PhysicsGP: A Genetic Programming approach to event selection

We present a novel multivariate classification technique based on Genetic Programming. The technique is distinct from Genetic Algorithms and offers several advantages compared to Neural Networks and Support Vector Machines. The technique optimizes a set of human-readable classifiers with respect to some user-defined performance measure. We calculate the Vapnik-Chervonenkis dimension of this class of learning machines and consider a practical example: the search for the Standard Model Higgs Boson at the LHC. The resulting classifier is very fast to evaluate, human-readable, and easily portable. The software may be downloaded at: http://cern.ch/~cranmer/PhysicsGP.html.     

An integrated testbed for wireless multimedia computing

A testbed has been constructed to evaluate node architectures that support multimedia applications and services across a wireless network. Using this testbed, a low bitrate subband video compression algorithm has been prototyped in a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and evaluated for video networking across bandwidth-limited RF channels. A radio interface has been prototyped in an FPGA and a common applications programming interface (API) has been developed to allow experimentation with multiple radios. This testbed has been used to evaluate node performance under two different wireless applications: 1) simultaneous video and data networking (VTALK) and 2) TCP/IP utilities such as FTP and telnet. Based on this evaluation, the design of a battery-operated high throughput wireless multimedia node is presented.     

Crystallography of Interfaces and Grain Size Distributions in Sr‐Doped LaMnO3

Grain‐boundary plane distributions (GBPDs), grain size distribution (GSDs), and upper tail departure from log‐normal GSDs were quantified in dense and porous La_0.8Sr_0.2MnO₃ samples to understand expected microstructures in solid oxide fuel cells. Samples were sintered at 1450°C for 4 h and then annealed between 800°C and 1450°C. The GBPDs and normalized GSDs reached steady state during sintering and little variation occurred during annealing. The GBPDs were nearly isotropic, with the relative areas of {001} planes being slightly higher than random (and the relative areas of {111} planes being less than random). The porous sample had an almost identical GBPD, whereas the almost isotropic pore boundary plane distribution was essentially opposite to the GBPD. The upper tails of the experimental GSDs, and several theoretical distributions, were characterized using peaks‐over‐threshold analysis. Dense samples, and all normal grain growth models, exhibit lower frequencies of large grains in the upper tail than would a log‐normal distribution, and the experimental distributions are similar to the Mullins distribution. Porous samples, however, have an anomalous increased frequency of large grains in the upper tail, as compared to all the model distributions, even though other metrics of the microstructure indicate the dense and porous systems are similar.     

Improvement in the thermoelectric properties of CaMnO3 perovskites by W doping

Perovskite manganites CaMn_1?y W _y O₃ (0 ≤ y ≤ 0.05) were synthesized using solid-state reaction technique. The influence of W doping on the structure, charge carrier transports and phonon scattering of CaMnO₃ was investigated. Doping was found to increase the carrier concentration, leading to enhanced electrical conductivity and decreased Seebeck coefficient. In addition, it decreased the thermal conductivity of CaMnO₃, which was believed to associate with decreased phonon mean path and doping-induced MnO₆ octahedral distortion, as evidenced by the increased orthorhombicity. A twofold increase of figure of merit (ZT) of 0.15 at 973 K was observed in CaMn_0.99W_0.01O₃, compared with the undoped CaMnO₃.     

Dysfunction of Endocytic Kinase AAK1 in ALS

Mechanisms of human mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1)-induced toxicity in causing the familial form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remain elusive. Identification of new proteins that can selectively interact with mutant SOD1s and investigation of their potential roles in ALS are important to discover new pathways that are involved in disease pathology. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we identified the adaptor-associated kinase 1 (AAK1), a regulatory protein in clathrin-coated vesicle endocytic pathway that selectively interacted with the mutant but not the wild-type SOD1. Using both transgenic mouse and rat SOD1-linked familial ALS (FALS) models, we found that AAK1 was partially colocalized with the endosomal and presynaptic protein markers under the normal physiological condition, but was mislocated into aggregates that contained mutant SOD1s and the neurofilament proteins in rodent models of ALS in disease. AAK1 protein levels were also decreased in ALS patients. These results suggest that dysfunction of a component in the endosomal and synaptic vesicle recycling pathway is involved in ALS pathology.     

Selection of an effective ASR-prevention strategy for use with a highly reactive aggregate for the reconstruction of concrete structures at Mactaquac generating station

Mactaquac Generating Station was constructed in the mid 1960's and is located in the province of New Brunswick in Eastern Canada. The effect of ASR expansion on the concrete structures of the station were first noticed approximately 10 years after construction and, ASR was conclusively diagnosed in 1986. Since 1985, various remedial measures have been undertaken to mitigate the effects of concrete expansion. Eventually reconstruction of the concrete structures will be necessary and current projections are that replacement should be complete by 2030. Due to the lack of any suitable locally-available non-reactive aggregate, consideration is being given to using the same source of reactive aggregate for reconstruction.This paper describes a research study to determine the optimum strategy for preventing deleterious ASR expansion with this aggregate. The options being evaluated include the use of pozzolans and slag, limiting the alkali content of the concrete, and the use of chemical admixtures. Methods of evaluation include accelerated laboratory tests and field exposure of large blocks.     

The Influence of Composition on the Solidification Path and Microstructure of HP-Nb Alloys

Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A - Austenitic stainless steels such as 25Cr-35Ni-Nb, HP-Nb alloys are commonly used in high-temperature applications above 850 °C. The HP-Nb...