Digital Commons Network^™

Volume 88, Issue 7 (2014)

Obiter Dicta

No abstract provided.

Recycling Wastewater For Hydraulic Fracturing By Use Of Nanofiltration Membranes, Haley D. Cleous

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Hydraulic fracturing creates large volumes of produced water, contaminated with organics, suspended solids, and dissolved minerals. This water must either be disposed of in injection wells or treated for reuse. One option is to use a combination of ultrafiltration and nanofiltration to treat this water and reuse it in future hydraulic fracturing wells. The object of this study was to test and characterize commercial nanofiltration membranes. The work done for this project will lead to future work in modifying membranes to improve the rejection of desired components.

Data Sources Regarding The Nonmedical Use Of Pharmaceutical Opioids In The United States, Teresa D. Schmidt, Amanuel Zimam, Alexandra Nielsen, Wayne Wakeland

Complex Systems Faculty Publications and Presentations

Objective—Recent increases in the nonmedical use of pharmaceutical opioids and the adverse outcomes associated with them have stimulated a large amount of research and data collection on this public health problem. Systematic organization of the available data sources is needed to facilitate ongoing research, analysis, and evaluation. This work offers a systematic categorization of data sources regarding the nonmedical use of pharmaceutical opioids in the United States.

Methods—A list of keywords regarding the nonmedical use of pharmaceutical opioids was used to conduct systematic searches in PubMed®. Filtration of search results generated 92 peer-reviewed academic articles, published between January 1995 and …

Named Entity Recognition In Chinese Clinical Text, Jianbo Lei

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Objective: Named entity recognition (NER) is one of the fundamental tasks in natural language processing (NLP). In the medical domain, there have been a number of studies on NER in English clinical notes; however, very limited NER research has been done on clinical notes written in Chinese. The goal of this study is to develop corpora, methods, and systems for NER in Chinese clinical text.

Materials and methods: To study entities in Chinese clinical text, we started with building annotated clinical corpora in Chinese. We developed an NER annotation guideline in Chinese by extending the one used in the 2010 …

Focusing On The Negative: Cultural Differences In Expressions Of Sympathy, Birgit Koopmann-Holm, Jeanne L. Tsai

Psychology

Feeling concern about the suffering of others is considered a basic human response, and yet we know surprisingly little about the cultural factors that shape how people respond to the suffering of another person. To this end, we conducted 4 studies that tested the hypothesis that American expressions of sympathy focus on the negative less and positive more than German expressions of sympathy, in part because Americans want to avoid negative states more than Germans do. In Study 1, we demonstrate that American sympathy cards contain less negative and more positive content than German sympathy cards. In Study 2, we …

Saturated Free Fatty Acids Induce Cholangiocyte Lipoapoptosis, Sathish Kumar Natarajan, Sally A. Ingham, Ashley M. Mohr, Cody J. Wehrkamp, Anuttoma Ray, Sohini Roy, Sophie C. Cazanave, Mary A. Smith, Justin L. Mott

Journal Articles: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Recent studies have identified a cholestatic variant of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with portal inflammation and ductular reaction. Based on reports of biliary damage, as well as increased circulating free fatty acids (FFAs) in NAFLD, we hypothesized the involvement of cholangiocyte lipoapoptosis as a mechanism of cellular injury. Here, we demonstrate that the saturated FFAs palmitate and stearate induced robust and rapid cell death in cholangiocytes. Palmitate and stearate induced cholangiocyte lipoapoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner in multiple cholangiocyte-derived cell lines. The mechanism of lipoapoptosis relied on the activation of caspase 3/7 activity. There was also a significant up-regulation …

A Simple Adjustment For Bandwidth Snooping, Timothy B. Armstrong, Michal Kolesár

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

Kernel-based estimators are often evaluated at multiple bandwidths as a form of sensitivity analysis. However, if in the reported results, a researcher selects the bandwidth based on this analysis, the associated confidence intervals may not have correct coverage, even if the estimator is unbiased. This paper proposes a simple adjustment that gives correct coverage in such situations: replace the Normal quantile with a critical value that depends only on the kernel and ratio of the maximum and minimum bandwidths the researcher has entertained. We tabulate these critical values and quantify the loss in coverage for conventional confidence intervals. For a …

Dynamic Panel Gmm With Near Unity, Peter C.B. Phillips

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

Limit theory is developed for the dynamic panel GMM estimator in the presence of an autoregressive root near unity. In the unit root case, Anderson-Hsiao lagged variable instruments satisfy orthogonality conditions but are well-known to be irrelevant. For a fixed time series sample size (T) GMM is inconsistent and approaches a shifted Cauchy-distributed random variate as the cross section sample size n → ∞. But when T → ∞, either for fixed n or as n → ∞, GMM is √ T consistent and its limit distribution is a ratio of random variables that converges to twice a standard Cauchy …

A Multivariate Stochastic Unit Root Model With An Application To Derivative Pricing, Offer Lieberman, Peter C.B. Phillips

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

This paper extends recent findings of Lieberman and Phillips (2014) on stochastic unit root (SUR) models to a multivariate case including a comprehensive asymptotic theory for estimation of the model’s parameters. The extensions are useful because they lead to a generalization of the Black-Scholes formula for derivative pricing. In place of the standard assumption that the price process follows a geometric Brownian motion, we derive a new form of the Black-Scholes equation that allows for a multivariate time varying coefficient element in the price equation. The corresponding formula for the value of a European-type call option is obtained and shown …

Identifying Latent Structures In Panel Data, Liangjun Su, Zhentao Shi, Peter C.B. Phillips

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

This paper provides a novel mechanism for identifying and estimating latent group structures in panel data using penalized regression techniques. We focus on linear models where the slope parameters are heterogeneous across groups but homogenous within a group and the group membership is unknown. Two approaches are considered — penalized least squares (PLS) for models without endogenous regressors, and penalized GMM (PGMM) for models with endogeneity. In both cases we develop a new variant of Lasso called classifier-Lasso (C-Lasso) that serves to shrink individual coefficients to the unknown group-specific coefficients. C-Lasso achieves simultaneous classification and consistent estimation in a single …

Financial Bubble Implosion, Peter C.B. Phillips, Shu-Ping Shi

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

Expansion and collapse are two key features of a financial asset bubble. Bubble expansion may be modeled using a mildly explosive process. Bubble implosion may take several different forms depending on the nature of the collapse and therefore requires some flexibility in modeling. This paper develops analytics and studies the performance characteristics of the real time bubble monitoring strategy proposed in Phillips, Shi and Yu (2014b,c, PSY) under alternative forms of bubble implosion that can be represented in terms of mildly integrated processes which capture various return paths to market normalcy. We propose a new reverse sample use of the …

Restricted Likelihood Ratio Tests In Predictive Regression, Peter C.B. Phillips, Ye Chen

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

Chen and Deo (2009a) proposed procedures based on restricted maximum likelihood (REML) for estimation and inference in the context of predictive regression. Their method achieves bias reduction in both estimation and inference which assists in overcoming size distortion in predictive hypothesis testing. This paper provides extensions of the REML approach to more general cases which allow for drift in the predictive regressor and multiple regressors. It is shown that without modification the REML approach is seriously oversized and can have unit rejection probability in the limit under the null when the drift in the regressor is dominant. A limit theory …

The Double Role Of Ethnic Heterogeneity In Explaining Welfare-State Generosity, Markus Jäntti, Gerald David Jaynes, John E. Roemer

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

Based on theoretical models of budget-balanced social insurance and individual choice, we argue that in addition to the well-known empathy mechanism whereby ethnic heterogeneity undermines sentiments of solidarity among a citizenry to reduce welfare generosity, population heterogeneity affects the generosity of a polity’s social insurance programs through another distinct mechanism, political conflict . Ethnic heterogeneity likely intensifies political conflict and reduces welfare generosity because heterogeneity of unemployment risk makes it more difficult to achieve social consensus concerning tax-benefit programs. Utilizing two separate regression analyses covering highly diverse polities, the 50 U.S. states and District of Columbia (CPS data), and 13 …

Informational Robustness And Solution Concepts, Dirk Bergemann, Stephen Morris

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

Consider the following “informational robustness” question: what can we say about the set of outcomes that may arise in equilibrium of a Bayesian game if players may observe some additional information? This set of outcomes will correspond to a solution concept that is weaker than equilibrium, with the solution concept depending on what restrictions are imposed on the additional information. We describe a unified approach encompassing prior informational robustness results, as well as identifying the solution concept that corresponds to no restrictions on the additional information; this version of rationalizability depends only on the support of players’ beliefs and implies …

Informational Robustness And Solution Concepts, Dirk Bergemann, Stephen Morris

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

We discuss four solution concepts for games with incomplete information. We show how each solution concept can be viewed as encoding informational robustness. For a given type space, we consider expansions of the type space that provide players with additional signals. We distinguish between expansions along two dimensions. First, the signals can either convey payoff relevant information or only payoff irrelevant information. Second, the signals can be generated from a common (prior) distribution or not. We establish the equivalence between Bayes Nash equilibrium behavior under the resulting expansion of the type space and a corresponding more permissive solution concept under …

Optimal Uniform Convergence Rates And Asymptotic Normality For Series Estimators Under Weak Dependence And Weak Conditions, Xiaohong Chen, Timothy M. Christensen

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

We show that spline and wavelet series regression estimators for weakly dependent regressors attain the optimal uniform (i.e., sup-norm) convergence rate ( n /log n ) - p /(2p+ d ) of Stone (1982), where d is the number of regressors and p is the smoothness of the regression function. The optimal rate is achieved even for heavy-tailed martingale difference errors with finite (2 + ( d/p ))th absolute moment for d/p < 2. We also establish the asymptotic normality of t statistics for possibly nonlinear, irregular functionals of the conditional mean function under weak conditions. The results are proved by deriving a new exponential inequality for sums of weakly dependent random matrices, which is of independent interest.

Asymptotic Size Of Kleibergen's Lm And Conditional Lr Tests For Moment Condition Models, Donald W.K. Andrews, Patrik Guggenberger

Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers

An influential paper by Kleibergen (2005) introduces Lagrange multiplier (LM) and conditional likelihood ratio-like (CLR) tests for nonlinear moment condition models. These procedures aim to have good size performance even when the parameters are unidentified or poorly identified. However, the asymptotic size and similarity (in a uniform sense) of these procedures has not been determined in the literature. This paper does so. This paper shows that the LM test has correct asymptotic size and is asymptotically similar for a suitably chosen parameter space of null distributions. It shows that the CLR tests also have these properties when the dimension p …

Study On Teacher Absenteeism In Indonesia 2014, Phillip Mckenzie, Dita Nugroho, Clare Ozolins, Julie Mcmillan, Sudarno Sumarto, Nina Toyamah, Vita Febriany, R Justin Sodo, Luhur Bima, Armand Arief Sim

Shaping educational policy

The Study on Teacher Absenteeism is a large-scale research project for the Republic of Indonesia Education Sector Analytical and Capacity Development Partnership (ACDP).The key objective of the study is to provide reliable, valid, nationally representative, and up-to-date information on the rates and determinants of teacher absenteeism in Indonesian primary and junior secondary schools. In addition, the study examines how schools are dealing with teacher absence and assesses the impact of teacher absenteeism on students. Finally, policies and programs already in place are analysed in order to ascertain the extent they are related to teacher attendance in schools and classrooms and …

Check Up, Lehigh Valley Health Network

Checkup

No abstract provided.

The Role Of School Management In Improving Pupils ‘Academic Performance In Government-Aided Primary Schools: The Case Of Two Primary Schools In Yumbe District In The West Nile Region Of Uganda, John Angulibo

Master of Education

Improving pupils’ academic performance in primary school is a success story in endeavours to advance educational goals. However, pupils’ academic performance is wanting in most primary schools throughout Uganda in general and Yumbe district in particular despite heavy government-investments in universalising primary education since 1997. This case study, therefore, explored the role of school management in improving pupils’ academic performance in two neighbouring government-aided primary schools in Yumbe district in the West Nile Region of Uganda. It was guided by three objectives: to find the perceptions of school management about academic performance; to ascertain the reasons for disparities in performance …

Sbe Notícias, Ano 9, No. 307, December 1, 2014, Gabrielle Mazzetti, Delci K. Ishida

SBE Notícias

Sergipe sediará encontro de Espeleologia; EGRIC participa da XI SEMEAR e da XLIV SEGESP; SBE ganha exemplar da revista Cruzeiro com matéria da Caverna do Diabo; Nossa História Dezembro; Homenagem ao Chaves; Grupo de estudos ambientais da Serra do Mar (GESMAR) completa 30 anos de vida; GMSE recebe estudantes e pesquisadores da UFAL em Paripiranga BA; Subterrâneos dos Sertões abrigam caverna onde viveu o urso Brasileiro; CECAV disponibiliza orientações técnicas para planos de manejos e estudos espeleológicos; Preservação de Mananciais em Ponta Grossa; -Uma cachoeira congelada no tempo; Orgulho do Papai; Valoração Gruta da Igrejinha Ouro Preto MG; Turma da …

Foia Vs. Ferpa/Scalia Vs. Posner, Kristin Knotts

Southern Illinois University Law Journal

Two different Illinois newspapers have sued the University of Illinois-Springfield (UIS) and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) for the release of documents pursuant to Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).  These cases present somewhat new, interesting, and developing problems in the law, including, but not limited to:  the public’s right to information, student privacy rights, and whether a federal law like the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) can override any state’s FOIA.  If the universities are forced to violate FERPA, or if the newspapers appeal a negative decision and file for certiorari, their cases could end …

Comprehending Male And Female Levels Of Engagement In Subsets Of The National Survey Of Student Engagement: Explicating The Dynamics Of Gender Role Conflict As A Mediating Factor For Males, Jacob Glen Arndt

Dissertations

Male enrollment and graduate rates in higher education have paled in comparison to female achievement since the early 1980’s, and explanations as to the reasons behind why males are falling behind have not been fruitful in addressing these issues. One area that has received very little attention in the literature is the role that gender role conflict may play in male student performance.

The purpose of this research is to explore male and female engagement levels, while attempting to understand if levels of male gender role conflict are a mediating factor of engagement for men. This study utilized the three …

The Role Of The Courts In Time Of War, William C. Banks

Washington and Lee Law Review Online

The role of the courts in judging the actions of government in wartime has ranged from extreme deference to careful probing of alleged government excesses over more than two centuries. The courts’ record has reflected the nature of the armed conflicts the United States has engaged in and the legal bases for the actions at issue. In the aggregate, the courts have served as a necessary counterweight to government overreaching in times of national security crisis. It is easy to underestimate the institutional problems confronting judges who are asked to make momentous decisions in times of national crisis—difficulties of fact-finding …

Contents May Have Shifted: Disentangling The Best Evidence Rule From The Rule Against Hearsay, Colin Miller

Washington and Lee Law Review Online

The rule against hearsay covers a statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted but does not cover a statement offered for another purpose. Meanwhile, the Best Evidence Rule states that a party seeking to prove the content of a writing, recording, or photograph must produce the original or account for its nonproduction. Does this mean that the Rule is inapplicable when a party seeks to prove something other than the truth of the matter asserted in a writing, recording or photograph? Most courts have answered this question in the affirmative. This essay argues these courts are wrong.

Algebraic Semi-Classical Model For Reaction Dynamics, Tim Glenn Wendler

Theses and Dissertations

We use an algebraic method to model the molecular collision dynamics of a collinear triatomic system. Beginning with a forced oscillator, we develop a mathematical framework upon which inelastic and reactive collisions are modeled. The model is considered algebraic because it takes advantage of the properties of a Lie algebra in the derivation of a time-evolution operator. The time-evolution operator is shown to generate both phase-space and quantum dynamics of a forced oscillator simultaneously. The model is considered semi-classical because only the molecule's internal degrees-of-freedom are quantized. The relative translation between the colliding atom and molecule in an exchange reaction …

Identifying The Information Gain Of A Quantum Measurement, Mario Berta, Joseph M. Renes, Mark M. Wilde

Faculty Publications

We show that quantum-to-classical channels, i.e., quantum measurements, can be asymptotically simulated by an amount of classical communication equal to the quantum mutual information of the measurement, if sufficient shared randomness is available. This result generalizes Winter's measurement compression theorem for fixed independent and identically distributed inputs to arbitrary inputs, and more importantly, it identifies the quantum mutual information of a measurement as the information gained by performing it, independent of the input state on which it is performed. Our result is a generalization of the classical reverse Shannon theorem to quantum-to-classical channels. In this sense, it can be seen …

The Economic Contribution Of Forestry And The Forest Products Industry On Louisiana’S Congressional Districts (Research Information Sheet #112), Shaun M. Tanger

LSU AgCenter Research Information Sheets

In Louisiana, forestry is an $11 billion industry, and in 2012 forestry-related employment accounted for approximately 2 percent of all jobs in Louisiana.Therefore, the forestry and forest products industries make a substantial economic contribution to Louisiana.

Review Of Methods To Assign The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Peaks Of Reductively Methylated Proteins, Kevin J. Roberson, Megan A. Macnaughtan

Faculty Publications

© 2014 Elsevier Inc. Reductive methylation of lysyl side-chain amines has been a successful tool in the advancement of high-resolution structural biology. The utility of this method has continuously gained ground as a protein chemical modification, first as a tool to aid protein crystallization and later as a probe in protein nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. As an isotope-labeling strategy for NMR studies, reductive methylation has contributed to the study of protein-protein interactions and global conformational changes. Although more detailed structural studies using this labeling strategy are possible, the hurdle of assigning the NMR peaks to the corresponding reductively methylated …

Ages And Magnetic Structures Of The South China Sea Constrained By Deep Tow Magnetic Surveys And Iodp Expedition 349, Chun Feng Li, Xing Xu, Jian Lin, Zhen Sun, Jian Zhu, Yongjian Yao, Xixi Zhao, Qingsong Liu, Denise K. Kulhanek, Jian Wang, Taoran Song, Junfeng Zhao, Ning Qiu, Yongxian Guan, Zhiyuan Zhou, Trevor Williams, Rui Bao, Anne Briais, Elizabeth A. Brown, Yifeng Chen, Peter D. Clift, Frederick S. Colwell, Kelsie A. Dadd, Weiwei Ding, Iván Hernández Almeida, Xiao Long Huang, Sangmin Hyun, Tao Jiang, Anthony A.P. Koppers, Qianyu Li, Chuanlian Liu, Zhifei Liu, Renata H. Nagai

Faculty Publications

© 2014. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved. Combined analyses of deep tow magnetic anomalies and International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 349 cores show that initial seafloor spreading started around 33 Ma in the northeastern South China Sea (SCS), but varied slightly by 1-2 Myr along the northern continent-ocean boundary (COB). A southward ridge jump of ∼20 km occurred around 23.6 Ma in the East Subbasin; this timing also slightly varied along the ridge and was coeval to the onset of seafloor spreading in the Southwest Subbasin, which propagated for about 400 km southwestward from ∼23.6 to ∼21.5 Ma. The …