Quasirandomness in hypergraphs

An $n$-vertex graph $G$ of edge density $p$ is considered to be quasirandom if it shares several important properties with the random graph $G(n,p)$. A well-known theorem of Chung, Graham and Wilson states that many such `typical' properties are asymptotically equivalent and, thus, a graph $G$ possessing one such property automatically satisfies the others. In recent years, work in this area has focused on uncovering more quasirandom graph properties and on extending the known results to other discrete structures. In the context of hypergraphs, however, one may consider several different notions of quasirandomness. A complete description of these notions has been provided recently by Towsner, who proved several central equivalences using an analytic framework. We give short and purely combinatorial proofs of the main equivalences in Towsner's result.Comment: 19 page

Geostatistical analysis of an experimental stratigraphy

[1] A high-resolution stratigraphic image of a flume-generated deposit was scaled up to sedimentary basin dimensions where a natural log hydraulic conductivity (ln( K)) was assigned to each pixel on the basis of gray scale and conductivity end-members. The synthetic ln( K) map has mean, variance, and frequency distributions that are comparable to a natural alluvial fan deposit. A geostatistical analysis was conducted on selected regions of this map containing fluvial, fluvial/ floodplain, shoreline, turbidite, and deepwater sedimentary facies. Experimental ln(K) variograms were computed along the major and minor statistical axes and horizontal and vertical coordinate axes. Exponential and power law variogram models were fit to obtain an integral scale and Hausdorff measure, respectively. We conclude that the shape of the experimental variogram depends on the problem size in relation to the size of the local-scale heterogeneity. At a given problem scale, multilevel correlation structure is a result of constructing variogram with data pairs of mixed facies types. In multiscale sedimentary systems, stationary correlation structure may occur at separate scales, each corresponding to a particular hierarchy; the integral scale fitted thus becomes dependent on the problem size. The Hausdorff measure obtained has a range comparable to natural geological deposits. It increases from nonstratified to stratified deposits with an approximate cutoff of 0.15. It also increases as the number of facies incorporated in a problem increases. This implies that fractal characteristic of sedimentary rocks is both depositional process - dependent and problem-scale-dependent

Risk analysis to support operation and maintenance of an ageing dock-gate for the Port of Marseille Authority

The dry dock n°10 is a strategic infrastructure of the Port of Marseille Authority: its dimensions (465 x 85 m) place it among the biggest dry docks in Europe. Built in the seventies, it is isolated from the sea by a dock-gate in prestressed concrete. Faced to the ageing of this dock-gate, the Port of Marseille Authority wished to make the most of its knowledge in order to assess the feasibility of two considered operation scenarios: use the dry dock for ship repair or for building new civil engineering structures. In this context, OXAND and the Port of Marseille Authority worked together so as to obtain formal and objective decision-making indicators. These indicators took into account the different operation stakes of the dry dock (security, availability), the condition diagnosis and the ageing prognosis of components and facilities of the dock-gate, along with adapted maintenance actions and related costs. The risk analysis methodology used for this study allowed (1) to characterize the risks linked to each foreseen operation scenario, (2) to identify the most appropriate actions to control these risks, integrating operation constraints (e.g.: need to put the dock-gate in dry dock), (3) to rank these actions regarding their cost/benefit ratio and thus (4), to build a maintenance plan

From bottom landers to observatory networks

For a long time, deep-sea investigation relied on autonomous bottom landers. Landers can vary in size from 200 kg weight to more than 2 t for the heaviest scientific landers and are used during exploration cruises on medium periods, from one week to some months. Today, new requirements appear. Scientists want to understand in detail the phenomena outlined during exploration cruises, to elaborate a model for future forecasting. For this, it is necessary to deploy instrumentation at a precise location often for a long period. A new mode of ocean science investigation using longterm seafloor observatories to obtain four dimensional data sets has appeared. Although this concept has been proposed for many years, the high level of investment required limits the number of projects implemented. Only multidisciplinary programs, supported by a strong social requirement were funded. Some observatories have been deployed

Role of PTX3 in Cystic Fibrosis-associated infections

PTX3, a soluble innate immunity receptor, binds to selected microbes and facilitates their clearance by phagocytes. PTX3 selectively binds to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus, two microorganisms frequently colonizing the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), and sometimes causing true respiratory infections. PTX3 -/- mice are sensitive to A. fumigatus infection, highlighting the role of this protein in the protection against this pathogen. We thus hypothesized that PTX3 could be altered in CF patients and that this could be responsible, at least in part, to their susceptibility to some opportunistic pathogens. Serum and sputum samples from 30 CF patients (20 adults and 15 children) and 7 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as the control group were analyzed for PTX3 expression and integrity by ELISA and Western-blotting, respectively. The role of endogenous or microbial proteases on recombinant human PTX3 was also analyzed. Results showed that PTX3 level was increased in CF and COPD serum, highlighting their infectious/inflammatory status, while, in contrast, PTX3 concentration was lower or undetectable in CF sputum than in COPD. Western-blotting showed that PTX3 is degraded in sputum samples from most of CF patients, but not in clinical specimens from COPD patients. The degradation of PTX3 was shown to be mediated by serine proteases. More precisely, both the neutrophil elastase and the alkaline proteinase from A. fumigatus have the ability to degrade in vitro PTX3. This study which shows that PTX3 is degraded in respiratory secretions from CF patients, provide new insights into the pathogenesis of microbial colonization of the airways and respiratory infections in CF patients, since degradation of PTX3 could be responsible, at least in part, for the sensitivity of CF patients to some opportunistic infections

Exophiala dermatitidis Revealing Cystic Fibrosis in Adult Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Disease

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic inherited disease due to mutations in the gene cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Because of the huge diversity of CFTR mutations, the CF phenotypes are highly heterogeneous, varying from typical to mild form of CF, also called atypical CF. These atypical features are more frequently diagnosed at adolescence or adulthood, and among clinical signs and symptoms leading to suspect a mild form of CF, colonization or infection of the respiratory tract due to well-known CF pathogens should be a warning signal. Exophiala dermatitidis is a melanized dimorphic fungus commonly detected in respiratory specimens from CF patients, but only very rarely from respiratory specimens from non-CF patients. We described here two cases of chronic colonization of the airways by E. dermatitidis, with recurrent pneumonia and hemoptysis in one patient, which led clinicians to diagnose mild forms of CF in these elderly patients who were 68- and 87-year-old. These cases of late CF diagnosis suggest that airway colonization or respiratory infections due to E. dermatitidis in patients with bronchiectasis should led to search for a mild form of CF, regardless of the age and associated symptoms. On a broader level, in patients with chronic respiratory disease and recurrent pulmonary infections, an allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis or an airway colonization by CF-related fungi like E. dermatitidis or some Aspergillus, Scedosporium or Rasamsonia species, should be considered as potential markers of atypical CF and should led clinicians to conduct investigations for CF diagnosis

Patterns of practice of regional nodal irradiation in breast cancer: results of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) NOdal Radiotherapy (NORA) survey†

Predicting breast cancer outcome based on SLN node status without ALND is currently an area of uncertainty in SLN+ patients. These uncertainties influence the decision-making of adjuvant nodal irradiation. The NORA Survey was designed to examine the patterns of RNI practice in Europe to provide a basis for designing future trials in areas of equipoise in clinical decision-making concerning RN

The PRogram In Support of Moms (PRISM): study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial of two active interventions addressing perinatal depression in obstetric settings

BACKGROUND: Perinatal depression, the most common pregnancy complication, is associated with negative maternal-offspring outcomes. Despite existence of effective treatments, it is under-recognized and under-treated. Professional organizations recommend universal screening, yet multi-level barriers exist to ensuring effective diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Integrating mental health and obstetric care holds significant promise for addressing perinatal depression. The overall study goal is to compare the effectiveness of two active interventions: (1) the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program (MCPAP) for Moms, a state-wide, population-based program, and (2) the PRogram In Support of Moms (PRISM) which includes MCPAP for Moms plus a proactive, multifaceted, practice-level intervention with intensive implementation support. METHODS: This study is conducted in two phases: (1) a run-in phase which has been completed and involved practice and patient participant recruitment to demonstrate feasibility for the second phase, and (2) a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT), which is ongoing, and will compare two active interventions 1:1 with ten Ob/Gyn practices as the unit of randomization. In phase 1, rates of depressive symptoms and other demographic and clinical features among patients were examined to inform practice randomization. Patient participants to be recruited in phase 2 will be followed longitudinally until 13 months postpartum; they will have 3-5 total study visits depending on whether their initial recruitment and interview was at 4-24 or 32-40 weeks gestation, or 1-3 months postpartum. Sampling throughout pregnancy and postpartum will ensure participants with different depressive symptom onset times. Differences in depression symptomatology and treatment participation will be compared between patient participants by intervention arm. DISCUSSION: This manuscript describes the full two-phase study protocol. The study design is innovative because it combines effectiveness with implementation research designs and integrates critical components of participatory action research. Our approach assesses the feasibility, acceptance, efficacy, and sustainability of integrating a stepped-care approach to perinatal depression care into ambulatory obstetric settings; an approach that is flexible and can be tailored and adapted to fit unique workflows of real-world practices. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02760004, registered prospectively on May 3, 2016