cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On a Turán-type hypergraph problem of Brown, Erdős and T. Sós

We let G^(^r^)(n,m) denote the set of r-uniform hypergraphs with n vertices and m edges, and f^(^r^)(n,p,s) is the smallest m such that every member of G^(^r^)(n,m) contains a member of G^(^r^)(p,s). In this paper we are interested in the growth of f^(^r^)(n,p,s) for fixed values r,p and s. Brown, Erdos and Sos [Some external problems on r-graphs, in: New Directions in the Theory of Graphs, Proceedings of the Third Annual Arbor Conference on Graph Theory, Academic Press, New York, 1973, pp. 55-63] proved that for r>k>=2 and s>=3 we have f^(^r^)(n,s(r-k)+k,s)=@Q(n^k). This suggests the difficult question whether f^(^r^)(n,s(r-k)+k+1,s)=o(n^k). This was first established for r=s=3 and k=2 by Ruzsa and Szemeredi [Trible systems with no six points carrying three triangles, in: Combinatorics (Keszthely, 1976), Colloquia Mathematics Societies Janos Bolyai, vols. II, 18, 1976, pp. 939-945]. Then for s=3 and k=2 Erdos et al. [Graphs Combin. 2 (1986) 113-121] extended this result for any r, and they conjectured that it also holds for k=2 and any s. In this note we show that it holds with @?log"2s@? in place of 1, i.e.,f^(^r^)(n,s(r-k)+k+@?log"2s@?,s)=o(n^k)forallr>k>=2ands>=3.In addition we show that the conjecture holds for r>k>=3 and s=4, i.e.,f^(^r^)(n,4(r-k)+k+1,4)=o(n^k).
Evolutionary changes of the number of olfactory receptor genes in the human and mouse lineages.

The numbers of functional olfactory receptor (OR) genes are quite variable among mammalian species. Previously we have reported that humans have 388 functional OR genes and 414 pseudogenes, while mice have 1037 functional genes and 354 pseudogenes. These observations suggest either that humans lost many functional OR genes after the human–mouse divergence (HMD) or that mice gained many functional genes. To distinguish between these two hypotheses, we devised a new method of inferring the number of functional OR genes in the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of humans and mice. An application of this method suggested that the MRCA had ~750 functional OR genes and that mice acquired ~350 new OR genes after the HMD whereas ~430 OR genes in the MRCA have become pseudogenes or eliminated in the human lineage. Therefore, the two evolutionary hypotheses mentioned above are not mutually exclusive and both are nearly equally responsible for the difference in the number of OR genes between humans and mice. D 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Patents as Signals for Startup Financing: Patents as Signals for Startup Financing

We examine the role of patents as signals used to reduce information asymmetries in entrepreneurial finance. A theoretical model gives conditions for a unique separating equilibrium in which startup founders file for patents to signal invention quality to investors, as well as appropriating value. The theory allows for heterogeneous investors and examine the optimal match of different types of startups, as defined by the quality of their technology, to investors who differ in the amount of non financial capital they provide. The empirical analysis is consistent with the model's predictions using a novel dataset of Israeli startups that received external funding during the period 1994-2011.
What makes the Arabidopsis clock tick on time? A review on entrainment

Entrainment, the synchronization of a circadian clock with the external environment, is a crucial step in daily life. Although many signals contribute to entrainment, light and temperature are typically the strongest resetting cues. Much progress has been made concerning light resetting in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana . Multiple photoreceptors (phytochromes, cryptochromes, LOV-domain proteins) are involved in light perception. The clock genes CCA1 , LHY and TOC1 are all probable targets of light signalling, although the details of these pathways are not completely established. Temperature can entrain the clock, but little is known about the mechanism underlying this resetting; no obvious clock gene candidate for temperature resetting has been identified. Although circadian research has emphasized oscillations in free-running conditions, in the real world the circadian clock is entrained. During entrainment, short or long period mutants exhibit a 24-h period, but a mutant phenotype is often manifested as an altered phase relationship with the entraining cycle; short and long period mutants show leading and lagging phases, respectively, and this may be detrimental under some conditions. Arrhythmic CCA1-overexpressing plants display increased lethality under very short photoperiods, consistent with the circadian clock being of adaptive significance to life on a rotating world.
Prospective Study of Tobacco Smoking and Substance Dependencies Among Samples of ADHD and Non-ADHD Participants

This study focused on an audience at high risk for heavy use of licit and illicit substances: young adults who as children had attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The participants in this study were part of a longitudinal study of the life histories of 492 children, one third of whom were identified as hyperactive in 1974 and whose childhood symptom ratings and medical histories were used to establish Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (3rd ed., revised; DSM-III-R) ADHD diagnoses (American Psychiatric Association, 1987). The objectives of the study centered on describing (a) developmental history of tobacco use among ADHD and non-ADHD participants in a longitudinal sample, (b) the characteristic adult patterns of tobacco use from early adolescence through early adulthood, and (c) the relationship between ADHD status and tobacco and substance dependence outcomes. Adult data were obtained for 81% of the original 492 participants (77% of the ADHD and 86% of the controls). Lifetime and current tobacco use were assessed from child, adolescent, and adult data, yielding eight measures of smoking status. The study showed that participants with and without ADHD did not differ in age of initiation to smoking, but there was a significant difference in the age they began smoking regularly. By age 17, 46% of all participants with ADHD, as contrasted with 24% of the age-mate controls, reported smoking cigarettes daily. In adulthood, the proportion of participants with ADHD who were current smokers (42%) continued to exceed that of the age-mate controls (26%). Among current adult smokers, 35% with ADHD smoked daily as compared to 16% of the age-mate controls. There were significantly different lifetime tobacco dependence rates--40% compared to 19% for age-mate controls. The rates for cocaine dependence were 21% for participants with ADHD and 10% for age-mate controls. We reported a significant difference in rates of daily smoking and tobacco dependence for those with ADHD who had used stimulant medication in childhood in contrast to controls. Results were interpreted to support a possible link between ADHD treatment histories and levels of tobacco smoking and tobacco dependence in adulthood.
Generation of mature blood cells from pluripotent stem cells

Transfusion of red blood cells and platelets is one of the most common life-saving procedures used in the clinic. Blood transfusions are needed to replace blood lost through traumatic injury and surgery. Transfusions are also used for the treatment of burn victims, recipients of organ transplants,
Supracristal ventricular septal defect.

Abstract The case of a child with an isolated ventricular septal defect located superior to the crista supraventricularis and immediately below the pulmonary valve is reported. Comment is made on the difficulties attending clinical and laboratory diagnosis of such a lesion. A systolic murmur and thrill located maximally in the pulmonary area in this particular anatomic type of ventricular septal defect emphasizes the direct relation between the site of the murmur and the site of the defect. Surgical considerations concerning this particular variety of septal defect are briefly discussed. It is noted that the supracristal type of ventricular septal defect occurs not only in isolated form but as a component of several other congenital cardiac complexes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Initiatives to Prevent Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A Selective Update

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a complex public health problem, characterized by a high prevalence of chronic infection, an increasing burden of HCV-associated disease, low rates of testing and treatment, and the prospect of increasing incidence associated with the epidemic of injection drug use. Three-quarters of chronic HCV infections occur among persons born from 1945 through 1965. Prevention efforts are complicated by limited knowledge among health care professionals, persons at risk and in the public at large. At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, efforts to improve primary and secondary prevention effectiveness center on policy development, education and training initiatives, and applied research. This report provides a brief overview of some of these efforts, including the development of testing recommendations for the 1945–1965 birth cohort, research and evaluation studies in settings where persons who inject drugs receive services, and a national viral hepatitis education campaign that targets health care professionals, the public, and persons at risk.
Loewald's “Binocular Vision” and the Art of Analysis

In his 1988 monograph on sublimation, Hans Loewald describes the process as a transformation of the drives aimed at re-creating what he presumes to be the subjective experience of infantile attachment. To describe this experience, he invokes a state of mind that he calls "binocular vision." He maintains that this mental state may arise not only in activities usually associated with sublimation, such as the creation and enjoyment of art, but in all forms of sublimation, including effective psychoanalysis. Because Loewald's discussion is largely theoretical, it does not convey how the concept of binocular vision may inform clinical technique and interdisciplinary study. A comparative application of his theory to psychoanalytic process and to the viewer's response to art enables one to grasp binocular vision as a common aspect of both. It emerges as a useful model with which to conceptualize and integrate the ambiguous reality of analytic experience.
Research into practice: Grammar learning and teaching

This selective review of the second language acquisition and applied linguistics research literature on grammar learning and teaching falls into three categories: where research has had little impact (the non-interface position), modest impact (form-focused instruction), and where it potentially can have a large impact (reconceiving grammar). Overall, I argue that not much second language acquisition or applied linguistics research on grammar has made its way into the classroom. At the conclusion of the discussion of each of the three categories, I speculate on why this is so. I also find misguided the notion that research should be applied to teaching in an unmediated manner. This is not to say that research should have no impact on pedagogy. In concluding, I offer some ways that I believe it could and should.
Robust control of nonlinear uncertain systems

This paper presents a new control procedure for designing robust controllers for nonlinear time-varying systems that contain uncertain terms. The application of the Lyapunov theory allows us to avoid certain difficulties associated with the application of the Hamilton-Jacobi theory which leads to nonlinear two-point boundary-value problems. The solution is obtained by applying sufficient conditions for robust stability. The foundation of our algorithm, which allows one to solve the nonlinear robust control problem, is based upon the Lyapunov-based lemma, and nonquadratic Lyapunov candidates are used to synthesize nonlinear robust algorithms. The method is computationally attractive, and the reported concept makes it possible to design nonlinear controllers for high order uncertain systems. We illustrate the procedure by studying the multivariable electric motor with parameter variations. In particular, a robust regulator is synthesized to control the squirrel-cage induction motor, and robustness of the closed-loop system is verified. Experimental results are performed to validate the bounded controller as well as to analyze the system performance and dynamics.
The a nalysis and modeling of fine pit ch laminate interconnect in response to large energy fault transients

In embedded applications, the miniaturization of circuitry and functionality provides many benefits to both the producer and consumer. However, the benefits gained from miniaturization is not without penalty, as the environmental influences may be great enough to introduce system failures in new or different modes and effects. Of particular interest within this research is the effect of fault transients in reduced geometries of printed circuit card interconnect, commonly referred to as fine pitch laminate interconnect Whereas larger geometries of conductor trace width and spacing may have been immune to circuit failure at a given fault input, the reduction of the trace geometry may introduce failures as the insulating effect of the dielectric is compromised to the point where arcing occurs. To address this concern, a circuit card was designed with fine pitch laminate features in microstrip, embedded microstrip, and stripline constructions. Various trace widths and separations were tested for structural integrity (presence of arcing or fusing) at voltage extremes defined in avionics standard. The specific trace widths in the test were 4 mils, 6 mils, 8 mils, and 12 mils, with the trace separation in each case equal to the trace widths. The results of the tests and methods to artificially improve the integrity of the interconnect are documented, providing a clear region of reliable^ operation to the designers and the engineering community. Finally, the construction of the interconnect and the results from the test were combined to create an empirical model for circuit analysis. Created for the Saber simulator, but readily adaptable to Spice, this model will describe high-speed operation of a propagating signal before breakdown, and uses data from the experiment to calculate threshold values for
La Isla, Veracruz, 1991

This article reports on 1991 archaeological investigations at La Isla, a small site near the Olmec center of Laguna de los Cerros, Veracruz. Excavations of Mound D, the mound's possible association with three Olmec monument fragments found in the 1970s, and problems of site stratigraphy are discussed. The article concludes with comments on the western sector of the Olmec area. The overall distribution of major Olmec centers is then considered, and a “zonal complementarity” model associating the location of those centers with distinctive natural resources is introduced.
Site-Specific Methylation of the Promoter Alters Deoxyribonucleic Acid-Protein Interactions and Prevents Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor Gene Transcription

In the male gonad, the FSH receptor (FSHR) gene is expressed only in Sertoli cells. To date, the mechanism(s) responsible for Sertoli cell-specific expression of the FSHR gene are unknown. In this study, DNA methylation at specific sites in the promoter are shown to lead to changes in the DNA-protein interactions at those sites and, subsequently, to transcriptional repression of the gene. The extent of methylation of cytosine residues within the core promoter region of genomic DNA isolated from cells/tissues that expressed, or did not express, the FSHR gene was analyzed by the sodium bisulfite conversion technique. All seven cytosine residues in CpG dinucleotides within the core promoter region were found to be unmethylated in primary cultured rat Sertoli cells that were actively expressing FSHR mRNA. In contrast, in tissues not expressing FSHR the same region of the gene was methylated at each of the CpG dinucleotides examined. In addition, DNA-protein interactions in three primary regulatory regions of the promoter were examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) with synthetic oligonucleotides containing selectively methylated cytosine residues. Methylation of a CpG sequence within a consensus E box element (CACGTG, -124/-119) decreased the binding affinity of USF1/2 transcription factors for this element. Methylation of the CpG sequence in the Inr region (CCGG, -85/-82) allowed the formation of an additional DNA-protein complex. Methylation at both cytosine residues in the E2F element ((m)CG(m)CG) generated a new methylcytosine-specific DNA-protein complex. The core FSHR promoter region of a mouse Sertoli cell line (MSC-1) that does not express FSHR was shown to be methylated at four CpG dinucleotides. The demethylation of these four sites by treatment of the MSC-1 cells with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-azaCdR) activated the transcription of the FSHR gene. Taken together, these results suggest that cytosine methylation is a major factor in the repression of the expression of the FSHR gene.
RAS/PI3K Crosstalk and Cetuximab Resistance in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Purpose: Cetuximab, an antibody directed against the EGF receptor, is an effective clinical therapy for patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). Despite great clinical promise, intrinsic or acquired cetuximab resistance hinders successful treatment outcomes but little is known about the underlying mechanism. Experimental Design: To study the role of oncogenic HRAS in cetuximab resistance in HNSCC, the frequency of oncogenic HRAS mutations was determined in a cohort of 180 genomic DNAs from head and neck cancer specimens. We also used a combination of cetuximab-resistant cell lines and a transgenic mouse model of RAS-driven oral cancer to identify an oncogenic RAS-specific gene expression signature that promotes cetuximab resistance. Results: Here, we show that activation of RAS signaling leads to persistent extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 signaling and consequently to cetuximab resistance. HRAS depletion in cells containing oncogenic HRAS or PIK3CA restored cetuximab sensitivity. In our study, the gene expression signature of c-MYC, BCL-2, BCL-XL, and cyclin D1 upon activation of MAPK signaling was not altered by cetuximab treatment, suggesting that this signature may have a pivotal role in cetuximab resistance of RAS-activated HNSCC. Finally, a subset of patients with head and neck cancer with oncogenic HRAS mutations was found to exhibit de novo resistance to cetuximab-based therapy. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings identify a distinct cetuximab resistance mechanism. Oncogenic HRAS in HNSCC promotes activation of ERK signaling, which in turn mediates cetuximab resistance through a specific gene expression signature. Clin Cancer Res; 20(11); 2933–46. ©2014 AACR .
Past Informs the Present: Work With Young People From Marginalized Communities

The articles in this issue were all shared during the 4th History of Youth Work conference, sponsored by the University of Minnesota and held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during two days in May 2014....
Next Generation Vehicle Network (NGVN): Performance Analysis of Dynamic Discovery Service Protocol Utilized for Internet Access

In the near future, vehicles are expected to become a part of the Internet, either as a terminal in a mobile network, as a network node, or as a moving sensor (providing environmental information, cars status, streaming video, etc.) or a combination of the three. This is partly due to the steadily growing interest of vehicles' passengers in location-based information. Drivers and passengers that would want to receive information about traffic jams or accidents in their vicinity will likely be interested in accessing Internet services from within the vehicular network. Access can be gained by using roadside installed Internet Gateways (IGs), which are able to communicate with the vehicles. When the car network is connected to the Internet, it is important for the vehicle to detect available gateways providing access to the Internet. Therefore, a gateway discovery mechanism is required. For discovering Internet gateways two main approaches reactive and the proactive one will be considered. In this paper, we are focusing on the aspect of accessing the Internet from within the vehicle network using a service discovery protocol. We therefore developed a Dynamic Discovery Service (DDS) protocol to discover Internet Gateways and compare the performance of these approaches in various scenarios by means of simulation. We show which approach performs better in the simulated scenario with our Dynamic Discovery Service protocols (DDS).
Risk pathways among traumatic stress, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and alcohol and drug problems: A test of four hypotheses.

The present study utilized longitudinal data from a community sample (n = 377; 166 trauma-exposed; 54% males; 73% non-Hispanic Caucasian; 22% Hispanic; 5% other ethnicity) to test whether pretrauma substance use problems increase risk for trauma exposure (high-risk hypothesis) or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (susceptibility hypothesis), whether PTSD symptoms increase risk for later alcohol/drug problems (self-medication hypothesis), and whether the association between PTSD symptoms and alcohol/drug problems is attributable to shared risk factors (shared vulnerability hypothesis). Logistic and negative binomial regressions were performed in a path analysis framework. RESULTS provided the strongest support for the self-medication hypothesis, such that PTSD symptoms predicted higher levels of later alcohol and drug problems, over and above the influences of pretrauma family risk factors, pretrauma substance use problems, trauma exposure, and demographic variables. RESULTS partially supported the high-risk hypothesis, such that adolescent substance use problems increased risk for assaultive violence exposure but did not influence overall risk for trauma exposure. There was no support for the susceptibility hypothesis. Finally, there was little support for the shared vulnerability hypothesis. Neither trauma exposure nor preexisting family adversity accounted for the link between PTSD symptoms and later substance use problems. Rather, PTSD symptoms mediated the effect of pretrauma family adversity on later alcohol and drug problems, thereby supporting the self-medication hypothesis. These findings make important contributions to better understanding the directions of influence among traumatic stress, PTSD symptoms, and substance use problems. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Abstract 5597: Evaluation of functional genetic variants for breast cancer risk: Results from the Shanghai Breast Cancer Study

In previous studies among 1,144 cases and 1,256 controls recruited in the Stage I Shanghai Breast Cancer Study (SBCS-I), 18 known or potentially functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 16 genes were found to be associated with breast cancer risk. The authors evaluated these associations among 1,918 cases and 1,819 controls recruited in the Stage II SBCS (SBCS-II) using genetic effect models and subgroup analyses pre-determined from SBCS-I results. Five SNPs showed generally consistent results in SBCS-I and SBCS-II and statistically significant associations with breast cancer risk in combined analyses (AHR rs2066853, ATM rs1003623, ESR1 rs2234693, GSTP1 rs1695, and SHBG rs6259), mostly in subgroups defined by age or menopausal status. Further, the relation between breast cancer risk and SHBG rs6259 was found to vary by body mass index (BMI) (P-value for interaction = 0.003). The strongest reduction in risk associated with SHBG rs6259 was found for postmenopausal lean (BMI −4 ). This biologically plausible and highly significant finding provides strong evidence for a true association among Asian women. This study also highlights the value of gene-environment interaction analyses in evaluating genetic factors for complex diseases. Abbreviations: BMI, body mass index; CI, confidence interval; OR, odds ratio; SBCS, Shanghai Breast Cancer Study; SNP, single nucleotide polymorphism. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5597. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-5597
The Basic versus Applied Research Dilemma

The timeless basic versus applied research debate continues with what appears as no middle ground. Augmented Cognition researchers, particularly, are faced with the dilemma of merging laboratory results into applicable systems, i.e. developing and applying real-time physiological measures to integrate into human-computer systems. Insight to that disparity might be gleaned by revisiting this age-old debate of whether basic and applied research operate at opposite ends of the spectrum or perhaps on a more narrowed continuum. A few items to be addressed include a solution between the two camps, methods for bridging the gaps between laboratory and field experiments and then to advanced development, and the importance of mediation occurring within knowledge and practice. The panelists are challenged to make recommendations for investigators in augmented cognition and related fields to overcome the limitations of working in a controlled laboratory or a field environment and to achieve the most useful findings.
Hydrolyzation of carbohydrates in organosolv pulping of bagasse with formic acid

Organosolv pulping process is an effective method to delignify lignocellulosic materials to produce pulp for paper.Bagasse pulping with formic acid was studied for different cooking times and formic acid concentrations in an atmospheric formic acid process.Some carbohydrates were also degraded as well as bagasse could be fractionated to pulp.Especially,hemicellulose was quickly hydrolyzed into small molecule under the condition with 90% aqueous formic acid.The degradation of cellulose was not strong before 80 min,but which would become intensified after that.
Hand-foot-mouth Disease in Meishan,2011

ObjectiveTo master the epidemic regularity of hand-foot-mouth disease(HFMD) in Meishan,so as to propose prevention and control measures.Methods Data from national disease surveillance information system and laboratory test results were statistically analyzed.Results The total number of HFMD cases was 3 469 in 2011 in Meishan.There were 51 severe cases and 3 dead.The annual incidence rate was 117.57/105 and incidence rate of severe cases was 1.47%.The incidence was ranked 1st in the reported incidences of legal infectious diseases in the city,accounting for 31.34% of the total cases.Cases under 5 years old took a great portion of 94.16%,among which infants aged of 1-2 years accounted 61.06% of the total.Cases distributed in all the four seasons,and respectively showed large and small peaks in May-June and November.The advantage pathogen was EV71.Conclusion There was a relatively high reported incidence rate of HFMD in 2011 in Meishan.Targeted measures such as strengthened surveillance,pre-examination triage,morning and noon inspection and cause tracking of absence in nurseries,health publicity,etc.,should be timely carried out.
The challenges of cross-disciplinary work: accounting and financial reporting for governments and nonprofits

This introductory article to the special symposium entitled “The Evolution of Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting Education” introduces the five symposium articles that follow. The article also presents information to assist governmental and nonprofit educators in business schools and public administration educators in other colleges within a university in making comparisons between their perspectives and approaches. The authors’ view as accounting professors is that students in both disciplines develop stronger competencies for success in the public sector when their programs integrate context and techniques that come from using alternative instructional approaches and a diverse set of resources.
Structure and Placement of Academic Social Work Units in the United States.

ABSTRACTFor this study of social work degree programs, data were drawn from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) website, the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education (GASE) website, and the websites of 841 U.S. social work programs, including the 763 programs accredited (or in candidacy for accreditation) by CSWE when these data were collected. This article provides a context from relevant literature, enumerates the structures of social work units, identifies the most common departments and schools where they are found, and analyzes several factors associated with structure and placement of those units. Implications include the benefits of independent social work units rather than placement within a host department, and association with professional rather than liberal arts disciplines.
Optical Probes and Biosensors

Optical probes and photonics-based biosensors are important tools in most biophotonics diagnostic, therapeutic, imaging, and health-status monitoring instrumentation setups. These devices can selectively detect or analyze specific biological elements, such as microorganisms, organelles, tissue samples, cells, enzymes, antibodies, and nucleic acids derived from human and animal tissue and body fluids, cell cultures, foods, or air, water, soil, and vegetation samples. Of particular interest for biosensing processes are optical fiber probes, nanoparticle-based sensors, optical fiber and waveguide substance sensors, photodetector arrays, fiber Bragg grating sensors, and surface plasmon resonance devices.
Measuring Sexual Orientation: A Review and Critique of U.S. Data Collection Efforts and Implications for Health Policy

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Healthy People 2020 goals sought to improve health outcomes among sexual minorities; HHS acknowledged that a dearth of sexual orientation ite...
Parent-Reported Developmental Regression in Autism: Epilepsy, IQ, Schizophrenia Spectrum Symptoms, and Special Education

Examined the psychiatric and clinical correlates of loss of previously acquired skills (regression) as reported by parents of youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Study sample comprised 6- to 18-year old (N = 213) children and adolescents with ASD. Parents reported regression in 77 (36%) youth. A more homogeneous subgroup with regression between 18 and 36 months (n = 48) had higher rates of intellectual disability, epilepsy, and special education, more socially restrictive educational settings, and more severe ASD communication deficits and schizophrenia spectrum symptoms than non-regressed youth (n = 136). Similar results were obtained for a more inclusive definition of regression (n = 77). A brief parent report of developmental regression may be a useful clinical indicator of later general functioning.
Excellent long-term control in locoregionally recurrent radioactive iodine-refractory papillary thyroid cancer with the addition of external beam radiation therapy to maximal surgical resection.

e16035 Background: Locoregionally recurrent radioactive iodine (RAI) refractory papillary thyroid cancer represents a small percentage of papillary thyroid cancers but is an aggressive disease with significantly lower survival rates. This retrospective review is our experience with these cancers treated with maximal surgical resection followed by external beam radiotherapy. Methods: 26 patients treated from 2001-2011 were eligible for review. After obtaining IRB approval, medical records were reviewed for clinical outcome. All patients had histologically proven recurrences that were negative on I-131 scans. All patients were maximally resected. All patients received external radiotherapy to the thyroid bed, bilateral cervical lymph node levels II-IV, level VI, and superior mediastinal nodes. 15/26 patients received intensity modulated, 9/26 patients received 3-D conformal, and 2/26 patients received Tomotherapy radiation treatment. The mean dose was 5790 cGy (range 5280-6800 cGy). Results: All histologies...
DASCH for Days to Decades Time Domain Astronomy

The Digital Access to a Sky Century @ Harvard (DASCH) project has been underway for the past decade to digitize and fully reduce (photometry and astrometry) the ~450,000 glass plate images (not spectra) of the full sky taken by some ~30 Harvard telescopes from 1885 to 1992. The data processing pipeline achieves ~0.1 mag and ~0.5–3 arcsec (depending on plate series/scale) for all resolved stellar images (typically ~50,000) on each plate for the ~400 plates/day scanning and processing rate during full production. Nearly 1/3 of the plates are now online as of the 5th (of 12) data release, DR5. Unique time domain astronomy can be done for a vast range of objects; several examples will be shown. Of particular interest are rare extreme optical flares from accreting black holes, both stellar mass in black hole low-mass X-ray binaries (BH-LMXBs) and supermassive in active galactic nuclei (AGN). I will show examples of both. Just as full-production rate scanning/processing was to begin to finish by ~2018, a water main on Observatory Hill burst (on Jan 18, 2016) and flooded the DASCH lab, submerging some ~61,000 plates. These were quickly (within 2 days) removed to frozen storage (to prevent mold). Plate cleaning methods have now been developed (by the Harvard Weissman Preservation Center to fully restore them for scanning). Scanning is expected to resume in July 2016, with a new and faster scanner to enable the project to finish by late 2018.
Structure of aspartate β-semialdehyde dehydrogenase from Francisella tularensis

Aspartate β-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (ASADH) is an enzyme involved in the diaminopimelate pathway of lysine biosynthesis. It is essential for the viability of many pathogenic bacteria and therefore has been the subject of considerable research for the generation of novel antibiotic compounds. This manuscript describes the first structure of ASADH from Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia and a potential bioterrorism agent. The structure was determined at 2.45 A resolution and has a similar biological assembly to other bacterial homologs. ASADH is known to be dimeric in bacteria and have extensive interchain contacts, which are thought to create a half-sites reactivity enzyme. ASADH from higher organisms shows a tetrameric oligomerization, which also has implications for both reactivity and regulation. This work analyzes the apo form of F. tularensis ASADH, as well as the binding of the enzyme to its cofactor NADP+.
Stochastic dual dynamic integer programming

Multistage stochastic integer programming (MSIP) combines the difficulty of uncertainty, dynamics, and non-convexity, and constitutes a class of extremely challenging problems. A common formulation for these problems is a dynamic programming formulation involving nested cost-to-go functions. In the linear setting, the cost-to-go functions are convex polyhedral, and decomposition algorithms, such as nested Benders’ decomposition and its stochastic variant, stochastic dual dynamic programming (SDDP), which proceed by iteratively approximating these functions by cuts or linear inequalities, have been established as effective approaches. However, it is difficult to directly adapt these algorithms to MSIP due to the nonconvexity of integer programming value functions. In this paper we propose an extension to SDDP—called stochastic dual dynamic integer programming (SDDiP)—for solving MSIP problems with binary state variables. The crucial component of the algorithm is a new reformulation of the subproblems in each stage and a new class of cuts, termed Lagrangian cuts, derived from a Lagrangian relaxation of a specific reformulation of the subproblems in each stage, where local copies of state variables are introduced. We show that the Lagrangian cuts satisfy a tightness condition and provide a rigorous proof of the finite convergence of SDDiP with probability one. We show that, under fairly reasonable assumptions, an MSIP problem with general state variables can be approximated by one with binary state variables to desired precision with only a modest increase in problem size. Thus our proposed SDDiP approach is applicable to very general classes of MSIP problems. Extensive computational experiments on three classes of real-world problems, namely electric generation expansion, financial portfolio management, and network revenue management, show that the proposed methodology is very effective in solving large-scale multistage stochastic integer optimization problems.
The Coordination Dynamics of Learning: Theoretical Structure and Experimental Agenda

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a research agenda that could lead to the experimental verification of explicit theoretical predictions regarding the dynamics of the learning process itself. Learning, development, and evolution are separate fields that are studied largely in isolation of each other. Learning, though central to psychology and biology, remains a concept characterized by a variety of definitions, approaches, theories, and experimental methods. It occurs as specific modifications of the coordination dynamics in the direction of the behavioral pattern to be learned. Theoretically, the degree of competition between learning requirements and coordination dynamics determines the rate of learning. The present approach to learning as a pattern-formation process in complex systems stems from the concepts of self-organization in nonequilibrium systems, and it uses the tools of nonlinear dynamical systems. The chapter discusses the dynamical mechanisms and principles in the case of learning that are independent of the characteristic level of description, time scale, and substrate of the phenomenon under investigation.
T Cell Differentiation and Functional Maturation in Aging Mice

Advancing age is accompanied by changes in immune potential, frequently characterized as declines in the capacity to mount effective cell-mediated or humoral immune responses (reviewed in 1–3). Age-related functional changes can be identified earliest in the T cell compartment, therefore understanding the impact of advancing age on T cell activity may provide the key to understanding immune senescence. The expression of effector function by T cells requires their activation to cell cycle entry. The sequence of events involved in T cell activation are affected by the aging process and result in the altered T cell reactivity demonstrated in the aged.
Clinal Adaptation in the Marine Environment

Biologists hoping to understand the population genetics and evolution of marine organisms face a common challenge. Clear boundaries that define populations, shape gene flow, and drive natural selection are not apparent when looking across a featureless seascape. Instead, many marine species are broadly and continuously distributed across gradients in environmental variables such as pH, temperature, and salinity. Clinal adaptation to these environmental gradients is rampant among marine species and occurs across a broad range of demographic contexts. This chapter describes how the recent application of population genomics tools is beginning to reveal the genetic basis of clinal adaptation to environmental gradients in the sea. First, the chapter outlines the demographic and alternative selective scenarios that produce clinal variation in allele frequency and may result in spurious identification of adaptive genetic variants. Once these pitfalls are considered, the chapter briefly overviews population genomic techniques for identifying adaptive variants. Then, relevant and recent empirical studies are reviewed to draw generalizations about the genetic basis of clinal adaptation in the marine environment. Finally, future directions for the field are outlined, emphasizing an increased integration of the phenotype and genetic architecture in analyses of clinal adaptation and highlighting the potential of new tools such as machine learning and polygenic analysis.
MindDot: Supporting Effective Cognitive Behaviors in Concept Map-Based Learning Environments

While prior research has revealed the promising impact of concept mapping on learning, few have comprehensively modeled different cognitive behaviors during concept mapping. In addition, existing concept mapping tools lack effective feedback to support better learning behaviors. This work presents MindDot, a concept map-based learning environment that facilitates the cognitive process of comparing and integrating related concepts via two forms of support. A hyperlink support and an expert template. Study results suggested that both types of support had positive impact on the development of comparative strategies and that hyperlink support enhanced learning. We further evaluated the cognitive learning progress at a fine-grained level with two forms of visualizations. We then extracted several behavioral patterns that provided insights about the cognitive progress in learning. Lastly, we derive design recommendations that we hope will inspire future intelligent tutoring systems that automatically evaluate students' learning behaviors and foster them in developing effective learning behaviors
The Individual Health Insurance Mandate and Veterans Health Coverage

In December 2017, Congress repealed the individual insurance mandate penalty. Given the poor health status of veterans, their higher demands for health insurance, and the substantial number of unin...
Bayesian set pair analysis and machine learning based ensemble surrogates for optimal multi-aquifer system remediation design

Abstract Surrogate models are often adopted to substitute computationally intensive groundwater simulation models for aquifer management due to their high effectiveness and computing efficiency. However, solutions of using only one surrogate model are prone to large prediction uncertainty. This study compares individual surrogate models and an ensemble surrogate model in an optimal groundwater remediation design problem. Three machine learning based surrogate models (response surface regression model, artificial neural network and support vector machine) were developed to replace a high-fidelity solute transport model for predicting saltwater intrusion and assisting saltwater scavenging design. An optimal Latin hypercube design was employed to generate training and testing datasets. Set pair analysis was employed to construct a more reliable ensemble surrogate and to address prediction uncertainty arising from individual surrogate models. Bayesian set pair weights were derived by utilizing full information from both training and testing data and improved typical set pair weights. The individual and ensemble surrogate models were applied to the salinization remediation problem in the Baton Rouge area, southeast Louisiana. The optimal remediation design includes two conflicting objectives: minimizing total groundwater extraction from a horizontal scavenger well while maximizing chloride concentration difference to the MCL (maximum contamination level) at monitoring locations. NSGA-II (Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II) was employed to solve the nonlinear optimization model and obtain Pareto-optimal pumping schedules. The optimal pumping schedules from ensemble surrogate models and individual surrogate models were verified by the solute transport model. The study found that Bayesian set pair analysis builds robust ensemble surrogates and accounts for model prediction uncertainty. The ensemble-surrogate-assisted optimization model provides stable and reliable solutions while considerably alleviating computational burden.
Neural Network Controller for Attitude Control of Quadrotor

Inspired from complex human brain architecture, parallel processing and learning capabilities, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) has emerged as a new data processing paradigm. Image Association, Image Recognition, Function Approximation, Beam Forming are some of the fields that appealed many researchers to use Neural Networks. Generalization capability of Neural Networks also makes it appurtenant to Plant Control as superior control strategy than traditional Proportional-Integrator-Derivative (PID) Controllers. The research aims to design Neural Network architecture to identify whether this strategy can be employed to control a non-linear dynamic model. For this purpose well-known Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) vehicle known as Quadrotor is used as a plant. Direction Cosine Matrix Inertial Measurement Unit (DCM IMU) Theory is used for attitude estimation of the flying robot. Neural Network Predictive Control and Model Reference Adaptive Control (MRAC) strategy is selected to achieve attitude control of Quadrotor. Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm is used as backpropagation technique for training of the neural network architecture. Quadrotor plant modeling, Neural Network training and an effective controller is implemented in Matlab Simulink environment and their pros and cons are reviewed. Project files are open source and available publicly on to fuel further research in area.
Improved Function in a Runner With Hereditary Spastic Paraparesis With Use of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy: Personal Clinical Experience.

ABSTRACT A 59-yr-old male marathon runner presented with recent diagnosis of hereditary spastic paraplegia in the setting of gait deviation and spasticity. He noted asymmetric wear pattern of his right shoe and toe drag, with recent development of left lower limb pain and cramping attributed to spasticity. He elected to proceed with radial extracorporeal shockwave treatment targeting the affected muscles. The night following initial treatment, he was able to run 2 mins per mile faster over a 4-mile run with resolution of toe drag. He completed six sessions of radial extracorporeal shockwave treatment along with maintaining regular cardiovascular exercise and strength training. He was seen 6 wks after a series of treatment with recent worsening and toe drag that recurred. He completed further sessions with return to improved function seen after his initial series of shockwave and ability to return to running up to 13 miles. His neurologic symptoms remained controlled without noted progression. This case illustrates the potential use of radial extracorporeal shockwave treatment in spasticity management of hereditary spastic paraplegia and that more frequent sessions may be required to maintain benefits of treatment.