took place at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Paris, in June 2018. The five sessions covered the topics (1) etic (universal) vs. emic (culture-specific) measurement instruments, (2) language- and culture-sensitive development of measurement instruments, (3) international guidelines vs. implementation in countries and by translators, (4) tools and technological developments, and (5) quality control of translations. Key players in the field presented on best practice, lessons learned, and innovations and also made suggestions for moving the field forward