Adaptive density estimation: A curse of support?

This paper deals with the classical problem of density estimation on the real line. Most of the existing papers devoted to minimax properties assume that the support of the underlying density is bounded and known. But this assumption may be very difficult to handle in practice. In this work, we show that, exactly as a curse of dimensionality exists when the data lie in R^d, there exists a curse of support as well when the support of the density is infinite. As for the dimensionality problem where the rates of convergence deteriorate when the dimension grows, the minimax rates of convergence may deteriorate as well when the support becomes infinite. This problem is not purely theoretical since the simulations show that the support-dependent methods are really affected in practice by the size of the density support, or by the weight of the density tail. We propose a method based on a biorthogonal wavelet thresholding rule that is adaptive with respect to the nature of the support and the regularity of the signal, but that is also robust in practice to this curse of support. The threshold, that is proposed here, is very accurately calibrated so that the gap between optimal theoretical and practical tuning parameters is almost filled.     

Memory for One‐Time Experiences in the Second Year of Life: Implications for the Status of Episodic Memory

Memory based on a one‐time experience is an important element of its definition as “episodic.” Infants' memories for one‐time experiences over long delays are largely unexplored. Using elicited imitation, we tested 20‐ and 16‐month‐olds' (Experiment 1) and 13‐month‐olds' (Experiment 2) memories as a function of number of experiences and delay. Over 1 month, 20‐ and 16‐month‐olds remembered individual actions of one‐time events; 20‐month‐olds also remembered temporal order; with verbal reminders, 16‐month‐olds did as well. Over 3 months, recall depended on multiple experiences. Thirteen‐month‐olds' required multiple experiences, even over 1 month. The findings speak to the gradual emergence of an important element of episodic memory, namely the ability to preserve memories of one‐time experiences over long periods of time.     

Who Holds the Stakes? A Case Study of Stakeholder Identification at Two Nuclear Weapons Production Sites

Traditional risk assessments, including those involving the United States Department of Energy (USDOE), are often criticized for producing useless or noncredible management responses because they did not meaningfully involve the public. The first step to involve the public is to identify appropriate active participants (stakeholders). This study was done to understand the processes used to identify stakeholders to serve on advisory boards established at the two largest remediation sites in the United States: the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Washington state and the Savannah River Site in South Carolina. The Hanford stakeholder identification process produced an interest-based board whereas the Savannah River Site strategy produced population-based representation. The basic goals of the stakeholder advisory groups were similar. However, different processes were used to identify the participants for the groups in part because of distinctly different social and cultural conditions in the areas affected by the operations of the two facilities, and in part because of the different level of trust of the USDOE and their contractors at Hanford compared with Savannah River. The discussion analyzes their different needs and potential for successful citizen participation.     

Technology transfer concerns of college graduates with disabilities: Profiles in transition from higher education to competitive careers

The article describes the technology transfer concerns reported by a small sample (N=14) of recent college graduates with disabilities. In structured, in-depth interviews, researchers asked respondents to reflect on the extent to which they had utilized technology resources during their college years in preparation for the world of work. Results suggest that colleges and universities need to play a more active role in introducing students with disabilities to both generalized and assistive technology services.     

Laughing Your Way to Peace of Mind: How a Little Humor Helps Caregivers Survive

As the numbers of caregivers continue to increase, more attention is being focused on the unique stresses these individuals experience. Caring for a loved one tests the limits of even the most resilient, regardless of professional status or experience. Laughter is a universal elixir which allows people to cope more sanely with stress and caregiving responsibilities. Research on the emotional and physical benefits of laughter supports the use of humor by professionals and family members who occupy caregiving roles. This article addresses this research and examines common caregiver emotions while providing concrete guidelines for developing humor. Case examples demonstrate how laughter and wit are utilized by those caring for a loved one.     

Top 10 reasons to take your graduate program in psychiatric nursing online

1. Removing barriers to graduate psychiatric nursing education is possible by delivering courses via the Internet. 2. The Internet is full of valuable resources for graduate psychiatric nursing education. 3. Successful online learning environments involve a paradigm shift on the part of faculty from traditional teaching to facilitating the learning of adult students. 4. Increasing the number of advanced practice psychiatric nurses through Web-based education will transform the delivery of mental health care.     

The Maltreatment of Children: A Review of Theories and Research

This article reviews the literature pertaining to the causes of child maltreatment. The review discusses 68 articles from various disciplines and organizes them into four predominant theories; psychodynamic, social learning, social psychological, and sociological. Research evidence supporting each of the theories is described and critiqued.