Entropy Dimension Reduction Method for Randomized Machine Learning Problems

The direct and inverse projections (DIP) method was proposed to reduce the feature space to the given dimensions oriented to the problems of randomized machine learning and based on the procedure of “direct” and “inverse” design. The “projector” matrices are determined by maximizing the relative entropy. It is suggested to estimate the information losses by the absolute error calculated with the use of the Kullback–Leibler function (SRC method). An example illustrating these methods was given.     

Computer modelling and analysis of the photodegradation effect in a-Si:H p-i-n solar cell

Using a previous model, which was developed to describe the light-induced creation of the defect density in the a-Si:H gap states, we present in this work a numerical modelling of the photodegradation effect in the a-Si:H p-i-n solar cell under continuous illumination. We first considered the simple case of a monochromatic light beam with a wavelength λ between 530-540 nm non uniformly absorbed, then the global standard solar spectrum (AM 1.5) illumination is taken into account. The photodegradation is analysed on the basis of the resulting changes in the free carrier's densities, recombination rate, band structure, electrical potential and field, space charge, and current densities. Changes in the cell's external parameters: the open circuit voltage V_oc, the short circuit current density J_sc, the fill factor FF and the maximum power density P_max are also presented.     

Estimation of a Local Lipschitz Constant of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">B</Emphasis><Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">q</Emphasis></Subscript>-Entropy

A method for estimating a Lipschitz constant of the entropy operator of the Boltzmann type is suggested. Examples of the use of the obtained estimates in problems for restoring images by projections are given.__________Translated from Avtomatika i Telemekhanika, No. 7, 2005, pp. 54–65.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Popkov, Rublev.This work was supported by the Program “Branch of Information Technologies and Computer Systems” and the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, project no. 02-01-00198a.     

Dynamic procedures of image reconstruction from projections (computer tomography)

A method of reconstruction of images from projections is suggested. In contrast to the static procedure conventionally used for the solution of problems of image reconstruction from projections, this method presupposes the use of a dynamic procedure. Such an approach, in combination with the use of special noise-immune algorithms of image reconstruction, permits obtaining images of the internal structure of the object under study of a high quality by irradiating it sequentially in time by the flows of photons of a small intensity. The effectiveness of the suggested method is illustrated by the example of results of a computer experiment.     

The sizes of peptides generated from protein by mammalian 26 and 20 S proteasomes. Implications for understanding the degradative mechanism and antigen presentation

Knowledge about the sizes of peptides generated by proteasomes during protein degradation is essential to fully understand their degradative mechanisms and the subsequent steps in protein turnover and generation of major histocompatibility complex class I antigenic peptides. We demonstrate here that 26 S and activated 20 S proteasomes from rabbit muscle degrade denatured, nonubiquitinated proteins in a highly processive fashion but generate different patterns of peptides (despite their containing identical proteolytic sites). With both enzymes, products range in length from 3 to 22 residues, and their abundance decreases with increasing length according to a log-normal distribution. Less than 15% of the products are the length of class I presented peptides (8 or 9 residues), and two-thirds are too short to function in antigen presentation. Surprisingly, these mammalian proteasomes, which contain two "chymotryptic," two "tryptic," and two "post-acidic" active sites, generate peptides with a similar size distribution as do archaeal 20 S proteasomes, which have 14 identical sites. Furthermore, inactivation of the "tryptic" sites altered the peptides produced without significantly affecting their size distribution. Therefore, this distribution is not determined by the number, specificity, or arrangement of the active sites (as proposed by the "molecular ruler" model); instead, we propose that proteolysis continues until products are small enough to diffuse out of the proteasomes.     

Fe-containing nanoparticles on the surface of silica microgranules

We have prepared nanomaterials consisting of SiO₂ microgranules and Fe-containing nanoparticles on their surface and determined the size and composition of the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are shown to have a core-shell structure (α-Fe core and γ-Fe₂O₃ shell). The α-Fe core and Fe₂O₃ shell are responsible, respectively, for the broad and narrow lines in the EMR spectrum of the nanoparticles. The magnetic properties of larger nanoparticles are dominated by the core, while those of smaller nanoparticles are dominated by the oxide shell.     

The effectiveness of early endoscopy for upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage: a community-based analysis

OBJECTIVES: The effectiveness of upper endoscopy in unselected patients with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage has not been well studied. This study was undertaken to identify factors associated with the performance of early endoscopy (ie, within 1 day of hospitalization) and, after adjusting for these factors, to determine associations between early endoscopy and in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and performance of surgery. METHODS: Subjects in this observational cohort study were 3,801 consecutive admissions with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage to 30 hospitals in a large metropolitan region. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted from hospital records. A multivariable model based on factors that potentially could relate to the decision to perform endoscopy was developed to determine the propensity (0 to 100%) for early endoscopy in each patient. RESULTS: Early endoscopy was performed in 2,240 patients (59%), and although it was not associated with mortality after adjusting for severity of illness among all patients, it was associated with a higher risk of death for patients in the lowest propensity group. Early endoscopy was associated with a lower likelihood of upper gastrointestinal surgery in all patients and in the two highest propensity groups and with a shorter length of stay in the entire cohort and in all subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of specific contraindications, early endoscopy should be considered because of associated reductions in length of stay and surgical intervention. Further studies are needed to identify subgroups in whom the procedure may be associated with adverse effects on survival.