Probabilistic Inference from Arbitrary Uncertainty using Mixtures of Factorized Generalized Gaussians

This paper presents a general and efficient framework for probabilistic inference and learning from arbitrary uncertain information. It exploits the calculation properties of finite mixture models, conjugate families and factorization. Both the joint probability density of the variables and the likelihood function of the (objective or subjective) observation are approximated by a special mixture model, in such a way that any desired conditional distribution can be directly obtained without numerical integration. We have developed an extended version of the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm to estimate the parameters of mixture models from uncertain training examples (indirect observations). As a consequence, any piece of exact or uncertain information about both input and output values is consistently handled in the inference and learning stages. This ability, extremely useful in certain situations, is not found in most alternative methods. The proposed framework is formally justified from standard probabilistic principles and illustrative examples are provided in the fields of nonparametric pattern classification, nonlinear regression and pattern completion. Finally, experiments on a real application and comparative results over standard databases provide empirical evidence of the utility of the method in a wide range of applications

High spatial resolution and high contrast optical speckle imaging with FASTCAM at the ORM

In this paper, we present an original observational approach, which combines, for the first time, traditional speckle imaging with image post-processing to obtain in the optical domain diffraction-limited images with high contrast (1e-5) within 0.5 to 2 arcseconds around a bright star. The post-processing step is based on wavelet filtering an has analogy with edge enhancement and high-pass filtering. Our I-band on-sky results with the 2.5-m Nordic Telescope (NOT) and the lucky imaging instrument FASTCAM show that we are able to detect L-type brown dwarf companions around a solar-type star with a contrast DI~12 at 2" and with no use of any coronographic capability, which greatly simplifies the instrumental and hardware approach. This object has been detected from the ground in J and H bands so far only with AO-assisted 8-10 m class telescopes (Gemini, Keck), although more recently detected with small-class telescopes in the K band. Discussing the advantage and disadvantage of the optical regime for the detection of faint intrinsic fluxes close to bright stars, we develop some perspectives for other fields, including the study of dense cores in globular clusters. To the best of our knowledge this is the first time that high contrast considerations are included in optical speckle imaging approach.Comment: Proceedings of SPIE conference - Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy III (Conference 7735), San Diego 201

Evidence for the activity and paleoseismicity of the Padul fault (Betic Cordillera, southern Spain)

There is evidence of recent tectonic activity in the proximity of Padul, in the central sector of the Betic Cordillera. The principal active fault in this region is the Padul normal fault, running NW-SE, which displays spectacular geomorphological and structural features owing to its recent activity. However, there is no evidence of earthquakes of moderate-high magnitude occurring in this area during the historical or the instrumental period. In the vicinity of Padul we identified various soft-sediment deformation structures produced by liquefaction which we attributed to seismic shocks of a moderate-high magnitude. These structures are situated in detritic sediments, intercalated with layers of peat, which have enabled dating of these paleoearthquakes to the late Pleistocene (approx. 30,000 to 35,000 yr BP). Moreover, field observations in sediments of alluvial fans in the vicinity of the Padul fault, together with a retrodeformation analysis of an outcrop, enabled various deformation events to be dated to the recent Quaternary period

A Study of Two-Temperature Non-Equilibrium Ising Models: Critical Behavior and Universality

We study a class of 2D non-equilibrium Ising models based on competing dynamics induced by contact with heat-baths at two different temperatures. We make a comparative study of the non-equilibrium versions of Metropolis, heat bath/Glauber and Swendsen-Wang dynamics and focus on their critical behavior in order to understand their universality classes. We present strong evidence that some of these dynamics have the same critical exponents and belong to the same universality class as the equilibrium 2D Ising model. We show that the bond version of the Swendsen-Wang update algorithm can be mapped into an equilibrium model at an effective temperature.Comment: 12 pages of LaTeX plus 18 pages of postscript figures in a uuencoded file (608k

LES CORDILLERES BETIQUES DANS LE CADRE GEODYNAMIQUE NEOALPIN DE LA MEDITERRANEE OCCIDENTALE

L'origine et la construction des Cordillères Bétiques, en tant que partie des chaines alpines qui bordent la Méditerranée, garde un étroit rapport avec l'évolution géodynamique de toute la région méditerrané­enne occidentale. Pendant l'étape néoalpine eut lieu la subduction de l'Afrique vers le Nord et l'ouverture du bassin Algéro-Provençal, avec la création d'une croute océanique. L'effet combiné des deux facteurs origina un manque d'espace entre l'Ibérie et l'Afrique et en conséquence l'expulsion des Zones lnternes vers l'Ouest, ju­squ'à collision avec les marges passives d'Ibérie et d'Afrique (Zones Externes bétiques et rifaines, respective­ment). Cela se produisit essentiellement pendant l'Aquitanien? - Burdigalien et, bien qu'avec moins d'intensité, continua pendant le Miocène moyen jusqu'à suture du contact Zones Internes/Zones Externes. Immédiatement après cela d'importantes failles N60-90E et NO-SE s'originèrent. Pendant ce processus les directions de compression ont été ONO-ESE à NO-SE dans les Cordillères Bé­tiques tandis que, à partir du Miocène supérieur, la direction changea graduellement à NNO-SSE, donnant lieu alors aux bassins néogènes intramontagneux les plus importants. Le bassin d'Alboran, avec une croute continentale amincie, se forma camme le prolongement occidental de l'ouverture du bassin Algéro-Provençal et ses caractéristiques essentielles furent déjà établies au Burdigalien

Stability and Reversible Oxidation of Sub-Nanometric Cu5 Metal Clusters: Integrated Experimental Study and Theoretical Modeling**

Sub-nanometer metal clusters have special physical and chemical properties, significantly different from those of nanoparticles. However, there is a major concern about their thermal stability and susceptibility to oxidation. In situ X-ray Absorption spectroscopy and Near Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy results reveal that supported Cu5 clusters are resistant to irreversible oxidation at least up to 773 K, even in the presence of 0.15 mbar of oxygen. These experimental findings can be formally described by a theoretical model which combines dispersion-corrected DFT and first principles thermochemistry revealing that most of the adsorbed O2 molecules are transformed into superoxo and peroxo species by an interplay of collective charge transfer within the network of Cu atoms and large amplitude “breathing” motions. A chemical phase diagram for Cu oxidation states of the Cu5-oxygen system is presented, clearly different from the already known bulk and nano-structured chemistry of Cu

Versatile Graphene-Based Platform for Robust Nanobiohybrid Interfaces

Technologically useful and robust graphene-based interfaces for devices require the introduction of highly selective, stable, and covalently bonded functionalities on the graphene surface, whilst essentially retaining the electronic properties of the pristine layer. This work demonstrates that highly controlled, ultrahigh vacuum covalent chemical functionalization of graphene sheets with a thiol-terminated molecule provides a robust and tunable platform for the development of hybrid nanostructures in different environments. We employ this facile strategy to covalently couple two representative systems of broad interest: metal nanoparticles, via S-metal bonds, and thiol-modified DNA aptamers, via disulfide bridges. Both systems, which have been characterized by a multi-technique approach, remain firmly anchored to the graphene surface even after several washing cycles. Atomic force microscopy images demonstrate that the conjugated aptamer retains the functionality required to recognize a target protein. This methodology opens a new route to the integration of high-quality graphene layers into diverse technological platforms, including plasmonics, optoelectronics, or biosensing. With respect to the latter, the viability of a thiol-functionalized chemical vapor deposition graphene-based solution-gated field-effect transistor array was assessed

Silicon quantum dots in photovoltaic devices: device fabrication, characterization and comparison of materials

The realization of crystalline silicon tandem solar cells relies on silicon nanocrystal (Si NC) quantum dots as the absorber of the top solar cell. Quantum confinement of charge carriers within the nanocrystals permits to achieve a band gap up to 2 eV which can be adjusted according to the size of the nanocrystals. This enables the construction of all-crystalline Si tandem solar cells, and increases the theoretical efficiency limit from 33 % to 42.5 % due to the addition of a second band gap. In this work, the electrical and photovoltaic properties of Si NC films are assessed and the most prominent material systems (SiO2, Si3N4, SiC) are compared. P-i-n solar cells are presented which feature Si NC as the intrinsic absorber layer and permit to characterize quantum confinement electrically on device level. P-i-n solar cells with Si NC in SiC in the i-region have yielded open circuit voltages of up to 370mV

European Society of Cardiology quality indicators for the prevention and management of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity in cancer treatment.

AIMS: To develop quality indicators (QIs) for the evaluation of the prevention and management of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity. METHODS AND RESULTS: We followed the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) methodology for QI development which comprises (i) identifying the key domains of care for the prevention and management of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity in patients on cancer treatment, (ii) performing a systematic review of the literature to develop candidate QIs, and (iii) selecting of the final set of QIs using a modified Delphi process. Work was undertaken in parallel with the writing of the 2022 ESC Guidelines on Cardio-Oncology and in collaboration with the European Haematology Association, the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology and the International Cardio-Oncology Society. In total, 5 main and 9 secondary QIs were selected across five domains of care: (i) Structural framework, (ii) Baseline cardiovascular risk assessment, (iii) Cancer therapy related cardiovascular toxicity, (iv) Predictors of outcomes, and (v) Monitoring of cardiovascular complications during cancer therapy. CONCLUSION: We present the ESC Cardio-Oncology QIs with their development process and provide an overview of the scientific rationale for their selection. These indicators are aimed at quantifying and improving the adherence to guideline-recommended clinical practice and improving patient outcomes