Rockville, Maryland : National Institute on Drug Abuse, 1978.

Durba Bhattacharya, Sourabh Bhattacharya.

Source: Brazilian Journal of Probability and Statistics, Volume 34, Number 1, 71--89.

Abstract:
Present day bio-medical research is pointing towards the fact that cognizance of gene–environment interactions along with genetic interactions may help prevent or detain the onset of many complex diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, type2 diabetes, autism or asthma by adjustments to lifestyle. In this regard, we propose a Bayesian semiparametric model to detect not only the roles of genes and their interactions, but also the possible influence of environmental variables on the genes in case-control studies. Our model also accounts for the unknown number of genetic sub-populations via finite mixtures composed of Dirichlet processes. An effective parallel computing methodology, developed by us harnesses the power of parallel processing technology to increase the efficiencies of our conditionally independent Gibbs sampling and Transformation based MCMC (TMCMC) methods. Applications of our model and methods to simulation studies with biologically realistic genotype datasets and a real, case-control based genotype dataset on early onset of myocardial infarction (MI) have yielded quite interesting results beside providing some insights into the differential effect of gender on MI.

Oleksandr Sverdlov, Weng Kee Wong, Yevgen Ryeznik.

Source: Statistics Surveys, Volume 8, 2--44.

Abstract:
Adaptive clinical trials are becoming increasingly popular research designs for clinical investigation. Adaptive designs are particularly useful in phase I cancer studies where clinical data are scant and the goals are to assess the drug dose-toxicity profile and to determine the maximum tolerated dose while minimizing the number of study patients treated at suboptimal dose levels. In the current work we give an overview of adaptive design methods for phase I cancer trials. We find that modern statistical literature is replete with novel adaptive designs that have clearly defined objectives and established statistical properties, and are shown to outperform conventional dose finding methods such as the 3+3 design, both in terms of statistical efficiency and in terms of minimizing the number of patients treated at highly toxic or nonefficacious doses. We discuss statistical, logistical, and regulatory aspects of these designs and present some links to non-commercial statistical software for implementing these methods in practice.

Michael E. Sobel, Martin A. Lindquist.

Source: The Annals of Applied Statistics, Volume 14, Number 1, 452--472.

Abstract:
Neuroscientists often use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to infer effects of treatments on neural activity in brain regions. In a typical fMRI experiment, each subject is observed at several hundred time points. At each point, the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) response is measured at 100,000 or more locations (voxels). Typically, these responses are modeled treating each voxel separately, and no rationale for interpreting associations as effects is given. Building on Sobel and Lindquist ( J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 109 (2014) 967–976), who used potential outcomes to define unit and average effects at each voxel and time point, we define and estimate both “point” and “cumulated” effects for brain regions. Second, we construct a multisubject, multivoxel, multirun whole brain causal model with explicit parameters for regions. We justify estimation using BOLD responses averaged over voxels within regions, making feasible estimation for all regions simultaneously, thereby also facilitating inferences about association between effects in different regions. We apply the model to a study of pain, finding effects in standard pain regions. We also observe more cerebellar activity than observed in previous studies using prevailing methods.

Zhonghua Liu, Ian Barnett, Xihong Lin.

Source: The Annals of Applied Statistics, Volume 14, Number 1, 433--451.

Abstract:
Principal component analysis (PCA) is a popular method for dimension reduction in unsupervised multivariate analysis. However, existing ad hoc uses of PCA in both multivariate regression (multiple outcomes) and multiple regression (multiple predictors) lack theoretical justification. The differences in the statistical properties of PCAs in these two regression settings are not well understood. In this paper we provide theoretical results on the power of PCA in genetic association testings in both multiple phenotype and SNP-set settings. The multiple phenotype setting refers to the case when one is interested in studying the association between a single SNP and multiple phenotypes as outcomes. The SNP-set setting refers to the case when one is interested in studying the association between multiple SNPs in a SNP set and a single phenotype as the outcome. We demonstrate analytically that the properties of the PC-based analysis in these two regression settings are substantially different. We show that the lower order PCs, that is, PCs with large eigenvalues, are generally preferred and lead to a higher power in the SNP-set setting, while the higher-order PCs, that is, PCs with small eigenvalues, are generally preferred in the multiple phenotype setting. We also investigate the power of three other popular statistical methods, the Wald test, the variance component test and the minimum $p$-value test, in both multiple phenotype and SNP-set settings. We use theoretical power, simulation studies, and two real data analyses to validate our findings.

Armin Schwartzman, Andrew J. Schork, Rong Zablocki, Wesley K. Thompson.

Source: The Annals of Applied Statistics, Volume 13, Number 4, 2509--2538.

Abstract:
Analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) is characterized by a large number of univariate regressions where a quantitative trait is regressed on hundreds of thousands to millions of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) allele counts, one at a time. This article proposes an estimator of the SNP heritability of the trait, defined here as the fraction of the variance of the trait explained by the SNPs in the study. The proposed GWAS heritability (GWASH) estimator is easy to compute, highly interpretable and is consistent as the number of SNPs and the sample size increase. More importantly, it can be computed from summary statistics typically reported in GWAS, not requiring access to the original data. The estimator takes full account of the linkage disequilibrium (LD) or correlation between the SNPs in the study through moments of the LD matrix, estimable from auxiliary datasets. Unlike other proposed estimators in the literature, we establish the theoretical properties of the GWASH estimator and obtain analytical estimates of the precision, allowing for power and sample size calculations for SNP heritability estimates and forming a firm foundation for future methodological development.

Johann Gagnon-Bartsch, Yotam Shem-Tov.

Source: The Annals of Applied Statistics, Volume 13, Number 3, 1464--1483.

Abstract:
The gold standard for identifying causal relationships is a randomized controlled experiment. In many applications in the social sciences and medicine, the researcher does not control the assignment mechanism and instead may rely upon natural experiments or matching methods as a substitute to experimental randomization. The standard testable implication of random assignment is covariate balance between the treated and control units. Covariate balance is commonly used to validate the claim of as good as random assignment. We propose a new nonparametric test of covariate balance. Our Classification Permutation Test (CPT) is based on a combination of classification methods (e.g., random forests) with Fisherian permutation inference. We revisit four real data examples and present Monte Carlo power simulations to demonstrate the applicability of the CPT relative to other nonparametric tests of equality of multivariate distributions.

As an important cognitive bias, the framing effect shows that our decision preferences are sensitive to the verbal description (i.e., frame) of options. This study focuses on the neural underpinnings of the social framing effect, which is based on decision-making regarding other people. A novel paradigm was used in which participants made a trade-off between economic benefits and the feelings of others. This decision was described as either a "harm" to, or "not helping," other persons in two conditions (Harm frame vs Help frame). Both human males and females were recruited. Participants behaved more prosocially for Harm frame compared with Help frame, resulting in a significant social framing effect. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, Experiment 1 showed that the social framing effect was associated with stronger activation in the temporoparietal junction (TPJ), especially its right part. The functional connectivity between the right TPJ (rTPJ) and medial prefrontal cortex predicted the social framing effect on the group level. In Experiment 2, we used transcranial direct current stimulation to modulate the activity of the rTPJ and found that the social framing effect became more prominent under anodal (excitatory) stimulation, while the nonsocial framing effect elicited by the economic gain/loss gambling frame remained unaffected. The rTPJ results might be associated with moral conflicts modulated by the social consequences of an action or different levels of mentalizing with others under different frame conditions, but alternative interpretations are also worth noting. These findings could help elucidate the psychological mechanisms of the social framing effect.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Previous studies have suggested that the framing effect is generated from an interaction between the amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex. This opinion, however, is based on findings from nonsocial framing tasks. Recent research has highlighted the importance of distinguishing between the social and nonsocial framing effects. The current study focuses on the social framing effect and finds out that the temporoparietal junction and its functional connectivity with the medial prefrontal cortex play a significant role. Additionally, modulating the activity of this region leads to changes in social (but not nonsocial) framing effect. Broadly speaking, these findings help understand the difference in neural mechanisms between social and nonsocial decision-making. Meanwhile, they might be illuminating to promote helping behavior in society.

June 18 was the world’s first Sustainable Gastronomy Day. This begs the questions: 1) What in the world is sustainable gastronomy? 2) Why is it important enough to have a “day” dedicated to it? and 3) Even so, why should I care? What is Sustainable Gastronomy?  Gastronomy is sometimes called the art of food. It can also refer to a style of [...]

The pint-sized, mustachioed Gaul immortalized in the French cartoon has spawned films, a theme park and many other spin-offs

Over his five-decade-plus career, the "Strega Nona" author contributed to more than 270 books

Female dolphins, it seems, aren’t immune to the allure of a harmonizing boy band

In the days before his death, the New York man spoke often of his lost twin and the lessons humanity seemed not to have learned

Expelled by animals as a waste product, the gas appears to play a crucial role in keeping these bizarre, burrowing rodents safe

A 17-year-old boy from Riverview, N.B., has died after the small motorbike he was riding collided with a minivan in Lower Coverdale, a settlement southeast of Moncton. 

The province is still on track to move to a lower alert level Monday, which would ease some of the public health measures in place aimed at curbing COVID-19.

Colloidal gold–antibody conjugates are easy to prepare and are an excellent choice for microscopic applications. Colloidal gold is an aqueous suspension of nanometer-sized particles of gold. Typically, chloroauric acid, HAuCl₄, is reduced with dilute solutions of sodium citrate, as described here. This will cause the gold to form small aggregates that will associate with proteins. Gold particles of specific sizes can be isolated and differentiated microscopically, allowing these particles to be used for multiple-label experiments. Colloidal gold-labeled antibodies are widely used in electron microscopy (EM), and can be used for light microscopy but require additional steps (silver enhancement).

There are many uses for antibodies labeled with metal ions. Most of these methods involve first attaching a metal chelator to the antibody molecule. This is achieved using standard cross-linking chemistry and then adding the desired metal at appropriate concentration and pH. The method described here outlines a basic procedure for creating a lanthanide conjugate. Lanthanide conjugates are used for proximity assays, as MRI contrast agents, or for mass cytometry experiments. Different metals and chelators can be substituted, but the basic procedures are similar.

Matt Keough, the former Oakland Athletics pitcher and special assistant, has died. He was 64. He was an American League all-star as a rookie in 1978 and two years later comeback player of the year.

The union that represents thousands of Manitoba workers is asking what safety protocols were in place when a construction worker was killed after a trench wall collapsed on him earlier this week.

1. Bharat Biotech to lead human monoclonal antibodies project  The Hindu
2. Bharat Biotech leads CSIR project to develop antibodies against Covid-19  Times of India
3. Bharat Biotech To Lead CSIR’s Project To Develop Human Monoclonal Antibodies For Covid-19 Therapy  Swarajya
4. Bharat Biotech to develop human antibodies for COVID-19 therapy  Telangana Today
5. Bharat Biotech vows human monoclonal antibodies to neutralise COVID-19 in 6 months  Mumbai Mirror
6. View Full coverage on Google News

Former Hamilton Tiger-Cats running back and three time Grey Cup champion Dave Fleming has died. He was 76. The Tiger-Cats made the announcement on Thursday. A cause of death was not provided.

Don Shula, who won the most games of any NFL coach and led the Miami Dolphins to the only perfect season in league history, died Monday at his home, the team said. He was 90.

OPP are investigating a fatal crash that took place in Lakeshore Thursday night.

The Africa Trek ladies connect with local ladies in a village, who want to know more about Christ after watching the Jesus film.

A Ukrainian pastor responds to nearly 100 per cent unemployment in his village by starting biofuel and cash crop business enterprises.

Quiet, crisp and clear winter days are perfect for exploring Scotland’s most spectacular coast and countryside scenery – especially with the promise of a wholesome, heart-warming meal and a cosy room after a day exploring. While Munro-bagging at this time of year might be a little too ambitious, Scotland has no shortage of shorter and more gentle winter walks, all within a stone’s throw of some of Scotland’s best foodie destinations. Here is a selection of Scotland’s top 10 winter walk

The former teacher, principal, and school superintendent became one of the most influential members of Congress on education policy during his 13 terms in the House.

The Presbyterian minister's efforts in 1964 to send his son to an integrated school in Charlotte, N.C., led to a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding busing as a desegregation tool.

IT’S all too easy to lose track of many of the quirky, moving, interesting films that have been shot in Scotland over the years. Some of the sparkling gems on these pages attracted decent reviews upon release before fading from view; others slipped under most people’s radar. The 10 films here are funny, or dark, or insightful. All have something to say; all are worth tracking down, and watching, whether it’s for the first time, or the first time since they were released.

Medical imaging that uses ionizing radiation provides notable benefits in the clinical setting. Controversy regarding increased cancer risk, particularly in children, dictates that ordering practices and use of such medical imaging be evaluated to reduce unnecessary exposure to imaging-related radiation.

We evaluated the prevalence and characteristics of diagnostic imaging procedures in children. The proportion of higher radiation procedures is increasing, especially among children evaluated in the inpatient and emergency department settings and those with gastrointestinal and neurologic symptoms, and congenital anomalies. (Read the full article)

Perforation in the setting of retained esophageal foreign body is rare, but can be catastrophic. The role of imaging in screening for injury after removal has not previously been studied.

The rate of esophageal injury among children with retained esophageal foreign body is 1.3%. Intraoperative findings suggestive of injury are predictive of perforation. Routine chest radiography is not warranted in those who do not meet this criterion. (Read the full article)

Source: www.timesofisrael.com - Saturday, May 09, 2020
Vegas fixture's work with exotic animals came to violent end in 2003 when he was attacked on stage, critically hurt, by a 400-pound white tiger

Source: www.reuters.com - Saturday, May 09, 2020
Little Richard, the self-proclaimed "architect of rock 'n' roll" who built his ground-breaking sound with a boiling blend of boogie-woogie, rhythm and blues and gospel, died on Saturday at the age of 87, Rolling Stone magazine reported.

Want to contribute to Apple's health research studies? You can sign up for programs on women's health, your heart and movement, and hearing using the Research app.

A sixth resident has died from coronavirus in a care home on Skye.

Rock and roll legend Little Richard has died aged 87.

Faculty from six campuses were awarded a grant from Penn State’s Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence to seek a multi-campus approval as a Certified Family Life Educator program.

Roy Horn was 75.

Visual Art Studies program seniors Andrea Regalbuto and Gary Weyandt are showcasing their respective exhibitions “Flap/Flutter” and “MEDIAted” online via websites, Instagram, and virtual exhibits.

Microsoft will probably deliver critical patches after it ends Windows 7 support in January 2020. But it's not guaranteed, so users and organizations should upgrade to Windows 10 now.

California's proposed curriculum guide in ethnic studies is being sent back for substantial revision after a pileup of criticism that it's anti-Semitic.

The first program, focused on Small Business, will be held on May 13.

His decades of work as an editor, publisher, and thought leader helped elevate the national conversation about education at a pivotal time for public policy.

Teachers and parents need to work on communication with one another, two recent studies suggest, and that may be especially true when immigrant students or students of color are involved.

Delaware’s Public Advocate today issued a letter to the White House asking the Trump administration to deny a request for emergency bailouts for aging coal and nuclear power plants owned by a large regional energy supplier.

World Health Organization (WHO) plans to launch an app this month to enable people in under-resourced countries to assess whether they may have the novel coronavirus, and is considering a...