Learning directed probabilistic logical models: ordering-search versus structure-search

We discuss how to learn non-recursive directed probabilistic logical models from relational data. This problem has been tackled before by upgrading the structure-search algorithm initially proposed for Bayesian networks. In this paper we show how to upgrade another algorithm for learning Bayesian networks, namely ordering-search. For Bayesian networks, ordering-search was found to work better than structure-search. It is non-obvious that these results carry over to the relational case, however, since there ordering-search needs to be implemented quite differently. Hence, we perform an experimental comparison of these upgraded algorithms on four relational domains. We conclude that also in the relational case ordering-search is competitive with structure-search in terms of quality of the learned models, while ordering-search is significantly faster.     

Modeling and simulation of the engagement dynamics of a wet friction clutch system subjected to degradation: An application to condition monitoring and prognostics

In this paper, a friction model appropriate for wet friction clutches based on the extension of the Generalized Maxwell Slip (GMS) friction model is integrated to a four-DOF lumped-mass-spring-damper system which represents a typical SAE#2 test setup. Degradation models expressing the evolutions of the friction model parameters are also proposed, where the structure of the degradation models is inspired from experimental results obtained in the earlier work. This way, the engagement dynamics of the clutch system during the useful lifetime can be simulated. It appears that the previously developed pre-and postlockup features extracted from the simulated signals obtained in this study are qualitatively in agreement with the experimental results. Those features show their predictive behaviors that confirm their feasibility to be used for clutch monitoring and prognostics. Furthermore, the models and simulation procedure discussed in this paper can be employed for developing and evaluating prognostics algorithms for wet friction clutch applications.     

An FFT-based signal identification approach for obtaining the propagation constants of the leaky modes in layered media

We propose to find the propagation constants of modes in layered media by means of signal identification methods. To this effect we employ Cauchy's theorem, conformal mapping and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) techniques to generate relevant Hankel moments, afterwards to be processed with selected signal identification algorithms. The method, terminated by a few Newton steps, provides a batch of highly accurate roots in appropriate disks or half-disks.     

Functionalized gold nanoparticles: a detailed in vivo multimodal microscopic brain distribution study

In the present study, the in vivo distribution of polyelectrolyte multilayer coated gold nanoparticles is shown, starting from the living animal down to cellular level. The coating was designed with functional moieties to serve as a potential nano drug for prion disease. With near infrared time-domain imaging we followed the biodistribution in mice up to 7 days after intravenous injection of the nanoparticles. The peak concentration in the head of mice was detected between 19 and 24 h. The precise particle distribution in the brain was studied ex vivo by X-ray microtomography, confocal laser and fluorescence microscopy. We found that the particles mainly accumulate in the hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, and the cerebral cortex.     

Preparation and soft lithographic printing of nano-sized ITO-dispersions for the manufacture of electrodes for TFTs

The production of printed electronics exhibits an enormous economical potential due to the possibility to manufacture innovative products at low cost. At the moment, one of the major challenges for the fabrication of printed electronics is the controllability of the material properties during processing and the miniaturization of the deposited structures. In this context, the application of soft lithographic techniques appears promising, because they allow a defined patterning of the materials in the range of few nanometers, which is far below the limits of other printing techniques like inkjet-printing or screen printing. This work proves the applicability of the soft lithographic technique micro-molding in capillaries (MIMIC) for the manufacture of conductive indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes. For the creation of stable dispersions of ITO nano-sized particles, steric as well as electrostatic stabilization concepts are applied. The prepared dispersions are characterized with regard to the later processing via MIMIC. The geometry and the electrical properties of the soft lithographically deposited structures are determined to prove their functionality. Special attention is paid to the influence of the wetting behavior of the dispersions on the resulting geometry of the structures. Finally, the applicability of the optimized structures is demonstrated by the assembly of a thin film transistor (TFT), in which the deposited structures serve as source and drain electrodes.     

Evaluating the performance of a discrete manufacturing process using RFID: A case study

The material flow is a major focus point in improving productivity in today’s product diversified manufacturing organizations. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of efficient methods to control material flow through manufacturing processes in cases where multi-item tracking is difficult to achieve. This paper presents an RFID-based RTLS (Real-Time Location System) solution for obtaining multi-item work-in-process visibility within a manufacturer. It delivers detailed performance metrics through RTLS data analysis in order to evaluate workflow performance and to obtain a lean process. We pre-filter the RTLS data through the development of a middleware data collection method to acquire near real-time performance evaluation. A case study illustrates the complete process including measurements before and after a workflow redesign. The increased level of detail from RFID measurements yields new insights into shop floor actions and the real effects of redesign efforts.     

Experimental Validation of a Fundamental Model for PCR Efficiency

Recently a theoretical analysis of PCR efficiency has been published by Booth et al. (2010). The PCR yield is the product of three efficiencies: (i) the annealing efficiency is the fraction of templates that form binary complexes with primers during annealing, (ii) the polymerase binding efficiency is the fraction of binary complexes that bind to polymerase to form ternary complexes and (iii) the elongation efficiency is the fraction of ternary complexes that extend fully. Yield is controlled by the smallest of the three efficiencies and control could shift from one type of efficiency to another over the course of a PCR experiment. Experiments have been designed that are specifically controlled by each one of the efficiencies and the results are consistent with the mathematical model. The experimental data has also been used to quantify six key parameters of the theoretical model. An important application of the fully characterized model is to calculate initial template concentration from real-time PCR data. Given the PCR protocol, the midpoint cycle number (where the template concentration is half that of the final concentration) can be theoretically determined and graphed for a variety of initial DNA concentrations. Real-time results can be used to calculate the midpoint cycle number and consequently the initial DNA concentration, using this graph. The application becomes particularly simple if a conservative PCR protocol is followed where only the annealing efficiency is controlling.     

Homogeneous doping of ceramics by infiltration–gelation

Advanced ceramics require small amounts of cation dopants to improve the sintering process or achieve certain properties. Dopant precursors are often dissolved in initial processing liquids, which may adversely affect ceramic colloidal stability, and dopant transport during drying. This would lead to chemical and microstructural inhomogeniety in the eventual ceramics. Here we present a method that circumvents these problems using the example of Al³⁺-doped TiO₂ ceramics. Homogeneous TiO₂ compacts with 34% porosity are first prepared by colloidal casting and calcined at 700 °C. The obtained compacts are infiltrated with an aqueous solution of Al(NO₃)₃, citric acid and ethylene glycol. The solution composition is adjusted such that during drying, a gel forms that covers the internal pore surface. Subsequent decomposition of organics results in a homogeneous dopant distribution in the porous and then dense-sintered TiO₂ compacts. This is verified with SEM-EDX, and laser ablation coupled ICP-MS on dense compacts sintered at 1100 °C.