Distribution-free uncertainty quantification for kernel methods by gradient perturbations

Machine Learning - We propose a data-driven approach to quantify the uncertainty of models constructed by kernel methods. Our approach minimizes the needed distributional assumptions, hence,...     

Spiral-CT-based assessment of tracheal stenoses using 3-D-skeletonization

PURPOSE: Demonstration of a technique for three-dimensional (3-D) assessment of tracheal-stenoses, regarding site, length and degree, based on spiral computed tomography (S-CT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: S-CT scanning and automated segmentation of the laryngo-tracheal tract (LTT) was followed by the extraction of the LTT medial axis using a skeletonization algorithm. Orthogonal to the medial axis the LTT 3-D cross-sectional profile was computed and presented as line charts, where degree and length was obtained. Values for both parameters were compared between 36 patients and 18 normal controls separately. Accuracy and precision was derived from 17 phantom studies. RESULTS: Average degree and length of tracheal stenoses was found to be 60.5% and 4.32 cm in patients compared with minor caliber changes of 8.8% and 2.31 cm in normal controls (p < 0.0001). For the phantoms an excellent correlation between the true and computed 3-D cross-sectional profile was found (p < 0.005) and an accuracy for length and degree measurements of 2.14 mm and 2.53% respectively could be determined. The corresponding figures for the precision were found to be 0.92 mm and 2.56%. CONCLUSION: LTT 3-D cross-sectional profiles permit objective, accurate and precise assessment of LTT caliber changes. Minor LTT caliber changes can be observed even in normals and, in case of an otherwise normal S-CT study, can be regarded as artifacts.     

Looking into the water with oblique head tilting: revision of the aerial binocular imaging of underwater objects

It is a well-known phenomenon that when we look into the water with two aerial eyes, both the apparent position and the apparent shape of underwater objects are different from the real ones because of refraction at the water surface. Earlier studies of the refraction-distorted structure of the underwater binocular visual field of aerial observers were restricted to either vertically or horizontally oriented eyes. We investigate a generalized version of this problem: We calculate the position of the binocular image point of an underwater object point viewed by two arbitrarily positioned aerial eyes, including oblique orientations of the eyes relative to the flat water surface. Assuming that binocular image fusion is performed by appropriate vergent eye movements to bring the object's image onto the foveas, the structure of the underwater binocular visual field is computed and visualized in different ways as a function of the relative positions of the eyes. We show that a revision of certain earlier treatments of the aerial imaging of underwater objects is necessary. We analyze and correct some widespread erroneous or incomplete representations of this classical geometric optical problem that occur in different textbooks. Improving the theory of aerial binocular imaging of underwater objects, we demonstrate that the structure of the underwater binocular visual field of aerial observers distorted by refraction is more complex than has been thought previously.     

Synthesis and photocatalytic performance of titanium dioxide nanofibers and the fabrication of flexible composite films from nanofibers

Titanium dioxide nanofibers were synthesized and applied in flexible composite films that are easy to handle and recycle after use. The nanofibers were obtained in a multi-step procedure. First, sodium titanate nanofibers were prepared from TiO2 nanoparticles through the alkali hydrothermal method. In the next step, sodium hydrogen titanate nanofibers were made by washing the sodium titanate nanofibers in HCl solution. Finally, the sodium hydrogen titanate nanofibers were transformed to TiO2 anatase nanofibers by calcination in air. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 anatase nanofibers were evaluated and compared to a TiO2 nanoparticle catalyst by decomposing methyl orange dye in aqueous solutions. The achieved reaction rate constant of TiO2 anatase nanofibers was comparable to that of Degussa P25. Paper-like flexible composite films were prepared by co-filtrating aqueous dispersions of TiO2 catalyst materials and cellulose. The composite films made from the nanofibers exhibit better mechanical integrity than those of the nanoparticle-cellulose composites.     

Tailoring gas sensing properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes by in situ modification with Si,P, and N

A simple method for the synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) containing Si, P–N and N is reported, and their gas sensing properties were investigated. The MWCNTs were synthesised by the thermal decomposition of aerosols containing mixtures of ferrocene/triphenylsilane, ferrocene/triphenylphosphine/benzylamine, and ferrocene/benzylamine/toluene. Electron microscopy studies revealed that the addition of Si, P, and N alters the structure of CNTs dramatically. Gas sensing experiments were carried out using Si, P–N, N-containing MWCNTs, and were compared with pure MWCNTs synthesised at similar experimental conditions. These experiments showed that the gas sensitivity and selectivity of CNT-based sensors can be indeed tailored without any post-processing of the raw nanotubes. The efficient in situ tailoring of nanotube properties and functionality are important for nanotubes to become viable materials at the industrial scale where low cost processes are required.     

Automatic Performance Setting for Dynamic Voltage Scaling

The emphasis on processors that are both low power and high performance has resulted in the incorporation of dynamic voltage scaling into processor designs. This feature allows one to make fine granularity tradeoffs between power use and performance, provided there is a mechanism in the OS to control that tradeoff. In this paper, we describe a novel software approach to automatically controlling dynamic voltage scaling in order to optimize energy use. Our mechanism is implemented in the Linux kernel and requires no modification of user programs. Unlike previous automated approaches, our method works equally well with irregular and multiprogrammed workloads. Moreover, it has the ability to ensure that the quality of interactive performance is within user specified parameters. Our experiments show that as a result of our algorithm, processor energy savings of as much as 75% can be achieved with only a minimal impact on the user experience.     

Reactivity Aspects of SBA15-Based Doped Supported Catalysts: H2O2 Direct Synthesis and Disproportionation Reactions

Pd and PdAu catalysts supported on SBA15 and SiO₂ were prepared and investigated for H₂O₂ direct synthesis in a batch autoclave (10 °C and 17.5 bar) and in the absence of halides and acids. The SiO₂ supported catalysts exhibited inferior performances compared to the mesoporous ordered SBA15. A good control of both the catalysts dispersion and nanoparticle stability was achieved using SBA15. Catalysts were doped with bromine, a promoter in the H₂O₂ direct synthesis. Productivity and selectivity decreased when bromine was incorporated in the catalysts, thus indicating a possible poisoning due to the grafting process. A synergetic effect between Pd and Au was observed both in presence and absence of bromopropylsilane grafting on the catalyst surface. Three modifiers of the SBA15 support (Al, CeO₂ and Ti) were chosen to elucidate the influence of the surface properties on metal dispersion and catalytic performance. Higher productivity and selectivity were achieved incorporating Al into the SBA15 framework, whereas neither Ti nor CeO₂ improved H₂O₂ yields. The enhanced performance observed for the Prau/Al–SBA15 catalysts was attributed to the increased number of Brønsted acid sites. A modification of this catalyst with bromine was confirmed to impair both productivity and selectivity, possibly due to the broader particle size distribution and the poor stability of the metal nanoparticles, as demonstrate by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. H₂O₂ disproportionation was also investigated. A much slower reaction rate was observed compared to the H₂O₂ production, suggesting that the major contributor in the process of H₂O₂ destruction must be connected to the hydrogenation reaction.     

Index of Refraction and Absorption Coefficient Spectra of Paratellurite in the Terahertz Region

Index of refraction and absorption coefficient spectra of pure paratellurite (α-TeO₂) crystal as a potential material for terahertz (THz) applications were determined in the 0.25–2 THz frequency range at room temperature by THz time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). The investigation was performed with beam polarization both parallel (extraordinary polarization) and perpendicular (ordinary polarization) to the optical axis [001] of the crystal. Similarly to the visible spectral range, positive birefringence was observed in the THz range as well. It was shown that the values of the refractive index for extraordinary polarization are higher and show significantly larger dispersion than for the ordinary one. The absorption coefficient values are also larger for extraordinary polarization. The measured values were fitted by theoretical curves derived from the complex dielectric function containing independent terms of Lorentz oscillators due to phonon-polariton resonances. The results are compared with earlier publications, and the observed significant discrepancies are discussed.     

Micro- and macrostructural characterization of polyvinylpirrolidone rotary-spun fibers

The application of high-speed rotary spinning can offer a useful mean for either preparation of fibrous intermediate for conventional dosage forms or drug delivery systems. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone-vinylacetate) (PVP VA) micro- and nanofibers of different polymer concentrations and solvent ratios were prepared with a high-speed rotary spinning technique. In order to study the influence of parameters that enable successful fiber production from polymeric viscous solutions, a complex micro- and macrostructural screening method was implemented. The obtained fiber mats were subjected to detailed morphological analysis using scanning electron microscope (SEM), and rheological measurements while the microstructural changes of fiber samples, based on the free volume changes, was analyzed by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) and compared with their mechanical characteristics. The plasticizing effect of water tracked by ortho-positronium lifetime changes in relation to the mechanical properties of fibers. A concentration range of polyvinylpyrrolidone solutions was defined for the preparation of fibers of optimum fiber morphology and mechanical properties. The method enabled fiber formulation of advantageous functionality-related properties for further formulation of solid dosage forms.