Selective Effect Research Articles

College Selectivity, Choice of Major, and Post-College Earnings

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px"><span dir="ltr" lang="EN-US"><span style="color:black">College choice and choice of major are the most important decisions for future earnings. It is still unclear, however, what makes a greater difference—college or major—or whether a choice of college matters more for some majors, but not the others. Using cross-classified models and College Scorecard data, I show that a discipline is more consequential for future earnings than a college. The effect of STEM is substantial but is less pronounced at institutions with higher overall median earnings. The effect of college selectivity on earnings is more pronounced for non-STEM disciplines. Institutional characteristics—such as tuition, shares of graduates receiving different forms of financial aid, institutional size and location, and type of college—correlate with earnings of graduates. Racial and gender composition of an educational program correlate with expected earnings of its graduates even after control for other institutional and disciplinary characteristics. Models presented here provide a better understanding of the effect of college and major choices on future earnings.</span></span></span></span></p>

Suggested mechanism of CCR5Δ32, CCR2-64I and SDF 1-3'A allele frequency change in Polish and Lithuanian gene pools from the perspective of passing time.

The study aimed to determine the frequency of the alleles associated with hereditary immune response in 16 historical populations and assess which evolutionary forces may have contributed to the observed frequency fluctuation. The analysed polymorphic sites are located in three genes - CCR5, CCR2 and SDF 1 (CXCL12). Protein products are involved in the innate immune response and are also involved in various types of infections, autoimmune diseases and tumours. The frequency of the alleles found in the DNA of the studied individuals was determined by the Sanger methodology and was compared with the data obtained for modern populations. To confirm the authenticity of the obtained results, mtDNA HVRI haplotypes of all the studied samples were obtained and compared with the genetic database of the laboratory personnel who came into contact with the studied material. Based on the variability of allele frequency, advanced biostatistical analysis was used to distinguish the effect of natural selection from genetic drift, i.e. the forces operating on the polymorphic sites studied. All procedures were performed according to the guidelines for working with ancient DNA to avoid contamination with modern DNA molecules. 681 samples from 39 archaeological sites in Poland and Lithuania dated to the 40th century BC and the 19th century were studied. The biostatistical analysis showed that the fluctuations in the frequency of CCR5Δ32 in the analysed time interval could be mainly the effect of genetic drift. Nevertheless, for CCR2-64I and SDF 1-3'A, the results confirm the suggestion of negative selection as the mechanism involved. Since all the polymorphic sites encode the elements of innate immune response that are indirectly associated with the process of an HPV infection and the development of cervical cancer, the human papillomavirus may be a good candidate for a selection coefficient affecting the frequency of CCR2-64I and SDF 1-3'A. However, for CCR5Δ32, selection was not detected despite its proven role in the molecular mechanism involved in the response to an HPV infection. The presented work seems to be the first in which the problem of the pattern of CCR5Δ32, CCR2-64I and SDF 1-3'A frequency fluctuations in a temporal perspective was discussed, proposing HPV as a factor influencing the occurrence of the CCR2 and SDF1 alleles.

Exploring Oat Husks as Aggregates in Limestone-Based Composites: Effects of Surface Treatments and Binder Selection on Mechanical Performance

The viability of incorporating agricultural by-products, such as oat husks, not yet explored in limestone-based composites, as more sustainable alternatives for use as novel aggregates may be improved through the adoption of well-known valorisation strategies applied to other plant-based resources. In this context, this work innovates by assessing how treatments on oat husk surfaces and the choice of limestone-based binders impact the mechanical performance of composites. The strategy adopted to achieve these objectives, in addition to carrying out the physical and geometric characterisation of the husks, consists of treating the husks’ surface using washing cycles in water, cement/pozzolan binder, and linseed oil. Furthermore, matrices combining cement, calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2, and microsilica (SiO2) were used. In conclusion, even though the effects of different binder combinations are inconsistent, coating oat husks—especially with linseed oil—works well in delaying particle degradation and improving mechanical strength compared to untreated particles. Furthermore, when aggregates are substituted with the longer and lamellar particles of oat husk, the impact of the water/cement ratio on mechanical performance and composite workability significantly decreases.

Innovative communication of molecular evolution through sound: a biological sonification concert

BackgroundA major challenge of evolutionary biology is making underlying concepts accessible to wide audiences. One method for doing so is to utilise multi-media formats that have potential to engage and inform through entertainment. This pilot study outlines and discusses a sonification concert that integrated musical performance with a range of evolutionary concepts and ideas fundamental to an understanding of evolution, such as protein sequences. We aimed to showcase sound-art objects and live-coding performances created using sonification as a mechanism for presenting complex biological processes to both researcher and non-researchers. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of this art-adjacent practice for public engagement with evolutionary biology research, and also to gather feedback to guide future events. Toward this end, we held a live concert showcasing biologically-based algorithmic music exploring links between evolutionary biology research, sound art, and musical performance. The event had three main acts: a generative audio-visual piece giving an artistic representation of SARS coronavirus based on a parameter-mapping sonification of protein sequence of the replicase polyprotein; a pre-recorded string ensemble demonstrating the effects of codon selection on translation speed using parameter-mapping sonification; and a live-coded music piece interactively sonifying protein structures.ResultsOur event attracted 90 attendees. We evaluated success using direct observation and written feedback forms with a 58% response rate: 95% of respondents stated they had enjoyed the event and 63% indicated they were inspired by it.ConclusionsPresenting the sonic outputs of sonification research in a concert format showed good potential for the pursuit of public engagement with evolutionary biology research, demonstrating the ability to engage curiosity and inspire an audience while also conveying scientific content alongside the nuanced and complex world of modern evolutionary biology.

The adaptive value of density-dependent habitat specialization and social network centrality

Density dependence is a fundamental ecological process. In particular, animal habitat selection and social behavior often affect fitness in a density-dependent manner. The Ideal Free Distribution (IFD) and niche variation hypothesis (NVH) present distinct predictions associated with Optimal Foraging Theory about how the effect of habitat selection on fitness varies with population density. Using caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in Canada as a model system, we test competing hypotheses about how habitat specialization, social behavior, and annual reproductive success (co)vary across a population density gradient. Within a behavioral reaction norm framework, we estimate repeatability, behavioral plasticity, and covariance among social behavior and habitat selection to investigate the adaptive value of sociality and habitat selection. In support of NVH, but not the IFD, we find that at high density habitat specialists had higher annual reproductive success than generalists, but were also less social than generalists, suggesting the possibility that specialists were less social to avoid competition. Our study supports niche variation as a mechanism for density-dependent habitat specialization.

The role of atrial pacing site in reducing filling pressures by accelerated pacing in virtual HFpEF patients

Abstract Background Patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and pacemakers have been shown to benefit from moderately accelerated pacing rates compared to the standard 60bpm. HFpEF patients often present with prolonged P-wave duration (PWD) and atrial fibrillation. Right atrial appendage pacing (RAAP) lengthens PWD, RA septal (RASP) has a neutral effect, while Bachmann’s bundle pacing (BBP) normalizes or shortens PWD compared to sinus rhythm. The mechanical and hemodynamic effects of atrial pacing site selection remain unknown. Aim To investigate the impact of RAAP, RASP and BBP on cardiac mechanics and hemodynamics in an established cohort of virtual HFpEF patients undergoing accelerated pacing. Method HFpEF with prolonged PWD was simulated using the validated CircAdapt computational model of the human cardiovascular system. First, left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction was simulated by decreasing LV myocardial relaxation rate and compliance, such that mean left atrial (LA) pressure (mLAP) was 15mmHg. Second, PWD was prolonged by prescribing a gradual electrical activation delay from RA to LA of 140ms. We then simulated atrial pacing with three different lead positions (Fig.1, left) and gradually increased pacing rate with a constant 120-ms paced atrioventricular (AV) delay. The CircAdapt model computed regional LA strain and mLAP with RAAP, RASP, and BBP. Cardiac output (5L/min) and mean arterial pressure (92mmHg) were kept constant in all simulations. Results Simulated BBP demonstrated the most synchronous LA mechanical activation and function, characterized by uniform segmental LA strain patterns and highest LA reservoir strain (LASR) (Fig.1, middle, with colored arrows highlighting the mechanical dyssynchrony). Hemodynamically (Fig.1, right), BBP acutely decreased mLAP (-1.0mmHg) at the initial heart rate of 60bpm, while RAAP increased it (+0.3mmHg). As pacing rate accelerated, BBP reduces filling pressure (mLAP: -2.8mmHg), more than RASP (-1.8mmHg) or RAAP (-1.2mmHg) at 80bpm. At high pacing rates, RASP and RAAP adversely increase mLAP, due to the prolonged atrial contraction duration and shorter LV filling time. Conclusion Our simulations of different atrial pacing sites in virtual HFpEF patients suggest that BBP yields the most synchronous LA activation pattern and a more substantial reduction in filling pressures with accelerated atrial pacing compared to RASP. Reduction in mLAP with accelerated pacing was attenuated with RAAP. While our study concentrated on a specific paced AV interval, the favorable outcomes observed with BBP could be further improved by including different, rate-adaptive, AV protocols.Fig 1.

Evaluation of row width and nozzle selection on spray coverage and weed control in flooded rice

Abstract Barnyardgrass and other troublesome weeds have become a major problem for producers in a flooded rice system. Cultural control options and more efficient herbicide applications have become a priority to increase efficiency and weed control in rice. This study aimed to determine the effects of row width and nozzle selection on spray coverage and weed control in a flooded rice system. A field experiment was conducted at 7 site-years (Lonoke, AR, in 2021 and 2022; Pine Tree, AR, in 2021 and 2022; Rohwer, AR, in 2022; and Stoneville, MS, in 2021 and 2022) as a randomized complete block split-plot design. Five nozzles (XR, AIXR, TTI, TTI60, and AITTJ60) (subplot factor) were used for herbicide applications, and plots were drill-seeded in four row widths (whole plot factor) (13, 19, 25, and 38 cm). A droplet size experiment was conducted to evaluate the droplet size and velocity of each nozzle type used in the field experiment. Overall, as row width increased, barnyardgrass density increased. The rice grown in a wider width took longer to generate canopy closure, allowing weed escapes in the crop. For example, the 13-cm width had a 12 percentage point canopy coverage increase compared to the 38-cm row width at the preflood timing resulting in a reduction of six barnyardgrass plants per square meter. The smallest droplet size-producing nozzle (XR) provided greater weed control throughout the study but is more prone to drift. The dual-fan nozzles (AITTJ60 and TTI60) had variable weed control impacts, and it was difficult to predict when this might occur; however, they did have increased deposits on water-sensitive cards compared to single-fan counterparts (AIXR and TTI). In conclusion, a narrower row width (e.g., 19-cm or less) and a smaller droplet size producing nozzle (XR) are optimal for barnyardgrass control in a flooded rice system.

Synthesis, DFT calculations, and investigation of catalytic and biological activities of back‐bond functionalized re‐NHC‐Cu complexes

Five copper complexes (3a–e) stabilized by ring‐expanded back‐bond functionalized N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands (re‐NHCs) were produced in the glovebox by reacting free re‐NHC with CuI precursor. The potential of these re‐NHC‐Cu complexes as catalysts on the synthesis of mono‐ and di‐(1,4‐disubstituted‐1,2,3‐triazoles) by Cu‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reactions was investigated. Various spectroscopic approaches were utilized to completely characterize the structures of the re‐Cu‐NHC complexes. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to get further insights into their molecular geometry and CuAAC reaction mechanism. The re‐NHC‐Cu complexes showed high activity on the CuAAC reaction in an open‐air atmosphere at rt. The Gibbs free energies as well as the optimized geometries of the intermediates and the transition states of the determining step of the reactions catalyzed by 3a, 3e, and 3b complexes were computed. Complex 3e was found to be the most efficient catalyst among these re‐NHC‐Cu complexes. Additionally, re‐Cu‐NHC complexes were investigated for their biological activities, including antiproliferative, antioxidant, AChE and TyrE inhibition, and antiparasitic activity. The results showed that the 3b, 3d, and 3e complexes possessed strong antiproliferative activity against human colon carcinoma (HCT‐116) and moderate cytotoxic activity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG‐2) cell lines. In addition, effective selective antileishmanial effects were observed for the 3e compound against both promastigotes and amastigotes stages of L. major with an IC50 value of 0.027 and 0.39 μM mL−1, respectively. These results demonstrate that these compounds are promising candidates for the treatment of colorectal cancer and leishmaniasis.

Dihydroartemisinin-driven selective anti-lung cancer proliferation by binding to EGFR and inhibition of NRAS signaling pathway-induced DNA damage.

Chemotherapeutic agents can inhibit the proliferation of malignant cells due to their cytotoxicity, which is limited by collateral damage. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), has a selective anti-cancer effect, whose target and mechanism remain uncovered. The present work aims to examine the selective inhibitory effect of DHA as well as the mechanisms involved. The findings revealed that the Lewis cell line (LLC) and A549 cell line (A549) had an extremely rapid proliferation rate compared with the 16HBE cell line (16HBE). LLC and A549 showed an increased expression of NRAS compared with 16HBE. Interestingly, DHA was found to inhibit the proliferation and facilitate the apoptosis of LLC and A549 with significant anti-cancer efficacy and down-regulation of NRAS. Results from molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay revealed that DHA could bind to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) molecules, attenuating the EGF binding and thus driving the suppressive effect. LLC and A549 also exhibited obvious DNA damage in response to DHA. Further results demonstrated that over-expression of NRAS abated DHA-induced blockage of NRAS. Moreover, not only the DNA damage was impaired, but the proliferation of lung cancer cells was also revitalized while NRAS was over-expression. Taken together, DHA could induce selective anti-lung cancer efficacy through binding to EGFR and thereby abolishing the NRAS signaling pathway, thus leading to DNA damage, which provides a novel theoretical basis for phytomedicine molecular therapy of malignant tumors.

Towards an understanding of multi-generational higher education cohorts in gamified entrepreneurship education

The increasing inclusion of gamified courses in entrepreneurship programmes in higher education have left gaps in understanding the critical essentials of the multi-generational student cohort undertaking these programmes. In this paper, we interrogate the educational experiences of multi-generational higher education students in a core gamified entrepreneurship course in an undergraduate business school programme. The research analyzed 392 course feedback responses from three generations (X, Y and Z) of a multi-generational cohort. The study developed and validated a behaviour-results model for gamified entrepreneurship courses leading to student entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial orientation, and disaggregated student engagement into it's multiple dimensions of cognitive, behavioural and emotional. The model also validated six dimensions of individual entrepreneurship orientation. Using the model, the study found differences in the component variables based on student Generations X, Y, and Z. Also, student cognitive and behavioural engagement led to entrepreneurial intention which also influenced student entrepreneurial orientation. There were marked differences in student grit, cognitive engagement, and emotional engagement between Generations X and Z. Furthermore, generational differences existed amongst Generation Z and Y, and also for Generation Z and X in student entrepreneurial intention. The study also confirmed the difference in entrepreneurial orientation between Generations X and Z. Additionally, the study found that there is a need to contextualize student engagement facilitators such as results demonstrability of the business simulation platform, student grit and user characteristics as they have selective effects on student cognition, behavioural and emotional engagements in a multi-generational student cohort of Generation X, Y and Z.

The City as an Evolutionary Hothouse—The Search for Rapid Evolution in Urban Settings

Cities are ubiquitous and, though a novel phenomenon by evolutionary standards, provide a home for many species and exert particularly strong and novel selection pressures on them. They thus offer a unique opportunity to study rapid evolutionary processes. We conducted a scoping review of published studies documenting evolutionary processes in urban environments, focusing primarily on more recent work. Unfortunately, cities have not been attractive environments for biological research and thus remain poorly studied, despite slowly growing interest in recent years. Nonetheless, we found studies documenting the effects of mutation, genetic drift, and selection in cities. However, studies show some geographic bias and were not always as conclusive as might be desired. There is even support for incipient urban speciation. Evidence across the board is less abundant and less conclusive than desirable, suggesting the need for more data collection. The urban setting, with its stronger selection, more common intermixing, and abundance of both human and widespread potential non-human zoonosis hosts and human-associated species offers great opportunities to further document evolution in action and explore its conservation implications.

Polymorphism and the Red Queen: The Selective Maintenance of Allelic Variation in a Deteriorating Environment.

Although allelic variation is ubiquitous in natural populations, our theoretical models are poor at predicting the existence and properties of these observed polymorphisms. Here, inspired by Van Valen's Red Queen hypothesis, we modelled the effect of viability selection in a deteriorating environment on the properties of allelic variation in populations subject to recurrent mutation. In Monte Carlo simulations, we found that levels of polymorphism consistently built up over time. We censused the simulated populations after 10,000 generations of mutation and selection, revealing that, compared to models assuming a constant environment, the mean number of alleles was greater, as was the range of allele numbers. These results were qualitatively robust to the addition of genetic drift and to relaxing the assumption that the viabilities of phenogenotypes containing a new mutation are independent of each other (i.e., incorporating a model of generalized dominance). The broad range of allele numbers realized in the simulated populations - from monomorphisms to highly polymorphic populations - more closely corresponds to the observed range from numerous surveys of natural populations than previously found in theoretical studies. This match suggests that, contrary to the views of some writers, selection may actively maintain genetic variation in natural populations, particularly if the selective environment is gradually becoming harsher. Our simulations also generated many populations with heterozygote advantage, a mismatch with real data that implies that this selective property must arise extremely rarely in natural populations.

Integrated design of multi-circuit thermal management system with battery waste heat utilization for new energy vehicle and performance assessment

A multi-circuit integrated thermal management system for new energy vehicle is proposed to realize the different coupling relationship between the heat exchanger for the cabin and the chiller for the battery through the four-way reversing valves and the solenoid valves. The effects of circuit selection, ambient temperature, driving test conditions and waste heat utilization on thermal management performance are discussed. The results indicate that thermal management can be carried out through three circuits in the system for heating conditions. The cabin is heated first in Circuit 1 and Circuit 3, while the battery has a higher priority in Circuit 2. The energy consumption in Circuit 1 is close to that in Circuit 2 at different ambient temperature. Compared with the other two circuits, Circuit 3 is more power-efficient, with energy consumption reduced by 14.81 %, and energy efficiency increased by 0.11 and 0.13 respectively at 10 °C of ambient temperature. The thermal management performance of Circuit 2 is least affected by the driving test conditions, and the maximum time difference of battery heating completion under different conditions is 284 s. High vehicle speed is beneficial to the waste heat utilization of the battery, for intense driving conditions, the energy consumption reduction ratio in Circuit 1 and Circuit 2 is more than 19.50 % and exergic efficiency is increased by more than 1.01 % in each circuit. Circuit 1 and Circuit 2 are better for intense driving conditions, and Circuit 3 is a good choice for urban driving conditions.

Improving approaches to hygienic rationing of antimicrobial drugs

Introduction. Currently, the production of medicines, including those with antimicrobial properties, is expanding at chemical and pharmaceutical enterprises. However, scientific approaches to hygienic regulation of the content of specific antimicrobials in the air of the work area are not yet available. The study aims to substantiate approaches to predicting approximate safe levels of exposure (ASLE) to substances with a specific antimicrobial effect. Materials and methods. The scientists have carried out the research in two stages. The first stage is an experimental study of the single inhalation effect of an antibiotic clarithromycin at concentrations of 54.2; 25.4; 15.3; 9.1; 2.8 and 0.9 mg/m3 on mongrel female rats weighing 230–250 g. The authors have evaluated the indicators of toxic (morphological and functional parameters of the nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, biochemical parameters of the liver and kidneys, as well as the composition of peripheral blood) and specific effects (qualitative and quantitative composition of the microbiota of the large intestine of rats). The second stage was the analysis of the database on hygienic rationing of chemicals, which consisted in searching for hygienic standards (ASLE, MPC), threshold concentrations for the general toxic (Limint) and specific (Limbact) effects of antimicrobials. Results. During the experiment, experts have established the threshold of acute inhalation exposure (Limac int) of clarithromycin at a concentration of 25.4 mg/m3 according to the total toxic effects (peripheral blood counts, liver and kidney function). When exposed to an antibiotic at a concentration of 2.8 mg/m3, there was an imbalance of the intestinal microflora in the absence of a general toxic effect, which indicated a specific and selective antimicrobial effect of the drug. Based on the analysis of literature data, the parameters of toxicometry of 21 substances with antimicrobial effect were determined, their representative sample was justified and its regression analysis was carried out. Conclusion. Based on experimental and literary data, the authors established a significantly strong correlation (r=0.729) between the values of MPC (ASLE) and the threshold of antimicrobial action (Limbact). They also developed a mathematical equation to predict safe levels of antimicrobials based on their specific and selective activity.

Structural Asymmetry and Chiral-Induced Spin Selectivity in Chiral Palladium-Halide Semiconductors.

Chiral Pb-free metal-halide semiconductors (MHSs) have attracted considerable attention in the field of spintronics due to various interesting spin-related properties and chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect. Despite their excellent chemical and structural tunability, the material scope and crystal structure of Pb-free chiral MHSs exhibiting the CISS effect are still limited; chiral MHSs that have metal-halide structures of octahedra and tetrahedra are only reported. Here, we report a new class of chiral MHSs, of which palladium (Pd)-halides are formed in 1D square-pyramidal structures or 0D square-planar structures, with a general formula of ((R/S-MBA)2PdBr4)1-x((R/S-MBA)2PdCl4)x (MBA = methylbenzylammonium; x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1) for the first time. The crystals adopt the 1D helical chain of Pd-halide square-pyramid (for x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75) and 0D structure of Pd-halide square-plane (for x = 1). All the Pd-halides are distorted by the interaction between the halide and the chiral organic ammonium and arranged in a noncentrosymmetric position. Circular dichroism (CD) for ((R/S-MBA)2PdBr4)1-x((R/S-MBA)2PdCl4)x indicates that chirality was transferred from chiral organic ammonium to Pd-halide inorganics. ((R-MBA)2PdBr4)1-x((R-MBA)2PdCl4)x (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75) shows a distortion index of 0.127-0.128, which is the highest value among the previously reported chiral MHSs to the best of our knowledge. We also find that (R/S-MBA)2Pd(Br1-xClx)4 crystals grow along the out-of-plane direction during spin coating and have high c-axis orientation and crystallinity, and (R/S-MBA)2Pd(Br1-xClx)4 (x = 0 and 0.5) crystals exhibit a CISS effect in polycrystalline bulk films. These results demonstrate the possibility of a new metal-halide series with square-planar structures or square-pyramidal structures for future spintronic applications.

Improving Performance of MC-CDMA Systems Using UTTCM Channel Coding

Over the past decade, personal communications have witnessed exponential growth, fueled by the increasing number of connected users and the diversity of transmitted data types. This expansion necessitates a boost in the transmission systems' capacity to accommodate higher user numbers and data rates, simultaneously striving to optimize cost and complexity. Consequently, future communication systems are pivoting towards multi-carrier spread spectrum techniques (MC-CDMA), capitalizing on the robustness of OFDM multi-carrier transmissions against multipath propagation and leveraging the flexibility of the code division multiple access (CDMA) technique. This study addresses data transmission quality-related concerns within an MC-CDMA system by implementing UTTCM error correction codes. These codes aim to enhance channel spectrum efficiency and mitigate error probability. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed transmission scheme offers significant improvements in terms of bit error rate and signal-to-noise ratio, while maximizing the bandwidth shared among users. Additionally, the incorporation of such equalization techniques as zero forcing (ZF) and minimum mean square error (MMSE), ensures extensive compensation for the channel selectivity effect.

The Importance of Spin-Polarized Charge Reorganization in the Catalytic Activity of D-Glucose Oxidase.

The front cover artwork is provided by Prof. Ron Naaman's group at the Weizmann Institute of Science. The image shows that direct electron transfer through GOx is governed by electron spins, which result from the chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/cphc.202400033.

Unveiling the electronic origin of lanthanide based Metal Organic Framework with ideal spin filtering capacity

Recently, a three dimensional metal-organic framework (MOF) based on Dy(III) and the L-tartrate ligand was experimentally shown to exhibit a spin polarization (SP) power of 100% at room temperature. The material’s spin filtering ability was ascribed to the chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect. In this work, we computationally characterize the electronic structure of this MOF, revealing that the high SP of the material is linked to the asymmetric arrangement, around the Fermi level, of the alpha- and beta-spin electron states arising from the 4f-states of the lanthanide Dy atom, which results in two different conduction channels (band gaps) for each spin state. Based on the understanding gathered in this work, we propose that the substitution of the hydroxyl groups of the ligand by mercaptan groups should boost the electrical conductivity, while retaining the spin filtering power of the material.

Inferring Independent Sets of Gaussian Variables after Thresholding Correlations

We consider testing whether a set of Gaussian variables, selected from the data, is independent of the remaining variables. This set is selected via a very simple approach: these are the variables for which the correlation with all other variables falls below some threshold. Unlike other settings in selective inference, failure to account for the selection step leads to excessively conservative (as opposed to anti-conservative) results. We propose a new test that conditions on the event that the selection resulted in the set of variables in question, and thus is not overly conservative. To achieve computational tractability, we develop a characterization of the conditioning event in terms of the canonical correlation between groups of random variables. In simulation studies and in the analysis of gene co-expression networks, we show that our approach has much higher power than a “naive” approach that ignores the effect of selection. Supplementary materials for this article are available online, including a standardized description of the materials available for reproducing the work.

Improving Probability-based Prompt Selection Through Unified Evaluation and Analysis

Abstract Previous work in prompt engineering for large language models has introduced different gradient-free probability-based prompt selection methods that aim to choose the optimal prompt among the candidates for a given task but have failed to provide a comprehensive and fair comparison between each other. In this paper, we propose a unified framework to interpret and evaluate the existing probability-based prompt selection methods by performing extensive experiments on 13 common and diverse NLP tasks. We find that each of the existing methods can be interpreted as some variant of the method that maximizes mutual information between the input and the predicted output (MI). Utilizing this finding, we develop several other combinatorial variants of MI and increase the effectiveness of the oracle prompt selection method from 87.79% to 94.98%, measured as the ratio of the performance of the selected prompt to that of the optimal oracle prompt. Furthermore, considering that all the methods rely on the output probability distribution of the model that might be biased, we propose a novel calibration method called Calibration by Marginalization (CBM) that is orthogonal to the existing methods and helps increase the prompt selection effectiveness of the best method to 96.85%, achieving 99.44% of the oracle prompt F1 without calibration.1