Multimodal Batch-Wise Change Detection

We address the problem of detecting distribution changes in a novel batch-wise and multimodal setup. This setup is characterized by a stationary condition where batches are drawn from potentially different modalities among a set of distributions in Rd represented in the training set. Existing change detection (CD) algorithms assume that there is a unique-possibly multipeaked-distribution characterizing stationary conditions, and in batch-wise multimodal context exhibit either low detection power or poor control of false positives. We present MultiModal QuantTree (MMQT), a novel CD algorithm that uses a single histogram to model the batch-wise multimodal stationary conditions. During testing, MMQT automatically identifies which modality has generated the incoming batch and detects changes by means of a modality-specific statistic. We leverage the theoretical properties of QuantTree to: 1) automatically estimate the number of modalities in a training set and 2) derive a principled calibration procedure that guarantees false-positive control. Our experiments show that MMQT achieves high detection power and accurate control over false positives in synthetic and real-world multimodal CD problems. Moreover, we show the potential of MMQT in Stream Learning applications, where it proves effective at detecting concept drifts and the emergence of novel classes by solely monitoring the input distribution

Analysis of Coplanar On-Chip Interconnects on Lossy Semiconducting Substrates

In this paper, a method for analysis and modeling of coplanar transmission interconnect lines that are placed on top of silicon-silicon oxide substrates is presented. The potential function is expressed by series expansions in terms of solutions of the Laplace equation for each homogeneous region of layered structure. The expansion coefficients of different series are related to each other and to potentials applied to the conductors via boundary conditions. In the plane of conductors, boundary conditions are satisfied at Nd discrete points with Nd being equal to the number of terms in the series expansions. The resulting system of inhomogeneous linear equations is solved by matrix inversion. No iterations are required. A discussion of the calculated line admittance parameters as functions of width of conductors, thickness of the layers, and frequency is given. The interconnect capacitance and conductance per unit length results are given and compared with those obtained using full wave solutions, and good agreement have been obtained in all the cases treated

Setting up an earthquake forecast experiment in Italy

We describe the setting up of the first earthquake forecasting experiment for Italy within the Collaboratory for the Study of Earthquake Predictability (CSEP). CSEP conducts rigorous and truly prospective forecast experiments for different tectonic environments in several forecast testing centers around the globe; forecasts are issued for a future period and also tested only against future observations to avoid any possible bias. As such, experiments need to be completely defined. This includes exact definitions of the testing area, of learning data for the forecast models, and of observation data against which forecasts will be tested to evaluate their performance. Here we present the rules, as taken from the Regional Earthquake Likelihood Models experiment and extended or changed for the Italian experiment. We also present characterizations of learning and observational catalogs that describe the completeness of these catalogs and illuminate inhomogeneities of magnitudes between these catalogs. A particular focus lies on the stability of earthquake recordings of the observational network. These catalog investigations provide guidance for CSEP modelers for developing earthquakes forecasts for submission to the forecast experiment in Italy

A pattern recognition method for the RICH-based HMPID detector in ALICE

A pattern recognition method developed for the High Momentum Particle IDentification (HMPID) detector in the ALICE experiment at CERN is presented. The algorithm is based on the Hough transform with a mapping of the pad coordinate space directly to the Cherenkov angle parameter space. Cherenkov angle reconstruction has been studied as a function of different particle densities in the photodetector using real data taken in the ALICE tests at the CERN SPS: a satisfactory resolution can be achieved even in events where the occupancy reaches more than 12, which is the situation we may be confronted with in central Pb-Pb interactions at LHC. (9 refs)

Performance of large area CsI-RICH prototypes for ALICE at LHC

We present the performances of large area CsI-RICH prototypes obtained in single particle events. The differential quantum efficiency of the photocathodes has been deduced from Cherenkov rings by means of two different procedures: a direct measurement with a thin NaF radiator and a Monte Carlo based estimation for a C$_6$F$_{14}$ radiator. A factor of merit of 45 cm$^{-1}$ has been found for the typical detector configuration. Two angle reconstruction algorithms have been used and the different errors affecting the Cherenkov angle resolution have been estimated combining the analytical treatment and the Monte Carlo simulation. Also the dependence on radiator thickness, Cherenkov ring radius, chamber voltage and particle incidence angle has been studied

Clonal Dissemination Of Vana-type Glycopeptide-resistant Enterococcus Faecalis Between Hospitals Of Two Cities Located 100 Km Apart.

Nosocomial dissemination of glycopeptide-resistant enterococci represents a major problem in hospitals worldwide. In Brazil, the dissemination among hospitals in the city of São Paulo of polyclonal DNA profiles was previously described for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium. We describe here the dissemination of VanA phenotype E. faecalis between two hospitals located in different cities in the State of São Paulo. The index outbreak occurred in a tertiary care university hospital (HCUSP) in the city of São Paulo and three years later a cluster caused by the same strain was recognized in two patients hospitalized in a private tertiary care hospital (CMC) located 100 km away in the interior of the state. From May to July 1999, 10 strains of vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis were isolated from 10 patients hospitalized in the HCUSP. The DNA genotyping using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) showed that all isolates were originated from the same clone, suggesting nosocomial dissemination. From May to July 2002, three strains of vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis were isolated from two patients hospitalized in CMC and both patients were colonized by the vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus in skin lesions. All isolates from CMC and HCUSP were highly resistant to vancomycin and teicoplanin. The three strains from CMC had minimum inhibitory concentration >256 micro g/ml for vancomycin, and 64 (CMC 1 and CMC 2) and 96 micro g/ml (CMC 3) for teicoplanin, characterizing a profile of VanA resistance to glycopeptides. All strains had the presence of the transposon Tn1546 detected by PCR and were closely related when typed by PFGE. The dissemination of the E. faecalis VanA phenotype among hospitals located in different cities is of great concern because E. faecalis commonly colonizes the gastrointestinal tract of patients and healthy persons for periods varying from weeks to years, which, together with the persistence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus in hospital rooms after standard cleaning procedures, increases the risk of the dissemination and reservoir of the bacteria.371339-4

Final tests of the CsI-based ring imaging detector for the ALICE experiment

We report on the final tests performed on a CsI-based RICH detector equipped with 2 C$_6$F$_{14}$ radiator trays and 4 photocathodes, each of 64$\times$38 cm$^2$ area. The overall performance of the detector is described, using different gas mixtures, in view of optimizing the photoelectron yield and the pad occupancy. Test results under magnetic field up to 0.9 T, photocathode homogeneity and stability are presented

LiFePO4 spray drying scale-up and carbon-cage for improved cyclability

The growing market for electrical vehicles requires inexpensive, long-lasting batteries. LiFePO4 (LFP) melt-synthesized from ore concentrate fits this role, but the manufacturing process requires additional steps that includes grinding large ingots into a nanoparticle suspension followed by a dessication step. Spray drying, rather than tray drying, creates a mesopomus powder that enhances wettability. Adding lactose and high-Mw polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to the suspension of nanostructures followed by pyrolysis, creates a carbon-cage that interconnects the cathode nanoparticles, imparting better capacity (LiFePO4/C: 161 mA h g(-1) at 0.1C), discharge rate (flat plateau, 145 mA h g(-1) at 5C), and cyclability (91% capacity retention after 750 cycles at 1C). Particle size affects battery stability; PVA increases the suspension's viscosity and alters the powder morphology, from spherical to hollow particles. A model describes the non-Newtonian suspension's rheology changing: shear, temperature, LFP and PVA loading. Carbon precursors prevent the nanoparticles from sintering during calcination but lactose gasifies 50% of the carbon, according to the chemical and allotropic composition measurements (CS analyzer, XPS, and Raman). The carbon-cage imparts micmporosity and we correlate the SEM and TEM powder's morphology with N2 physisorption porosimetry. Ultrasonication of the suspension fragments the PVA chain, which is detrimental to the final cathode performance