Time-lagged autoencoders: Deep learning of slow collective variables for molecular kinetics

Inspired by the success of deep learning techniques in the physical and chemical sciences, we apply a modification of an autoencoder type deep neural network to the task of dimension reduction of molecular dynamics data. We can show that our time-lagged autoencoder reliably finds low-dimensional embeddings for high-dimensional feature spaces which capture the slow dynamics of the underlying stochastic processes - beyond the capabilities of linear dimension reduction techniques

Self-Determined Learning, Personalizable Education, and Strengths-Based Approaches to Educating All Learners

In November of 2019, I delivered the Ross and Marianna Beach Distinguished Professor Inaugural Lecture at the University of Kansas. The focus of that lecture were ideas I discussed in a book published through Teachers College Press earlier in that year titled Strength-Based Approaches to Educating All Learners with Disabilities: Beyond Special Education (Wehmeyer, 2019). I talked about Tom Gilhool in that book and the revolutionary impact of PARC and the parent movement on the opportunity for children and youth with disabilities having access to a free, appropriate education. In the book and the lecture, I discussed the fact that the context in which Gilhool and his peers created federal legislation to education learners with disabilities was significantly different than today, and that forces were converging that created opportunities to create meaningful change in how we educate all learners, including students with disabilities; how we go beyond special education, as the subtitle of the book suggested. In transcribing my inaugural distinguished professor lecture into a paper for this issue of Focus on Exceptional Children, I have opted to try to capture the experience for which that lecture was designed. That is, in my lecture, before an audience that included many people who do not know the field, I wanted to tell a story in equal part through words and images. This article will, as such, rely on images and a narrative that emphasizes a broad treatment and interpretation of historical events and future prognostications

The nutrient composition of some edible wild fruits found in the Transvaal

No Abstract

Why Should You Use an Introductions Activity in Every Course?

Introductions and icebreakers are very popular activates but they are also dreaded by participants (and leaders). I recently read a blog, Icebreakers that Rock (www.cultofpedagogy.com), which explains what is wrong with most icebreakers and gives three examples of icebreakers that don’t have the “cheese” factor that tends to make us cringe. Icebreakers can be effective tools to create a sense of team or community in a group. But most icebreakers require some type of physical interaction (e.g., grouping, lines, circles, physical characteristics). How do we make these activities correlate to the online classroom (or meeting)? What’s missing from the online course experience that is present in the face-to-face experience

Investigating crosstalk in lipid rafts between the glucocorticoid receptor and gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor signaling pathways in a gonadotrope cell line

Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 121-158).A recent study from the Hapgood laboratory demonstrated the presence of a novel crosstalk mechanism between the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR), indicating an additional direct mechanism for the effects of stress on reproduction. The present study investigated whether this crosstalk between the GR and GnRHR involves the co-localization of these receptors to lipid rafts, providing a specialized distinct region where the receptors can be in close proximity and reciprocally modulate each other’s signaling pathways

Mobile Ad Intrusiveness – The Effects of Message Type and Situation

This study addresses the effects of message type and situation on the perceived intrusiveness of mobile advertisements. Ad intrusiveness, as conceptualized by Li et al., is introduced to the field of mobile advertising and used as dependent variable in a 2x2 within-subjects factorial study design. Two message types (informative vs. entertaining) are combined with two different situations (low vs. high level of activity). Attitude towards advertising in general and ad relevance (here: product class involvement) are further variables assessed in order to test for a hypothesized impact on mobile ad intrusiveness. A survey approach was used for data collection (n=325). Main effects were analyzed with analysis of variance. Analysis of covariance and regression analysis were applied subsequently for analyzing further effects. While message type was not found to contribute significantly to the explanation of mobile ad intrusiveness, the situation type showed a highly significant effect. Three of the four assumed relationships were found in the data. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on mobile advertising effectiveness. Empirical evidence for the effects of the situational context on mobile advertising effectiveness has been found and discussed with possible implications for marketing practice

How should universities keep highly qualified staff?

Faculty development is a hot topic for most universities right now. We create training opportunities and send faculty to conferences and workshops. But what about university staff? Are we encouraging their professional development? If so, how

What is the Relationship Between Maternal BMI \u3e 30 and Method of Delivery?

Maternal obesity and its correlation to method of delivery are important when determining risk factors and examining adverse events and complications during pregnancy and labor. This study was completed as a retrospective review of the Uniform Data Set (UDS) of midwifery deliveries. It examined maternal body mass indexes (BMIs) pre-pregnancy as well as the impact these BMIs had on the method of delivery. Results of this study determined that there was a relationship between maternal BMI \u3e 30 and the method of delivery. Women with a maternal BMI \u3e 30 are 1.93% more likely to have a Cesarean delivery rather than a vaginal birth