Calibration of Computational Models with Categorical Parameters and Correlated Outputs via Bayesian Smoothing Spline ANOVA

It has become commonplace to use complex computer models to predict outcomes in regions where data does not exist. Typically these models need to be calibrated and validated using some experimental data, which often consists of multiple correlated outcomes. In addition, some of the model parameters may be categorical in nature, such as a pointer variable to alternate models (or submodels) for some of the physics of the system. Here we present a general approach for calibration in such situations where an emulator of the computationally demanding models and a discrepancy term from the model to reality are represented within a Bayesian Smoothing Spline (BSS) ANOVA framework. The BSS-ANOVA framework has several advantages over the traditional Gaussian Process, including ease of handling categorical inputs and correlated outputs, and improved computational efficiency. Finally this framework is then applied to the problem that motivated its design; a calibration of a computational fluid dynamics model of a bubbling fluidized which is used as an absorber in a CO2 capture system

The Role of Nonclassroom Spaces in Living-Learning Communities

A body of research suggests that learning communities provide a range of academic benefits by increasing social connectedness. Researchers have also hypothesized that informal learning spaces -- nonclassroom spaces (NCSs) -- can facilitate learning by supporting social connectedness. This study uses qualitative methods to explore the way nonclassroom spaces facilitate learning-related activities within a recently established learning community at State University. Our findings suggest that NCSs function as social hubs, help make intellectual and creative work visible to the larger learning community, and provide access to important resources. More generally, NCSs help to facilitate community formation and identity

Allostatic load and preterm birth

Preterm birth is a universal health problem that is one of the largest unmet medical needs contributing to the global burden of disease. Adding to its complexity is that there are no means to predict who is at risk when pregnancy begins or when women will actually deliver. Until these problems are addressed, there will be no interventions to reduce the risk because those who should be treated will not be known. Considerable evidence now exists that chronic life, generational or accumulated stress is a risk factor for preterm delivery in animal models and in women. This wear and tear on the body and mind is called allostatic load. This review explores the evidence that chronic stress contributes to preterm birth and other adverse pregnancy outcomes in animal and human studies. It explores how allostatic load can be used to, firstly, model stress and preterm birth in animal models and, secondly, how it can be used to develop a predictive model to assess relative risk among women in early pregnancy. Once care providers know who is in the highest risk group, interventions can be developed and applied to mitigate their risk

A Genomic Approach for Distinguishing between Recent and Ancient Admixture as Applied to Cattle

Genomic data facilitate opportunities to track complex population histories of divergence and gene flow. We developed a metric, scaled block size (SBS), which uses the nonrecombined block size of introgressed regions of chromosomes to differentiate between recent and ancient types of admixture, and applied it to the reconstruction of admixture in cattle. Cattle are descendants of 2 independently domesticated lineages, taurine and indicine, which diverged more than 200 000 years ago. Several breeds have hybrid ancestry between these divergent lineages. Using 47 506 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, we analyzed the genomic architecture of the ancestry of 1369 individuals. We focused on 4 groups with admixed ancestry, including 2 anciently admixed African breeds (n = 58; n = 43), New World cattle of Spanish origin (n = 51), and known recent hybrids (n = 46). We estimated the ancestry of chromosomal regions for each individual and used the SBS metric to differentiate the timing of admixture among groups and among individuals within groups. By comparing SBS values of test individuals with standards with known recent hybrid ancestry, we were able to differentiate individuals of recent hybrid origin from other admixed cattle. We also estimated ancestry at the chromosomal scale. The X chromosome exhibits reduced indicine ancestry in recent hybrid, New World, and western African cattle, with virtually no evidence of indicine ancestry in New World cattle. Key words: cattle, chromosome painting, hybridization, introgressionGraduate Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior at the University of Texas at Austin; Texas EcoLabs; Texas Longhorn Cattleman’s Foundation; National Science Foundation BEACON (Cooperative Agreement DBI–0939454); Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment (XSEDE), National Science Foundation (OCI–1053575)

Intervening Mechanisms Between Personality and Turnover: Mediator and Suppressor Effects

PurposeThe goal of this study was to examine the nature of the relationship between personality (conscientiousness and emotional stability) and voluntary turnover. We posited that two intervening factors (absenteeism as a mediator and job complexity as a suppressor) would provide a better understanding of this tenuous relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe hypothesized relationships were tested using a sample of 5,621 employees at a large hospital in the southern United States. The study variables were derived from their original job application assessment as well as personnel records.FindingsPartially consistent with expectations, the results revealed that both absenteeism and job complexity acted as suppressors. Including these factors in the equation strengthened the relationship between personality and turnover because they removed aspects of conscientiousness and emotional stability that were unrelated to the outcome.ImplicationsBased on these results, we recommend that organizations should hire employees higher in emotional stability and conscientiousness to avoid the high costs associated with voluntary turnover. Further, the significant suppression effects suggest that certain facets of these traits may be more effective when used for employee selection than others.Originality/valueAlthough many researchers have posited why certain personality traits predispose individuals to quit their jobs, few have empirically tested these mechanisms. This study provides evidence that taking intervening factors into consideration can help to strengthen the relationship between individual differences and turnover

Activation of CD22 a Potential Novel Marker for Ovarian Cancer

4th Annual Lyceum at The University of Texas at Tylerhttps://scholarworks.uttyler.edu/student_posters/1039/thumbnail.jp