Online classification for time-domain astronomy

The advent of synoptic sky surveys has spurred the development of techniques for real-time classification of astronomical sources in order to ensure timely follow-up with appropriate instruments. Previous work has focused on algorithm selection or improved light curve representations, and naively convert light curves into structured feature sets without regard for the time span or phase of the light curves. In this paper, we highlight the violation of a fundamental machine learning assumption that occurs when archival light curves with long observational time spans are used to train classifiers that are applied to light curves with fewer observations. We propose two solutions to deal with the mismatch in the time spans of training and test light curves. The first is the use of classifier committees where each classifier is trained on light curves of different observational time spans. Only the committee member whose training set matches the test light curve time span is invoked for classification. The second solution uses hierarchical classifiers that are able to predict source types both individually and by sub-group, so that the user can trade-off an earlier, more robust classification with classification granularity. We test both methods using light curves from the MACHO survey, and demonstrate their usefulness in improving performance over similar methods that naively train on all available archival data.Comment: Astroinformatics workshop, IEEE International Conference on Data Mining 201

motifDiverge: a model for assessing the statistical significance of gene regulatory motif divergence between two DNA sequences

Next-generation sequencing technology enables the identification of thousands of gene regulatory sequences in many cell types and organisms. We consider the problem of testing if two such sequences differ in their number of binding site motifs for a given transcription factor (TF) protein. Binding site motifs impart regulatory function by providing TFs the opportunity to bind to genomic elements and thereby affect the expression of nearby genes. Evolutionary changes to such functional DNA are hypothesized to be major contributors to phenotypic diversity within and between species; but despite the importance of TF motifs for gene expression, no method exists to test for motif loss or gain. Assuming that motif counts are Binomially distributed, and allowing for dependencies between motif instances in evolutionarily related sequences, we derive the probability mass function of the difference in motif counts between two nucleotide sequences. We provide a method to numerically estimate this distribution from genomic data and show through simulations that our estimator is accurate. Finally, we introduce the R package {\tt motifDiverge} that implements our methodology and illustrate its application to gene regulatory enhancers identified by a mouse developmental time course experiment. While this study was motivated by analysis of regulatory motifs, our results can be applied to any problem involving two correlated Bernoulli trials

The Incidental Environmental Agency

State oil and gas conservation agencies are the gatekeepers to oil and gas development: as the agencies charged with granting drilling permits, they decide if, when, where, and how oil and gas will be developed. As such, oil and gas conservation agencies sit on the front lines in the emerging, and increasingly irresolvable, struggle between fossil energy development and the environment. Current oil and gas conservation regulation is designed to promote development, maximize recovery of the resource, and protect the individual property rights of mineral owners. However, advocacy by environmental constituencies, including surface owners and local governments, has challenged the entrenched paradigm whereby production must be maximized at the expense of all other interests. These efforts are pushing courts to redefine oil and gas conservation according to twenty-first century environmental values. This Article examines the emergent environmental regulation function of oil and gas conservation agencies and identifies opportunities for these agencies to regulate according to their historic mandates in a manner that is inclusive of public values

Clinical Social Worker’s Perception of the Impact of Revisions of the DSM-5

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual is often considered the “Bible” of mental health diagnostics and is used extensively by mental health professionals in defining mental disorders. The DSM-5 was recently release on May 19, 2013. There has been much controversy and debate surrounding the release. The most dramatic is the structural change with the elimination of the multiaxes. This research examined the impact of the changes on the assessment and treatment planning process done by clinical social workers. Interviews were conducted with licensed clinical social workers employed in outpatient mental health setting to determine the impact on the patients they serve. There were major findings from this study. Consensus among clinicians interviewed was that the DSM-5 has strong ramifications for the following: (1) functions of DSM (2) stigma, (3) subjectivity of functional rating, (4) lack of guidance towards clinical interventions and (5) reclassification. The findings indicated that all participants in the study agreed that the DSM was useful for the purposes of educating individuals about their condition and giving all mental health professionals a common language with which to discuss mental health diagnoses. However, they felt the DSM is lacking in its utility for clinicians in that it does little to help determine probable causes of disorders and offers no suitable interventions to reduce or eliminate the presenting problem

Great Expectations: Twenty-First Century Public Institutions and the Promise of Technology Based Economic Development: A Case Study

American research universities, especially over the past 30 years, have increasingly become involved in technology transfer activities. For public land grant institutions, involvement is largely inspired by a desire to maximize revenue opportunities and demonstrate economic relevance. This intrinsic case study addresses the efforts of a public, land grant and flagship institution, the University of Kentucky, to augment its technology transfer activities, with a specific focus on its attempts to spin off university technology-based firms. The data were gathered primarily through oral history interviews with technology transfer personnel, entrepreneurs, and spinoff personnel. Its purpose is to understand better the structure of the university’s technology transfer operations, the impact of changes in institutional administration and priorities on these efforts, and variables that challenge and accommodate accomplishment of organizational goals. The findings of this study indicate that the structure of technology transfer operations at the university is complex, and somewhat confounding. Administrative changes impact various groups differently than others, and a major challenge to the accomplishment of goals is funding. Moreover, distinct but related groups seem to lack consistent, overarching goals

The Influence of Chronic Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation on Measures of Central and Peripheral Fatigue in Training Athletes

Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation may improve recovery from competitive endurance training by reducing symptoms of central and peripheral fatigue. The purpose of this dissertation was to provide evidence for the use of BCAAs as a training nutrition strategy in order to improve recovery from training and further drive adaptive processes to training by increasing readiness to train. Collegiate distance runners undergoing intense competitive endurance training were monitored for symptoms of muscular soreness and psychological stress through a rated soreness chart and the Daily Analysis of Life Demands for Athletes Survey (DALDA) while taking either a BCAA supplement or a placebo. When on the BCAA supplement, athletes reported significantly fewer symptoms of psychological stress and reduced muscular soreness. These results point to the importance of nutrient bioavailability, specifically BCAAs, on recovery parameters when undergoing intensive training. This concept was also demonstrated in a case study on a trained distance runner who underwent intensive training for an ultra-endurance marathon. Running kinematics were assessed using Kinovea open-sourced software (Version 0.8.15) during a series of constant-paced endurance runs while on the BCAA supplement or a placebo. We observed a reduction in vertical oscillation when the runner was on the BCAA supplement, indicating improved muscle recovery and therefore efficiency of movement. Improving recovery by reducing global central and peripheral fatigue symptoms may increase readiness to train and further promote desired training adaptations

Profiles of Childrens Classroom Relationships and Their Association to Peer Social Competence

The nature of children’s peer relationships, usually investigated in terms of mutual friends and/or mutual antipathies, is critical to their social functioning and adjustment. Recently, Olsen, Parra, Cohen, Schoffstall, and Egli (2012) offered a comprehensive framework for studying children’s peer relationships as all possible dyads within classrooms, using both friendship and antipathy nominations. This present research extended this work by systematically considering a more complete profile of all the classroom relationships of each third-sixth grade child and comparing these profiles to social functioning, including: children’s self-ratings of social competence and peer optimism, and peer nominations ofsociability, showing respect, overt and relational aggression, and passive withdrawal. Results indicated that a 4-cluster solution best fit the data, (Befriending, Disregarding but Liked, Disliked, and Disliking), and these groups differed on social functioning measures. These findings help establish links between the configuration of a child’s relationship types and other levels of social functioning