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A neural network controller has been developed to accommodate disturbances and nonlinearities and improve the robustness of a magnetically suspended flywheel energy storage system. The controller is trained using the back propagation-through-time technique incorporated with a time-averaging scheme. The resulting nonlinear neural network controller improves system performance by adapting flywheel stiffness and damping based on operating speed. In addition, a hybrid multi-layered neural network controller is developed off-line which is capable of improving system performance even further. All of the research presented in this paper was implemented via a magnetic bearing computer simulation. However, careful attention was paid to developing a practical methodology which will make future application to the actual bearing system fairly straightforward.

The purpose of this work is to provide the research community with a robust functional screening approach for identification of novel oncogenic drivers of neuroblastoma as a starting point for the development of new therapies. Furthermore to use this technology to start identifying novel oncogenic drivers ourselves. To do this we have established a novel system to functionally screen candidate oncogenic drivers through the transformation of primary neural crest cells into neuroblastoma. Through work supported by this grant we have evidence that ARID1A is an important tumor suppressor that can collaborate with N-Myc in initiating neuroblastoma through our transformation of primary mouse neural crest cells into phenotypically accurate neuroblastoma. We have also advanced our screening technology by an over 300- fold improvement in the number of primary neural crest cells generated per isolated neural tube, which will allow us to screen highly complex pools of candidate neuroblastoma oncogenic drivers. We have also made significant advances in establishing complementary in vitro screening approaches that can validate positive hits from our tumor screen and that can identify oncogenic drivers that may be missed by our more stringent in vivo tumor assay.

The purpose of this work is to provide the research community with a robust functional screening approach for identification of novel oncogenic drivers of neuroblastoma as a starting point for the development of new therapies. Furthermore to use this technology to start identifying novel oncogenic drivers ourselves. To do this we have established a novel system to functionally screen candidate oncogenic drivers through the transformation of primary neural crest cells into neuroblastoma. Through work supported by this grant we have evidence that ARID1A is an important tumor suppressor that can collaborate with N-Myc in initiating neuroblastoma through our transformation of primary mouse neural crest cells into phenotypically accurate neuroblastoma. We have also advanced our screening technology by an over 300- fold improvement in the number of primary neural crest cells generated per isolated neural tube, which will allow us to screen highly complex pools of candidate neuroblastoma oncogenic drivers. We have also made significant advances in establishing complementary in vitro screening approaches that can validate positive hits from our tumor screen and that can identify oncogenic drivers that may be missed by our more stringent in vivo tumor assay.

This article is from Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience , volume 7 . Abstract Homeostatic regulation of serotonin (5-HT) concentration is critical for “normal” topographical organization and development of thalamocortical (TC) afferent circuits. Down-regulation of the serotonin transporter (SERT) and the consequent impaired reuptake of 5-HT at the synapse, results in a reduced terminal branching of developing TC afferents within the primary somatosensory cortex (S1). Despite the presence of multiple genetic models, the effect of high extracellular 5-HT levels on the structure and function of developing intracortical neural networks is far from being understood. Here, using juvenile SERT knockout (SERT−/−) rats we investigated, in vitro, the effect of increased 5-HT levels on the structural organization of (i) the TC projections of the ventroposteromedial thalamic nucleus toward S1, (ii) the general barrel-field pattern, and (iii) the electrophysiological and morphological properties of the excitatory cell population in layer IV of S1 [spiny stellate (SpSt) and pyramidal cells]. Our results confirmed previous findings that high levels of 5-HT during development lead to a reduction of the topographical precision of TCA projections toward the barrel cortex. Also, the barrel pattern was altered but not abolished in SERT−/− rats. In layer IV, both excitatory SpSt and pyramidal cells showed a significantly reduced intracolumnar organization of their axonal projections. In addition, the layer IV SpSt cells gave rise to a prominent projection toward the infragranular layer Vb. Our findings point to a structural and functional reorganization of TCAs, as well as early stage intracortical microcircuitry, following the disruption of 5-HT reuptake during critical developmental periods. The increased projection pattern of the layer IV neurons suggests that the intracortical network changes are not limited to the main entry layer IV but may also affect the subsequent stages of the canonical circuits of the barrel cortex.

This article is from Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience , volume 7 . Abstract Homeostatic regulation of serotonin (5-HT) concentration is critical for “normal” topographical organization and development of thalamocortical (TC) afferent circuits. Down-regulation of the serotonin transporter (SERT) and the consequent impaired reuptake of 5-HT at the synapse, results in a reduced terminal branching of developing TC afferents within the primary somatosensory cortex (S1). Despite the presence of multiple genetic models, the effect of high extracellular 5-HT levels on the structure and function of developing intracortical neural networks is far from being understood. Here, using juvenile SERT knockout (SERT−/−) rats we investigated, in vitro, the effect of increased 5-HT levels on the structural organization of (i) the TC projections of the ventroposteromedial thalamic nucleus toward S1, (ii) the general barrel-field pattern, and (iii) the electrophysiological and morphological properties of the excitatory cell population in layer IV of S1 [spiny stellate (SpSt) and pyramidal cells]. Our results confirmed previous findings that high levels of 5-HT during development lead to a reduction of the topographical precision of TCA projections toward the barrel cortex. Also, the barrel pattern was altered but not abolished in SERT−/− rats. In layer IV, both excitatory SpSt and pyramidal cells showed a significantly reduced intracolumnar organization of their axonal projections. In addition, the layer IV SpSt cells gave rise to a prominent projection toward the infragranular layer Vb. Our findings point to a structural and functional reorganization of TCAs, as well as early stage intracortical microcircuitry, following the disruption of 5-HT reuptake during critical developmental periods. The increased projection pattern of the layer IV neurons suggests that the intracortical network changes are not limited to the main entry layer IV but may also affect the subsequent stages of the canonical circuits of the barrel cortex.

This article is from Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience , volume 7 . Abstract Homeostatic regulation of serotonin (5-HT) concentration is critical for “normal” topographical organization and development of thalamocortical (TC) afferent circuits. Down-regulation of the serotonin transporter (SERT) and the consequent impaired reuptake of 5-HT at the synapse, results in a reduced terminal branching of developing TC afferents within the primary somatosensory cortex (S1). Despite the presence of multiple genetic models, the effect of high extracellular 5-HT levels on the structure and function of developing intracortical neural networks is far from being understood. Here, using juvenile SERT knockout (SERT−/−) rats we investigated, in vitro, the effect of increased 5-HT levels on the structural organization of (i) the TC projections of the ventroposteromedial thalamic nucleus toward S1, (ii) the general barrel-field pattern, and (iii) the electrophysiological and morphological properties of the excitatory cell population in layer IV of S1 [spiny stellate (SpSt) and pyramidal cells]. Our results confirmed previous findings that high levels of 5-HT during development lead to a reduction of the topographical precision of TCA projections toward the barrel cortex. Also, the barrel pattern was altered but not abolished in SERT−/− rats. In layer IV, both excitatory SpSt and pyramidal cells showed a significantly reduced intracolumnar organization of their axonal projections. In addition, the layer IV SpSt cells gave rise to a prominent projection toward the infragranular layer Vb. Our findings point to a structural and functional reorganization of TCAs, as well as early stage intracortical microcircuitry, following the disruption of 5-HT reuptake during critical developmental periods. The increased projection pattern of the layer IV neurons suggests that the intracortical network changes are not limited to the main entry layer IV but may also affect the subsequent stages of the canonical circuits of the barrel cortex.

Speech consists of regularities at different timescales. A recent discovery is that brain oscillations align their activity to modulations in the speech signal, which already occurs during infancy. The degree to which infants exhibit this neural tracking can be linked to their language development. For example, cross-sectional research demonstrates that the neural tracking of stressed syllables in sung nursery rhymes at 10 months, but not at 14 months, predicts vocabulary outcomes at 24 months (Menn et al., 2022). In another study examining 50 children, it was found that speech-brain coherence in the syllable rate at 10 months significantly predicted vocabulary at 18 months (Çetinçelik et al., 2023). This raises several questions: How does neural tracking across different frequency bands (i.e., at the phonemic, syllabic, and stress rates) develop from infancy to toddlerhood? Is neural tracking at each rate and each age predictive of children’s language outcomes? Our study seeks to confirm and expand upon existing findings by 1) examining a much larger group of neurotypical children; 2) sampling at three time intervals from early infancy into early childhood, and 3) examine long-term predictive values for vocabulary outcomes beyond infancy.

One problem in robot control is how to obtain accurate high speed trajectory tracking when the payload varies throughout the performance of the task. A solution to the problem is one requirement for realizing a manipulator capable of duplicating human performance. A manipulator with the ability to emulate human performance is one prerequisite for achieving Air Force Robotic Telepresence program objectives. A new form of adaptive model-based control is proposed and experimentally evaluated. An Adaptive Model-Based Neural Network Controller (AMBNNC) uses multilayer perceptron artificial neural networks to estimate the payload during high speed manipulator motion. The payload estimate adapts the feedforward compensator to unmodeled system dynamics and payload variations. The neural nets are trained through repetitive training on trajectory tracking error data. The AMBNNC is experimentally evaluated on the third link of a PUMA-560 manipulator. Tracking performance is evaluated for a wide range of payload and trajectory conditions and compared to a non-adaptive model-based controller. The superior tracking accuracy of the AMBNNC demonstrates the potential of the proposed technique. Keywords: Robot, Robotics, Robot control, Adaptive control, Pattern recognition, Parameter estimation, Theses. (AW)

One problem in robot control is how to obtain accurate high speed trajectory tracking when the payload varies throughout the performance of the task. A solution to the problem is one requirement for realizing a manipulator capable of duplicating human performance. A manipulator with the ability to emulate human performance is one prerequisite for achieving Air Force Robotic Telepresence program objectives. A new form of adaptive model-based control is proposed and experimentally evaluated. An Adaptive Model-Based Neural Network Controller (AMBNNC) uses multilayer perceptron artificial neural networks to estimate the payload during high speed manipulator motion. The payload estimate adapts the feedforward compensator to unmodeled system dynamics and payload variations. The neural nets are trained through repetitive training on trajectory tracking error data. The AMBNNC is experimentally evaluated on the third link of a PUMA-560 manipulator. Tracking performance is evaluated for a wide range of payload and trajectory conditions and compared to a non-adaptive model-based controller. The superior tracking accuracy of the AMBNNC demonstrates the potential of the proposed technique. Keywords: Robot, Robotics, Robot control, Adaptive control, Pattern recognition, Parameter estimation, Theses. (AW)

This article is from PLoS Genetics , volume 10 . Abstract In chordates, neural induction is the first step of a complex developmental process through which ectodermal cells acquire a neural identity. In ascidians, FGF-mediated neural induction occurs at the 32-cell stage in two blastomere pairs, precursors respectively of anterior and posterior neural tissue. We combined molecular embryology and cis-regulatory analysis to unveil in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis the remarkably simple proximal genetic network that controls posterior neural fate acquisition downstream of FGF. We report that the combined action of two direct FGF targets, the TGFβ factor Nodal, acting via Smad- and Fox-binding sites, and the transcription factor Otx suffices to trigger ascidian posterior neural tissue formation. Moreover, we found that this strategy is conserved in the distantly related ascidian Phallusia mammillata, in spite of extreme sequence divergence in the cis-regulatory sequences involved. Our results thus highlight that the modes of gene regulatory network evolution differ with the evolutionary scale considered. Within ascidians, developmental regulatory networks are remarkably robust to genome sequence divergence. Between ascidians and vertebrates, major fate determinants, such as Otx and Nodal, can be co-opted into different networks. Comparative developmental studies in ascidians with divergent genomes will thus uncover shared ascidian strategies, and contribute to a better understanding of the diversity of developmental strategies within chordates.

This study uses DTI and eye-tracking data to examine the potential neural networks involved in fear bias in infants. The main aim of the current study is to identify whether there is an association between White Matter (WM) tract integrity involved in amygdala-cortical connections and early emotional development in infants. Specifically, is this association present in the development of an attentional bias towards fearful faces?

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The objective of the research program was to design opto-electronic neuron modules communicating via free-space optical interconnects, and to develop Si/PLZT opto-electronic integrated circuit technology in order to implement these designs. First, device and system requirements for artificial neural networks were studied. Minimum performance requirements for artificial neural networks implementations were extracted. Next, two opto-electronic neural network architectures were developed. The first achieves reconfigurable optical interconnects using photorefractive crystals. This system was theoretically and experimentally investigated. The second reconfigurable weights based on Si/PLZT technology. A prototype of this system was successfully built and tested. The performance of both systems exceed the minimum requirements. The first year effort involved the design of the optoelectronic architectures, the further development of the Si/PLZT process, the development of optimal neural networks data-encoding methods, and analysis of the system performances. The remaining period entailed the experimental demonstration of the CMTM system, an the development, characterization, and application of the D-STOP prototype system.

This article is from Brain Sciences , volume 2 . Abstract The diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often results in chronic treatment with psychostimulants such as methylphenidate (MPH, Ritalin®). With increases in misdiagnosis of ADHD, children may be inappropriately exposed to chronic psychostimulant treatment during development. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of chronic Ritalin treatment on cognitive and neural development in misdiagnosed “normal” (Wistar Kyoto, WKY) rats and in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR), a model of ADHD. Adolescent male animals were treated for four weeks with oral Ritalin® (2 × 2 mg/kg/day) or distilled water (dH2O). The effect of chronic treatment on delayed reinforcement tasks (DRT) and tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity (TH-ir) in the prefrontal cortex was assessed. Two weeks following chronic treatment, WKY rats previously exposed to MPH chose the delayed reinforcer significantly less than the dH2O treated controls in both the DRT and extinction task. MPH treatment did not significantly alter cognitive performance in the SHR. TH-ir in the infralimbic cortex was significantly altered by age and behavioural experience in WKY and SHR, however this effect was not evident in WKY rats treated with MPH. These results suggest that chronic treatment with MPH throughout adolescence in “normal” WKY rats increased impulsive choice and altered catecholamine development when compared to vehicle controls.

This article is from Brain Sciences , volume 2 . Abstract The diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often results in chronic treatment with psychostimulants such as methylphenidate (MPH, Ritalin®). With increases in misdiagnosis of ADHD, children may be inappropriately exposed to chronic psychostimulant treatment during development. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of chronic Ritalin treatment on cognitive and neural development in misdiagnosed “normal” (Wistar Kyoto, WKY) rats and in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR), a model of ADHD. Adolescent male animals were treated for four weeks with oral Ritalin® (2 × 2 mg/kg/day) or distilled water (dH2O). The effect of chronic treatment on delayed reinforcement tasks (DRT) and tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity (TH-ir) in the prefrontal cortex was assessed. Two weeks following chronic treatment, WKY rats previously exposed to MPH chose the delayed reinforcer significantly less than the dH2O treated controls in both the DRT and extinction task. MPH treatment did not significantly alter cognitive performance in the SHR. TH-ir in the infralimbic cortex was significantly altered by age and behavioural experience in WKY and SHR, however this effect was not evident in WKY rats treated with MPH. These results suggest that chronic treatment with MPH throughout adolescence in “normal” WKY rats increased impulsive choice and altered catecholamine development when compared to vehicle controls.

This article is from EvoDevo , volume 4 . Abstract Background: Arthropod and vertebrate appendages appear to have evolved via parallel co-option of a plesiomorphic gene regulatory network. Our previous work implies that annelids evolved unrelated appendage-forming mechanisms; we therefore found no support for homology of parapodia and arthropodia at the level of the whole appendage. We expand on that study here by asking whether expression of the LIM homeobox (Lhx) genes apterous and lim1 in the annelid Neanthes arenaceodentata supports homology of the dorsal branches as well as the proximodistal axes of parapodia and arthropodia. In addition, we explore whether the neural expression of apterous and lim1 in Neanthes supports the putative ancestral function of the Lhx gene family in regulating the differentiation and maintenance of neuronal subtypes. Results: Both genes exhibit continuous expression in specific portions of the developing central nervous system, from hatching to at least the 13-chaetiger stage. For example, nerve cord expression occurs in segmentally iterated patterns consisting of diffuse sets of many lim1-positive cells and comparatively fewer, clustered pairs of apterous-positive cells. Additionally, continuous apterous expression is observed in presumed neurosecretory ganglia of the posterior brain, while lim1 is continuously expressed in stomatogastric ganglia of the anterior brain. apterous is also expressed in the jaw sacs, dorsal parapodial muscles, and a presumed pair of cephalic sensory organs, whereas lim1 is expressed in multiple pharyngeal ganglia, the segmental peripheral nervous system, neuropodial chaetal sac muscles, and parapodial ligules. Conclusions: The early and persistent nervous system expression of apterous and lim1 in Neanthes juveniles supports conservation of Lhx function in bilaterian neural differentiation and maintenance. Our results also suggest that diversification of parapodial muscle precursors involves a complementary LIM code similar to those generating distinct neuronal identities in fly and mouse nerve cords. Expression of apterous and lim1 in discrete components of developing parapodia is intriguing but does not map to comparable expression of these genes in developing arthropod appendages. Thus, annelid and arthropod appendage development apparently evolved, in part, via distinct co-option of the neuronal regulatory architecture. These divergent patterns of apterous and lim1 activity seemingly reflect de novo origins of parapodia and arthropodia, although we discuss alternative hypotheses.

This article is from Human Molecular Genetics , volume 23 . Abstract Urofacial syndrome (UFS; previously Ochoa syndrome) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by incomplete bladder emptying during micturition. This is associated with a dyssynergia in which the urethral walls contract at the same time as the detrusor smooth muscle in the body of the bladder. UFS is also characterized by an abnormal facial expression upon smiling, and bilateral weakness in the distribution of the facial nerve has been reported. Biallelic mutations in HPSE2 occur in UFS. This gene encodes heparanase 2, a protein which inhibits the activity of heparanase. Here, we demonstrate, for the first time, an in vivo developmental role for heparanase 2. We identified the Xenopus orthologue of heparanase 2 and showed that the protein is localized to the embryonic ventrolateral neural tube where motor neurons arise. Morpholino-induced loss of heparanase 2 caused embryonic skeletal muscle paralysis, and morphant motor neurons had aberrant morphology including less linear paths and less compactly-bundled axons than normal. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that loss of heparanase 2 led to upregulation of fibroblast growth factor 2/phosphorylated extracellular signal-related kinase signalling and to alterations in levels of transcripts encoding neural- and muscle-associated molecules. Thus, a key role of heparanase 2 is to buffer growth factor signalling in motor neuron development. These results shed light on the pathogenic mechanisms underpinning the clinical features of UFS and support the contention that congenital peripheral neuropathy is a key feature of this disorder.

This article is from Human Molecular Genetics , volume 23 . Abstract Urofacial syndrome (UFS; previously Ochoa syndrome) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by incomplete bladder emptying during micturition. This is associated with a dyssynergia in which the urethral walls contract at the same time as the detrusor smooth muscle in the body of the bladder. UFS is also characterized by an abnormal facial expression upon smiling, and bilateral weakness in the distribution of the facial nerve has been reported. Biallelic mutations in HPSE2 occur in UFS. This gene encodes heparanase 2, a protein which inhibits the activity of heparanase. Here, we demonstrate, for the first time, an in vivo developmental role for heparanase 2. We identified the Xenopus orthologue of heparanase 2 and showed that the protein is localized to the embryonic ventrolateral neural tube where motor neurons arise. Morpholino-induced loss of heparanase 2 caused embryonic skeletal muscle paralysis, and morphant motor neurons had aberrant morphology including less linear paths and less compactly-bundled axons than normal. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that loss of heparanase 2 led to upregulation of fibroblast growth factor 2/phosphorylated extracellular signal-related kinase signalling and to alterations in levels of transcripts encoding neural- and muscle-associated molecules. Thus, a key role of heparanase 2 is to buffer growth factor signalling in motor neuron development. These results shed light on the pathogenic mechanisms underpinning the clinical features of UFS and support the contention that congenital peripheral neuropathy is a key feature of this disorder.

This article is from Human Molecular Genetics , volume 23 . Abstract Urofacial syndrome (UFS; previously Ochoa syndrome) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by incomplete bladder emptying during micturition. This is associated with a dyssynergia in which the urethral walls contract at the same time as the detrusor smooth muscle in the body of the bladder. UFS is also characterized by an abnormal facial expression upon smiling, and bilateral weakness in the distribution of the facial nerve has been reported. Biallelic mutations in HPSE2 occur in UFS. This gene encodes heparanase 2, a protein which inhibits the activity of heparanase. Here, we demonstrate, for the first time, an in vivo developmental role for heparanase 2. We identified the Xenopus orthologue of heparanase 2 and showed that the protein is localized to the embryonic ventrolateral neural tube where motor neurons arise. Morpholino-induced loss of heparanase 2 caused embryonic skeletal muscle paralysis, and morphant motor neurons had aberrant morphology including less linear paths and less compactly-bundled axons than normal. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that loss of heparanase 2 led to upregulation of fibroblast growth factor 2/phosphorylated extracellular signal-related kinase signalling and to alterations in levels of transcripts encoding neural- and muscle-associated molecules. Thus, a key role of heparanase 2 is to buffer growth factor signalling in motor neuron development. These results shed light on the pathogenic mechanisms underpinning the clinical features of UFS and support the contention that congenital peripheral neuropathy is a key feature of this disorder.

This article is from Human Molecular Genetics , volume 23 . Abstract Urofacial syndrome (UFS; previously Ochoa syndrome) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by incomplete bladder emptying during micturition. This is associated with a dyssynergia in which the urethral walls contract at the same time as the detrusor smooth muscle in the body of the bladder. UFS is also characterized by an abnormal facial expression upon smiling, and bilateral weakness in the distribution of the facial nerve has been reported. Biallelic mutations in HPSE2 occur in UFS. This gene encodes heparanase 2, a protein which inhibits the activity of heparanase. Here, we demonstrate, for the first time, an in vivo developmental role for heparanase 2. We identified the Xenopus orthologue of heparanase 2 and showed that the protein is localized to the embryonic ventrolateral neural tube where motor neurons arise. Morpholino-induced loss of heparanase 2 caused embryonic skeletal muscle paralysis, and morphant motor neurons had aberrant morphology including less linear paths and less compactly-bundled axons than normal. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that loss of heparanase 2 led to upregulation of fibroblast growth factor 2/phosphorylated extracellular signal-related kinase signalling and to alterations in levels of transcripts encoding neural- and muscle-associated molecules. Thus, a key role of heparanase 2 is to buffer growth factor signalling in motor neuron development. These results shed light on the pathogenic mechanisms underpinning the clinical features of UFS and support the contention that congenital peripheral neuropathy is a key feature of this disorder.

Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a highly hereditary and severe disorder. Large genome-wide association studies have identified CACNA1C, a calcium channel gene crucial for brain development and neural function, as a major genetic risk factor for BD. The strongest association is with a SNP located in the third intronic region of the gene, however, the underlying molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis have not been elucidated yet completely so it restrains efficient treatment and worsens the prognosis. In this project, we provide an integrative approach combining patient-derived stem cells, CRISPR-engineered isogenic lines, and advanced 3D brain organoids to understand the characteristics of the neurodevelopmental disease comprehensively.

Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a highly hereditary and severe disorder. Large genome-wide association studies have identified CACNA1C, a calcium channel gene crucial for brain development and neural function, as a major genetic risk factor for BD. The strongest association is with a SNP located in the third intronic region of the gene, however, the underlying molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis have not been elucidated yet completely so it restrains efficient treatment and worsens the prognosis. In this project, we provide an integrative approach combining patient-derived stem cells, CRISPR-engineered isogenic lines, and advanced 3D brain organoids to understand the characteristics of the neurodevelopmental disease comprehensively.

Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a highly hereditary and severe disorder. Large genome-wide association studies have identified CACNA1C, a calcium channel gene crucial for brain development and neural function, as a major genetic risk factor for BD. The strongest association is with a SNP located in the third intronic region of the gene, however, the underlying molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis have not been elucidated yet completely so it restrains efficient treatment and worsens the prognosis. In this project, we provide an integrative approach combining patient-derived stem cells, CRISPR-engineered isogenic lines, and advanced 3D brain organoids to understand the characteristics of the neurodevelopmental disease comprehensively.

The Neural network system is an educational paradigm that unites several neural networks to solve a problem. This paper explores the relationship between the ensemble and its networks of neural components, both from the viewpoint of regression and classification, which reveals that certain networks are stronger than other neural networks. This result is surprising because the rest of the neural networks enter the ensemble at present. To prove that a GASEN algorithm efficiently selects the appropriate neural networks to construct an ensemble from different neural networks available. At first several neuronal networks were taught by GASEN. Then the network allocates random weights and uses genetic algorithms to establish these weights to classify the fitness of the neural system in one ensemble to a certain degree. Ultimately, it used the weights designed for the ensemble for certain neural networks. A comprehensive analytical analysis reveals that, in comparison to typical assemblies, such as luggage, GASEN can generate network assemblies with much smaller sizes but with a higher generalization efficiency. This study, in addition, gives the mistake a gradual regression, demonstrating that the performance of GASEN could be that it can greatly reduce its bias and uncertainty such that GASEN is well aware of its operating mechanism.

Neural Network Development Tool Evaluation version 0.9

Neural Network Development Tool Evaluation version 0.9

A Lecture about Neural Development from Algoma University

The purpose of the research undertaken was to develop computational techniques and psychophysical methods for investigating the internal representation of visual information (shape, depth and color) in human observers. Some of the equipment needed was not available in Summer 1992. A no- cost one-year extension was requested and granted, and work on the project continued through March 1994. The following is a list of publications and presentations supported in whole or in part by the grant. A list of personnel is also included

The purpose of our research proposal is to determine how the deletion of Tsc1 and mTOR dysregulation affects thalamus development and function. An addition goal of our research was to use our conditional gene deletion system to test the ability of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin to ameliorate neurological phenotypes depending upon the time and duration of treatment. During this research period, we further advanced our novel genetic approach to control Tsc1 gene deletion concomitant with cell lineage tracing and biochemical analysis to better understand the developmental aspects of Tuberous Sclerosis. A major set of findings is that we identified cellular, molecular, circuitry, and behavioral changes that occur during development and are specific to distinct temporal roles of Tsc1 and the mTOR pathway. Specifically, we showed that early embryonic deletion of Tsc1 resulted in mTOR dysregulation within 48 hours and this dysregulation persisted throughout the life of the mice; this is the first report of the kinetics of mTOR dysregulation. In addition, we showed that neural circuits that connect the thalamus and cerebral cortex are disrupted by early or late deletion of Tsc1 and that the neural circuit abnormality is first observed at the end of embryogenesis (five days after mTOR dysregultion). Thus, specific phenotypes emerge rapidly and others appear over a more prolonged developmental window. We then used biochemistry to show that proteins involved in synaptic architecture are altered by the early deletion of Tsc1. Finally, we show that behavioral alterations are strongly associated with the time of Tsc1 function. We initiated studies to address our additional and have begun delineate the most effective method and dose of rapamycin that can support development while at the same time effectively suppressing the mTOR pathway.

This paper identifies the requirements and describes an architectural framework for an artificial neural network-based system that is capable of fulfilling monitoring and control requirements of future aerospace missions. Incorporated into this framework are a newly developed training algorithm and the concept of cooperative network architectures. The feasibility of such an approach is demonstrated for its ability to identify faults in low frequency waveforms.

The purpose of the research is to (a) develop and test new methods to study the internal visual representation of the shape and surface properties of objects, and the mechanisms that calibrate it, and (b) to use the methods to investigate the representation of contour, shape and surface properties, (c) to use the methods to study the representation of visual space, and (d) visual (re- )calibration mechanisms.

The purpose of the research is to (a) develop and test new methods to study the internal visual representation of the shape and surface properties of objects, and the mechanisms that calibrate it, and (b) to use the methods to investigate the representation of contour, shape and surface properties, (c) to use the methods to study the representation of visual space, and (d) visual (re- )calibration mechanisms.

The purpose of the research is to (a) develop and test new methods to study the internal visual representation of the shape and surface properties of objects, and the mechanisms that calibrate it, and (b) to use the methods to investigate the representation of contour, shape and surface properties, (c) to use the methods to study the representation of visual space, and (d) visual (re- )calibration mechanisms.

The purpose of the research is to (a) develop and test new methods to study the internal visual representation of the shape and surface properties of objects, and the mechanisms that calibrate it, and (b) to use the methods to investigate the representation of contour, shape and surface properties, (c) to use the methods to study the representation of visual space, and (d) visual (re- )calibration mechanisms.

Parents and peers are two reference groups that are particularly salient and important for the type of risk attitudes that are learned and adopted as one’s one (i.e., internalized) throughout adolescence. However, less is known about the extent to which adolescents differentially integrate the perceived risk attitudes of their parents vs. peers into constructing their own risk attitudes over time. Given ongoing functional changes that occur in social and motivational brain systems during adolescence (Crone & Dahl, 2012), it is important to understand how age-related changes in brain systems associated with social influence may constrain the extent to which the brain encodes and integrates the perceived risk attitudes of others in the development of risk attitudes across adolescence. The proposed study has two goals: (1) Examine age-related changes in the extent to which adolescents internalize the perceived risk attitudes of their parents vs. peers when constructing their own risk attitudes; and (2) Examine whether trajectories of adolescents’ risk attitudes are shaped by the extent to which the adolescent brain differentially utilizes internalized perceptions of their parents’ or peers’ risk attitudes over time, with a focus on brain systems implicated in social decision making (vmPFC, mPFC, dmPFC, dACC).

This AASERT project was aimed at complementing an ongoing research project funded by ONR (grant no. N00014-95-1-0571). The goal of the parent grant was twofold: a) to further our understanding of the organization of motor control in the spinal cord; and b) to develop an artificial system consistent with this understanding. The purpose of this augmentation award was to enhance the ongoing sponsored research while training a graduate student in Mechanical Engineering. The system developed thanks to the AASERT support is a hybrid device that combines living neural tissue from the sea Lamprey brainstem and spinal cord with a small mobile robot. The goal was therefore twofold: 1) developing a novel device; and 2) engaging a graduate student in an advance research/development project. The AASERT award has provided an extremely valuable complement of the parent grant. The research under the AASERT award led to a novel and successful line of research, aimed at the integration of living neural tissue with artificial devices. This goal has been reached and the first prototype of a hybrid system operating with a closed sensory-motor loop has been created and utilized for investigating the structure of the neural connections and the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity.

Development of an expert system is difficult because of two challenges involve in it. The first one is the expert system itself is high level system and deals with knowledge, which make is difficult to handle. Second, the systems development is more art and less science; hence there are little guidelines available about the development. This paper describes computer aided development of intelligent systems using modem artificial intelligence technology. The paper illustrates a design of a reusable generic framework to support friendly development of fuzzy, neural network and hybrid systems such as neuro-fuzzy system. The reusable component libraries for fuzzy logic based systems, neural network based system and hybrid system such as neuro-fuzzy system are developed and accommodated in this framework. The paper demonstrates code snippets, interface screens and class libraries overview with necessary technical details.

Development of an expert system is difficult because of two challenges involve in it. The first one is the expert system itself is high level system and deals with knowledge, which make is difficult to handle. Second, the systems development is more art and less science; hence there are little guidelines available about the development. This paper describes computer aided development of intelligent systems using modem artificial intelligence technology. The paper illustrates a design of a reusable generic framework to support friendly development of fuzzy, neural network and hybrid systems such as neuro-fuzzy system. The reusable component libraries for fuzzy logic based systems, neural network based system and hybrid system such as neuro-fuzzy system are developed and accommodated in this framework. The paper demonstrates code snippets, interface screens and class libraries overview with necessary technical details.

This is a longitudinal neuroimaging study examining the development of empathy

Childhood adversity exposure is common and is associated with unfavorable physical and mental health outcomes (Cicchetti & Toth, 1995; McLaughlin et al., 2012). While cumulative risk models of adversity have been instrumental in demonstrating that children with more adversity exposure are at greatest risk for unfavorable outcomes (Felitti et al., 1998), they do not elucidate the mechanisms by which adversity confers this risk. The Dimensional Model of Adversity and Psychopathology (DMAP) proposes two dimensions of adversity exposure – deprivation and threat – which differentially impact developmental outcomes through separate neurodevelopmental pathways (McLaughlin, Sheridan, & Lambert, 2014; Sheridan & McLaughlin, 2014). The model proposes that deprivation is associated with neural structure in areas of the brain that support complex cognitive functions (e.g., executive function, language, associative learning), like the frontoparietal control and dorsal attention networks. Another recent conceptual model proposes that early deprivation exposure may impact early-developing visual regions in the ventral visual stream that may scaffold the development of higher-order cognitive skills (Rosen et al., 2019). The DMAP further proposes that threat exposures are associated with structure in areas of the brain that support fear learning, emotion regulation, and threat perception like the limbic network, salience network, default mode network, amygdala, and hippocampus. Previous hypothesis-driven work has supported that deprivation and threat exposures differentially predict neural structure separately in childhood and adolescence (Busso et al., 2017; McLaughlin et al., 2016; 2019; McLaughlin, Sheridan, Winter, et al., 2014; Rosen et al., 2018; Sheridan, Copeland, et al., 2019). There is, however, a lack of consistent longitudinal evidence supporting the association between adversity exposures and neurodevelopmental trajectories. Furthermore, data-driven tests of the DMAP could support its relevance in understanding developmental outcomes following adversity exposures relative to cumulative risk models (e.g., Sheridan, Shi, et al., 2019). In the present study, we will take a network analytical approach to examine clusters of adversity exposures and structural neural development in a longitudinal neuroimaging sample of children and adolescents. The study involved two study visits starting with youth aged 8-16 years in the Seattle area. Participants were recruited for increased likelihood of maltreatment exposure. At the first visit, participants reported on lifetime deprivation and threat exposures and underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Approximately two years later, subjects completed a follow-up neuroimaging assessment using the same scanner.

With this three-wave annual longitudinal study, we aim to examine changes in trust behavior involving an uncooperative interaction partner and their neural correlates across early adolescence.

Unsaturated soil hydraulic properties determine the capacity of soils and rocks to retain and transmit water. Hydraulic properties may be needed in applications involving remediation and restoration of contaminated soils, trafficability of soils, flood control, and remotely sensed data. Current methods to measure hydraulic properties are perceived as inadequate to meet the data requirements for most (large scale) applications. Neural networks are used in our research to develop pedotransfer functions (PTFs) for the hierarchical estimation of hydraulic data from basic data such as soil texture and bulk density. Neural networks were calibrated on a database of more than 2000 soils. The predictions generally compared favorably with published PTFs. Especially noteworthy is the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity; we improved its prediction by almost half an order of magnitude compared to traditional methods. We have completed the computer program Rosetta to facilitate neural network based predictions of hydraulic parameters. The uncertainty of the estimates was shown to increase for lower water contents. We have also converted our database of soil hydraulic properties to Windows from DOS.

KAU Faculty of Medicine 3rd year CNS MODULE Anatomy lecture

This article is from Biology Open , volume 3 . Abstract We previously found that the small GTPase Ras-dva1 is essential for the telencephalic development in Xenopus laevis because Ras-dva1 controls the Fgf8-mediated induction of FoxG1 expression, a key telencephalic regulator. In this report, we show, however, that Ras-dva1 and FoxG1 are expressed in different groups of cells; whereas Ras-dva1 is expressed in the outer layer of the anterior neural fold, FoxG1 and Fgf8 are activated in the inner layer from which the telencephalon is derived. We resolve this paradox by demonstrating that Ras-dva1 is involved in the transduction of Fgf8 signal received by cells in the outer layer, which in turn send a feedback signal that stimulates FoxG1 expression in the inner layer. We show that this feedback signal is transmitted by secreted Agr proteins, the expression of which is activated in the outer layer by mediation of Ras-dva1 and the homeodomain transcription factor Otx2. In turn, Agrs are essential for maintaining Fgf8 and FoxG1 expression in cells at the anterior neural plate border. Our finding reveals a novel feedback loop mechanism based on the exchange of Fgf8 and Agr signaling between neural and non-neural compartments at the anterior margin of the neural plate and demonstrates a key role of Ras-dva1 in this mechanism.

Supporting Materials for Impact of Shared Genes and Family Environment in Theory of Mind Development (MSc Project)

As the tourism industry has gradually become the strategic mainstay industry of the national economy, the scope of the tourism discipline has developed rigorously. This paper makes a predictive study on the development of the scope of Guangdong provincial tourism discipline based on the artificial neural network BP model in order to find out how the branch of tourism studies can better adapt to the development of the tourism industry. The research findings indicate that the BP model can be applied to the predictions of the scope of the tourism discipline and provide a quantitative basis for decision making with regard to the spatial layout and optimal allocation of the tourism discipline.