On hypergraph Lagrangians

It is conjectured by Frankl and F\"uredi that the $r$-uniform hypergraph with $m$ edges formed by taking the first $m$ sets in the colex ordering of ${\mathbb N}^{(r)}$ has the largest Lagrangian of all $r$-uniform hypergraphs with $m$ edges in \cite{FF}. Motzkin and Straus' theorem confirms this conjecture when $r=2$. For $r=3$, it is shown by Talbot in \cite{T} that this conjecture is true when $m$ is in certain ranges. In this paper, we explore the connection between the clique number and Lagrangians for $r$-uniform hypergraphs. As an implication of this connection, we prove that the $r$-uniform hypergraph with $m$ edges formed by taking the first $m$ sets in the colex ordering of ${\mathbb N}^{(r)}$ has the largest Lagrangian of all $r$-uniform graphs with $t$ vertices and $m$ edges satisfying ${t-1\choose r}\leq m \leq {t-1\choose r}+ {t-2\choose r-1}-[(2r-6)\times2^{r-1}+2^{r-3}+(r-4)(2r-7)-1]({t-2\choose r-2}-1)$ for $r\geq 4.$Comment: 10 pages. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1312.7529, arXiv:1211.7057, arXiv:1211.6508, arXiv:1311.140

Capacity Constrained Routing Algorithms for Evacuation Route Planning

Efficient tools are needed to identify routes and schedules to evacuate affected populations to safety in face of natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Challenges arise due to violation of key assumptions (e.g. stationary ranking of alternative routes, Wardrop equilibrium) behind popular shortest path algorithms (e.g. Dijktra\u27s, A*) and microscopic traffic simulators (e.g. DYNASMART). Time-expanded graphs (TEG) based mathematical programming paradigm does not scale up to large urban scenarios due to excessive duplication of transportation network across time-points. We present a new approach, namely Capacity Constrained Route Planner (CCRP), advancing ideas such as Time-Aggregated Graph (TAG) and an ATST function to provide earliest-Arrival-Time given any Start-Time. Laboratory experiments and field use in Twincities for DHS scenarios (e.g. Nuclear power plant, terrorism) show that CCRP is much faster than the state of the art. A key Transportation Science insight suggests that walking the first mile, when appropriate, may speed-up evacuation by a factor of 2 to 3 for many scenarios. Geographic Information Science (e.g. Time Geography) contributions include a novel representation (e.g. TAG) for spatio-temporal networks. Computer Science contributions include graph theory limitations (e.g. non-stationary ranking of routes, non-FIFO behavior) and scalable algorithms for traditional routing problems in time-varying networks, as well as new problems such as identifying the best start-time (for a given arrival-time deadline) to minimize travel-time

Multi-Model Data Query Languages and Processing Paradigms

Peer reviewe

Direct observation of structure-assisted filament splitting during ultrafast multiplepulse laser ablation

Laser-induced plasma evolution in fused silica through multipulse laser ablation was studied using pump-probe technology. Filament splitting was observed in the early stage of plasma evolution (before ~300 fs). This phenomenon can be attributed to competition between laser divergent propagation induced by a pre-pulse-induced crater and the nonlinear self-focusing effect. This effect was validated through simulation results. With the increasing pulse number, the appearance of filament peak electron density was postponed. Furthermore, a second peak in the filament and peak position separation were observed because of an optical path difference between the lasers propagating from the crater center and edge. The experimental results revealed the influence of a prepulse-induced structure on the energy distribution of subsequent pulses, which are essential for understanding the mechanism of laser–material interactions, particularly in ultrafast multiple-pulse laser ablation

A Systematic Review of Reported Cost for Smear and Culture Tests during Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment

Background: In 2011, World Health Organization revised its recommendation for microbiological monitoring during treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) by increasing the frequency of culture examination from quarterly to monthly after culture conversion. Implementing the recommendation requires substantial additional investment in laboratory infrastructure. The objective of this review is to provide cost evidence that is needed for national TB programs to budget for optimal monitoring strategies. Methods and Findings: We conducted the first systematic literature review on unit cost estimates of three monitoring strategies: 1) smear only; 2) culture only; 3) combined smear and culture. 26 peer-reviewed studies were selected by searching 10 databases in English and Chinese for literature published between 1995 and 2012. Cost estimates were converted into 2010 constant USD and international dollars. We assessed the quality of the estimates using a matrix with five essential elements and provided a cost projection for the combined smear and culture tests where the data were available. The 26 studies reported the cost estimates in 16 predominantly high- or middle-income countries from 1993 to 2009. The estimated unit cost for smear, culture, and combined tests ranges from $0.26 to$10.50, $1.63 to$62.01, and $26.73 to$39.57, respectively. The ratio of culture to smear costs varies from 1.35 to 11.98. The wide range of estimates is likely attributable to using different laboratory methods in different regions and years and differing practices in collecting and reporting cost data. Most studies did not report information critical for generalizing their conclusions. Conclusion: The paucity and low quality of unit cost estimates for TB monitoring in resource-poor settings impose technical challenges in predicting the resources needed for strengthening microbiological monitoring. To improve the validity and comparability of the cost data, we strongly advocate the data collection, estimation, and reporting follow protocols proposed by WHO

Controllable Plasmonic Nanostructures induced by Dual-wavelength Femtosecond Laser Irradiation

We demonstrated an abnormal double-peak (annular shaped) energy deposition through dualwavelength synthesis of the fundamental frequency (ω) and the second-harmonic frequency (2ω) of a femtosecond (fs) Ti:sapphire laser. The annular shaped distribution of the dual-wavelength fs laser was confirmed through real beam shape detection. This uniquely simple and flexible technique enables the formation of functional plasmonic nanostructures. We applied this double-peak fs-laser-induced dewetting effect to the controlled fabrication and precise deposition of Au nanostructures, by using a simple, lithography-free, and single-step process. In this process, the double-peak energy-shaped fs laser pulse induces surface patterning of a thin film followed by nanoscale hydrodynamic instability, which is highly controllable under specific irradiation conditions. Nanostructure morphology (shape, size, and distribution) modulation can be achieved by adjusting the laser irradiation parameters, and the subsequent ion-beam polishing enables further dimensional reduction and removal of the surrounding film. The unique optical properties of the resulting nanostructure are highly sensitive to the shape and size of the nanostructure. In contrast to a nanoparticle, the resonance-scattering spectrum of an Au nanobump exhibites two resonance peaks. These suggest that the dual-wavelength fs laserbased dewetting of thin films can be an effective means for the scalable manufacturing of patterned functional nanostructures

Regulatory effects of IRF4 on immune cells in the tumor microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is implicated in tumorigenesis, chemoresistance, immunotherapy failure and tumor recurrence. Multiple immunosuppressive cells and soluble secreted cytokines together drive and accelerate TME disorders, T cell immunodeficiency and tumor growth. Thus, it is essential to comprehensively understand the TME status, immune cells involved and key transcriptional factors, and extend this knowledge to therapies that target dysfunctional T cells in the TME. Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is a unique IRF family member that is not regulated by interferons, instead, is mainly induced upon T-cell receptor signaling, Toll-like receptors and tumor necrosis factor receptors. IRF4 is largely restricted to immune cells and plays critical roles in the differentiation and function of effector cells and immunosuppressive cells, particularly during clonal expansion and the effector function of T cells. However, in a specific biological context, it is also involved in the transcriptional process of T cell exhaustion with its binding partners. Given the multiple effects of IRF4 on immune cells, especially T cells, manipulating IRF4 may be an important therapeutic target for reversing T cell exhaustion and TME disorders, thus promoting anti-tumor immunity. This study reviews the regulatory effects of IRF4 on various immune cells in the TME, and reveals its potential mechanisms, providing a novel direction for clinical immune intervention

Structure-Mediated Excitation of Air Plasma and Silicon Plasma Expansion in Femtosecond Laser Pulses Ablation

Femtosecond laser-induced surface structures upon multiple pulses irradiation are strongly correlated with the pulse number,which in turn significantly affects successive laser-material interactions. By recording the dynamics of femtosecond laser ablation of silicon using time-resolved shadowgraphy, here we present direct visualization of the excitation of air plasma induced by the reflected laser during the second pulse irradiation.The interaction of the air plasma and silicon plasma is found to enhance the shockwave expansion induced by silicon ablation in the longitudinal direction, showing anisotropic expansion dynamics in different directions. We further demonstrate the vanishing of air plasma as the pulse number increases because of the generation of a rough surface without light focusing ability. In the scenario, the interaction of air plasma and silicon plasma disappears; the expansion of the silicon plasma and shockwave restores its original characteristic that is dominated by the laser-material coupling.The results show that the excitation of air plasma and the laser-material coupling involved in laser-induced plasma and shockwave expansion are structure mediated and dependent on the pulse number, which is of fundamental importance for deep insight into the nature of laser-material interactions during multiple pulses ablation