Closest pair optimization on modern hardware

Master's Project (M.S.) University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2019In this project we examine the performance of several algorithms for finding the closest pair of points out of a given set of points in a plane. We look at four algorithms, including brute force, recursive, non-recursive, and a random expected linear time for numbers of points ranging from one hundred to one billion. In our examination, we find that on average the non-recursive is the fastest, except for limited cases of 100 points for the brute force, and 32 bit spaces for the random expected linear

Dominant discourses and narratives of substance use: the development of a psychometric measure of internalisation

This research is comprised of four papers. The first describes the identification of six dominant discourses that frame Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) within Australia. The second examines the interaction between these dominant discourses with policy and AOD-related harm. The final papers describe the development of a psychometric tool that is proposed to measure the degree to which individuals internalise the six dominant discourses, which is explored using the Locus of Control of Behaviour Scale

Current perspective on the therapeutic preset for substance-assisted psychotherapy

The present narrative review is the first in a series of reviews about the appropriate conduct in substance-assisted psychotherapy (SAPT). It outlines a current perspective on preconditions and theoretical knowledge that have been identified as valuable in the literature for appropriate therapeutic conduct in SAPT. In this context, considerations regarding ethics and the spiritual emphasis of the therapeutic approaches are discussed. Further, current methods, models, and concepts of psychological mechanism of action and therapeutic effects of SAPT are summarized, and similarities between models, approaches, and potential mediators for therapeutic effects are outlined. It is argued that a critical assessment of the literature might indicate that the therapeutic effect of SAPT may be mediated by intra- and interpersonal variables within the therapeutic context rather than specific therapeutic models per se. The review provides a basis for the development and adaptation of future investigations, therapeutic models, training programs for therapists, and those interested in the therapeutic potential of SAPT. Limitations and future directions for research are discussed

Therapeutic Frameworks in Integration Sessions in Substance-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Systematized Review

Serotonergic psychedelics and related substances have been explored as potential adjuncts in substance-assisted psychotherapy (SAPT) for treating various disorders. SAPT can be divided into three phases: preparation, administration, and integration. Integration is commonly defined as the comprehension and effective application of insights from psychedelic experiences into everyday life. However, there is limited research regarding the most appropriate therapeutic approach during integration sessions in SAPT. In this article, we discuss the current evidence for different therapeutic frameworks for integrations sessions when serotonergic psychedelics and entactogens are used as adjuncts to psychotherapy. We conducted a systematized review of the literature following PRISMA guidelines and searched PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases. The final synthesis included 75 clinical trials, mixed-methods investigations, treatment manuals, study protocols, quasi-experiments, qualitative investigations, descriptive studies, opinion papers, reviews, books and book chapters, published until November 11, 2022. The effects that various therapeutic approaches for integration sessions have on therapeutic outcome have not been investigated by means of rigorous research. Most of the available evidence we retrieved was not supported by empirical data, thus limiting any conclusive statements regarding appropriate therapeutic frameworks for integration sessions for SAPT. Current clinical studies have used a range of therapeutic frameworks with the majority drawing from the humanistic-experiential tradition. While integration is regarded as crucial for the safe application of SAPTHowever, there is currently an insufficient evidence base to suggest that any type of therapy is most effective for guiding integration sessions. Systematic investigation of different therapeutic frameworks for integration and additional therapy-related factors is needed

Optimization of energy levels by molecular design: evaluation of bis-diketopyrrolopyrrole molecular donor materials for bulk heterojunction solar cells

We report a series of solution-processable, small-molecule, donor materials based on an architecture consisting of two diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) cores with different aromatic pi-bridges between the DPP units and different end-capping groups. In general, this architecture leads to desirable light absorption and electronic levels for donor materials. Out of the compounds investigated, a material with a hydrolyzed dithieno(3,2-b;2',3'-d)silole (SDT) core and 2-benzofuran (BFu) end capping groups leads to the most favorable properties for solar cells, capable of generating photocurrent up to 800 nm while producing an open-circuit voltage of over 850 mV, indicating a small loss in electrical potential compared to other bulk heterojunction systems. Device properties can be greatly improved through the use of solvent additives such as 2-chloronaphthalene and initial attempts to optimize device fabrication have resulted in power conversion efficiencies upwards of 4%.close372

Building for the Future: A Systematic Review of the Effects of Eccentric Resistance Training on Measures of Physical Performance in Youth Athletes

Background: Eccentric resistance training is recognised as an effective stimulus for enhancing measures of muscular strength and power in adult populations; however, its value in youth athletes is currently not well understood. Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to critically appraise the effects of eccentric resistance training on measures of physical performance (i.e. muscular strength, jump, sprint and change of direction) in youth athletes 18 years of age and under. Methods: Original journal articles published between 1950 and June 2022 were retrieved from electronic search engines of PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar’s advanced search option. Full journal articles investigating the acute and chronic effects of eccentric resistance training on measures of physical performance in youth athletes (i.e. a person 18 years of age or under who competes in sport) were included. The methodological quality and bias of each study were assessed prior to data extraction using a modified Downs and Black checklist. Results: The search yielded 749 studies, of which 436 were duplicates. Three-hundred studies were excluded based upon title and abstract review and a further 5 studies were removed following the modified Downs and Black checklist. An additional 14 studies were identified during backward screening. Accordingly, 22 studies were included in our systematic review. The Nordic hamstring exercise and flywheel inertial training were the most frequently used eccentric resistance training methods in youth athletes. Improvements in physical performance following the Nordic hamstring exercise are dependent upon an increase in the breakpoint angle, rather than training volume (sets and repetitions), and are further elevated with the addition of hip extension exercises or high-speed running. A minimum of 3 familiarisation trials is necessary to elicit meaningful adaptations following flywheel inertial training. Furthermore, an emphasis should be placed upon decelerating the rotating flywheel during the final one to two thirds of the eccentric phase, rather than gradually throughout the entire eccentric phase. Conclusions: The findings of this systematic review support the inclusion of eccentric resistance training in youth athletes to improve measures of muscular strength, jump, sprint and change of direction performance. The current eccentric resistance training methods are predominantly limited to the Nordic hamstring exercise and flywheel inertial training; however, the efficacy of accentuated eccentric loading to improve jump performance warrants attention in future investigations

AK002, a Humanized Sialic Acid-Binding Immunoglobulin-Like Lectin-8 Antibody that Induces Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity against Human Eosinophils and Inhibits Mast Cell-Mediated Anaphylaxis in Mice

INTRODUCTION: Pathologic accumulation and activation of mast cells and eosinophils are implicated in allergic and inflammatory diseases. Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin (Siglec)-8 is an inhibitory receptor selectively expressed on mast cells, eosinophils and, at a lower extent, basophils. When engaged with an antibody, Siglec-8 can induce apoptosis of activated eosinophils and inhibit mast cell activation. AK002 is a humanized, non-fucosylated IgG1 anti-Siglec-8 antibody undergoing clinical investigation for treatment of allergic, inflammatory, and proliferative diseases. Here we examine the human tissue selectivity of AK002 and evaluate the in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo activity of AK002 on eosinophils and mast cells. METHODS: The affinity of AK002 for Siglec-8 and CD16 was determined by biolayer interferometry. Ex vivo activity of AK002 on human eosinophils from blood and dissociated human tissue was tested in apoptosis and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) assays. The in vivo activity of a murine precursor of AK002 (mAK002) was tested in a passive systemic anaphylaxis (PSA) humanized mouse model. RESULTS: AK002 bound selectively to mast cells, eosinophils and, at a lower level, to basophils in human blood and tissue and not to other cell types examined. AK002 induced apoptosis of interleukin-5-activated blood eosinophils and demonstrated potent ADCC activity against blood eosinophils in the presence of natural killer cells. AK002 also significantly reduced eosinophils in dissociated human lung tissue. Furthermore, mAK002 prevented PSA in humanized mice through mast cell inhibition. CONCLUSION: AK002 selectively evokes potent apoptotic and ADCC activity against eosinophils and prevents systemic anaphylaxis through mast cell inhibition

AK002, a Humanized Sialic Acid-Binding Immunoglobulin-Like Lectin-8 Antibody that Induces Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity against Human Eosinophils and Inhibits Mast Cell-Mediated Anaphylaxis in Mice.

INTRODUCTION: Pathologic accumulation and activation of mast cells and eosinophils are implicated in allergic and inflammatory diseases. Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin (Siglec)-8 is an inhibitory receptor selectively expressed on mast cells, eosinophils and, at a lower extent, basophils. When engaged with an antibody, Siglec-8 can induce apoptosis of activated eosinophils and inhibit mast cell activation. AK002 is a humanized, non-fucosylated IgG1 anti-Siglec-8 antibody undergoing clinical investigation for treatment of allergic, inflammatory, and proliferative diseases. Here we examine the human tissue selectivity of AK002 and evaluate the in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo activity of AK002 on eosinophils and mast cells. METHODS: The affinity of AK002 for Siglec-8 and CD16 was determined by biolayer interferometry. Ex vivo activity of AK002 on human eosinophils from blood and dissociated human tissue was tested in apoptosis and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) assays. The in vivo activity of a murine precursor of AK002 (mAK002) was tested in a passive systemic anaphylaxis (PSA) humanized mouse model. RESULTS: AK002 bound selectively to mast cells, eosinophils and, at a lower level, to basophils in human blood and tissue and not to other cell types examined. AK002 induced apoptosis of interleukin-5-activated blood eosinophils and demonstrated potent ADCC activity against blood eosinophils in the presence of natural killer cells. AK002 also significantly reduced eosinophils in dissociated human lung tissue. Furthermore, mAK002 prevented PSA in humanized mice through mast cell inhibition. CONCLUSION: AK002 selectively evokes potent apoptotic and ADCC activity against eosinophils and prevents systemic anaphylaxis through mast cell inhibition

Development and Reliability of Countermovement Jump Performance in Youth Athletes at Pre-, Circa- and Post-Peak Height Velocity

The purpose of this study was to establish the intrasession reliability of various outcome, propulsion and braking phase countermovement jump (CMJ) variables and to compare the mean differences in youth athletes at different stages of maturity. Thirty male participants, aged 10-16 years, were grouped as either pre-, circa- or post-peak height velocity (PHV) according to their percentage of predicted adult height. All participants performed 3 CMJ trials on a force plate, sampling at 1000 Hz. A one-way ANOVA identified statistically significant differences between maturity groups for all CMJ variables (P<0.05) excluding propulsion peak rate of force development (RFD), braking peak velocity and countermovement depth. Post-hoc analysis revealed that the significant differences in CMJ variables were between the pre- to post- and circa- to post-PHV groups (P <0.05), with moderate to very large effect sizes. Relative and absolute reliability improved with maturity as the post-PHV group demonstrated superior reliability scores (ICC = 0.627-0.984; CV% = 3.25-21.55) compared to circa- (ICC = 0.570-0.998; CV% = 1.82-20.05) and pre-PHV groups (ICC= 0.851-0.988; CV% = 2.16-14.12). In summary, these results suggest that the biggest differences in CMJ performance are observed between preto post- and circa- to post-PHV, and that careful consideration is warranted when selecting variables in youth athletes at pre- and circa-PHV, given the lower reliability scores observed