442 research outputs found
Establishing a relational field that fosters learning processes: some tentative propositions derived from trainee experiences.
A Better-response Strategy for Self-interested Planning Agents
[EN] When self-interested agents plan individually, interactions that prevent them from executing their actions as planned may arise. In these coordination problems, game-theoretic planning can be used to enhance the agents¿ strategic behavior considering the interactions as part of the agents¿ utility. In this work, we define a general-sum game in which interactions such as conflicts and congestions are reflected in the agents¿ utility. We propose a better-response planning strategy that guarantees convergence to an equilibrium joint plan by imposing a tax to agents involved in conflicts. We apply our approach to a real-world problem in which agents are Electric Autonomous Vehicles (EAVs). The EAVs intend to find a joint plan that ensures their individual goals are achievable in a transportation scenario where congestion and conflicting situations may arise. Although the task is computationally hard, as we theoretically prove, the experimental results show that our approach outperforms similar approaches in both performance and solution quality.This work is supported by the GLASS project TIN2014-55637-C2-2-R of the Spanish MINECO and the Prometeo project II/2013/019 funded by the Valencian Government.Jordán, J.; Torreño Lerma, A.; De Weerdt, M.; Onaindia De La Rivaherrera, E. (2018). A Better-response Strategy for Self-interested Planning Agents. Applied Intelligence. 48(4):1020-1040. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10489-017-1046-5S10201040484Aghighi M, Bäckström C (2016) A multi-parameter complexity analysis of cost-optimal and net-benefit planning. In: Proceedings of the Twenty-Sixth International Conference on International Conference on Automated Planning and Scheduling. AAAI Press, London, pp 2–10Bercher P, Mattmüller R (2008) A planning graph heuristic for forward-chaining adversarial planning. 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De novo backbone and sequence design of an idealized α/β-barrel protein: evidence of stable tertiary structure
We have designed, synthesized, and characterized a 216 amino acid residue
sequence encoding a putative idealized α/β-barrel protein. The
design was elaborated in two steps. First, the idealized backbone was
defined with geometric parameters representing our target fold: a central
eight parallel-stranded β-sheet surrounded by eight parallel α-helices,
connected together with short structural turns on both sides of the barrel.
An automated sequence selection algorithm, based on the dead-end elimination
theorem, was used to find the optimal amino acid sequence fitting
the target structure. A synthetic gene coding for the designed sequence
was constructed and the recombinant artificial protein was expressed in
bacteria, purified and characterized. Far-UV CD spectra with prominent
bands at 222 nm and 208 nm revealed the presence of α-helix secondary
structures (50%) in fairly good agreement with the model. A pronounced
absorption band in the near-UV CD region, arising from immobilized aromatic
side-chains, showed that the artificial protein is folded in solution.
Chemical unfolding monitored by tryptophan fluorescence revealed a
conformational stability (ΔGH_2O) of 35 kJ/mol. Thermal unfolding monitored by near-UV CD revealed a cooperative transition with an apparent T_m of 65 °C. Moreover, the artificial protein did not exhibit any affinity
for the hydrophobic fluorescent probe 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic
acid (ANS), providing additional evidence that the artificial barrel is not
in the molten globule state, contrary to previously designed artificial a/
b-barrels. Finally, ^1H NMR spectra of the folded and unfolded proteins
provided evidence for specific interactions in the folded protein. Taken
together, the results indicate that the de novo designed α/β-barrel protein
adopts a stable three-dimensional structure in solution. These encouraging
results show that de novo design of an idealized protein structure of
more than 200 amino acid residues is now possible, from construction of
a particular backbone conformation to determination of an amino acid
sequence with an automated sequence selection algorithm
PERICLES Deliverable 4.3:Content Semantics and Use Context Analysis Techniques
The current deliverable summarises the work conducted within task T4.3 of WP4, focusing on the extraction and the subsequent analysis of semantic information from digital content, which is imperative for its preservability. More specifically, the deliverable defines content semantic information from a visual and textual perspective, explains how this information can be exploited in long-term digital preservation and proposes novel approaches for extracting this information in a scalable manner. Additionally, the deliverable discusses novel techniques for retrieving and analysing the context of use of digital objects. Although this topic has not been extensively studied by existing literature, we believe use context is vital in augmenting the semantic information and maintaining the usability and preservability of the digital objects, as well as their ability to be accurately interpreted as initially intended.PERICLE
Phylogenetic Relationships of the Marine Haplosclerida (Phylum Porifera) Employing Ribosomal (28S rRNA) and Mitochondrial (cox1, nad1) Gene Sequence Data
The systematics of the poriferan Order Haplosclerida (Class Demospongiae) has been under scrutiny for a number of years without resolution. Molecular data suggests that the order needs revision at all taxonomic levels. Here, we provide a comprehensive view of the phylogenetic relationships of the marine Haplosclerida using many species from across the order, and three gene regions. Gene trees generated using 28S rRNA, nad1 and cox1 gene data, under maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches, are highly congruent and suggest the presence of four clades. Clade A is comprised primarily of species of Haliclona and Callyspongia, and clade B is comprised of H. simulans and H. vansoesti (Family Chalinidae), Amphimedon queenslandica (Family Niphatidae) and Tabulocalyx (Family Phloeodictyidae), Clade C is comprised primarily of members of the Families Petrosiidae and Niphatidae, while Clade D is comprised of Aka species. The polyphletic nature of the suborders, families and genera described in other studies is also found here
Prophylactic platelet transfusion prior to central venous catheter placement in patients with thrombocytopenia:study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Background Severe thrombocytopenia should be corrected by prophylactic platelet transfusion prior to central venous catheter (CVC) insertion, according to national and international guidelines. Even though correction is thought to prevent bleeding complications, evidence supporting the routine administration of prophylactic platelets is absent. Furthermore, platelet transfusion bears inherent risk. Since the introduction of ultrasound-guided CVC placement, bleeding complication rates have decreased. The objective of the current trial is, therefore, to demonstrate that omitting prophylactic platelet transfusion prior to CVC placement in severely thrombocytopenic patients is non-inferior compared to prophylactic platelet transfusion. Methods/design The PACER trial is an investigator-initiated, national, multicentre, single-blinded, randomised controlled, non-inferior, two-arm trial in haematologic and/or intensive care patients with a platelet count of between 10 and 50 × 109/L and an indication for CVC placement. Consecutive patients are randomly assigned to either receive 1 unit of platelet concentrate, or receive no prophylactic platelet transfusion prior to CVC insertion. The primary endpoint is WHO grades 2–4 bleeding. Secondary endpoints are any bleeding complication, costs, length of intensive care and hospital stay and transfusion requirements. Discussion This is the first prospective, randomised controlled trial powered to test the hypothesis of whether omitting forgoing platelet transfusion prior to central venous cannulation leads to an equal occurrence of clinical relevant bleeding complications in critically ill and haematologic patients with thrombocytopenia
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