Scalable Bayesian nonparametric measures for exploring pairwise dependence via Dirichlet Process Mixtures

In this article we propose novel Bayesian nonparametric methods using Dirichlet Process Mixture (DPM) models for detecting pairwise dependence between random variables while accounting for uncertainty in the form of the underlying distributions. A key criteria is that the procedures should scale to large data sets. In this regard we find that the formal calculation of the Bayes factor for a dependent-vs.-independent DPM joint probability measure is not feasible computationally. To address this we present Bayesian diagnostic measures for characterising evidence against a "null model" of pairwise independence. In simulation studies, as well as for a real data analysis, we show that our approach provides a useful tool for the exploratory nonparametric Bayesian analysis of large multivariate data sets

Multidimensional models for double-swept helicopter blades

This paper presents multidimensional finite element models for the analyses of modern helicopter blades. The methodology enables finite elements with different dimensionality to be joined together in a consistent fashion. The formulation exploits the unique feature of a special class of refined beam elements, which have pure displacements as unknowns. This property makes it possible to connect beam and solid elements at node levels without the need for complicated mathematical formulations. Various problems in the modeling of realistic blades can be tackled with ease such as the application of nonclassical constraints. All physical surfaces of the structure can be modeled regardless of which finite element is used for discretizing the blade portion. Thus, three-dimensional stress states can be readily obtained by avoiding further postprocessing operations. The multidimensional models have been verified with experimental results and validated with beam and shell finite element solutions available in the literature by considering tip-swept blades with rectangular cross sections. The methodology has been then applied to a double-swept blade with a realistic profile

Troubleshooting Time-Dependent Density-Functional Theory for Photochemical Applications: Oxirane

The development of analytic-gradient methodology for excited states within conventional time-dependent density-functional theory (TDDFT) would seem to offer a relatively inexpensive alternative to better established quantum-chemical approaches for the modeling of photochemical reactions. However, even though TDDFT is formally exact, practical calculations involve the use of approximate functionals, in particular the TDDFT adiabatic approximation, whose use in photochemical applications must be further validated. Here, we investigate the prototypical case of the symmetric CC ring opening of oxirane. We demonstrate by direct comparison with the results of high-quality quantum Monte Carlo calculations that, far from being an approximation on TDDFT, the Tamm-Dancoff approximation (TDA) is a practical necessity for avoiding triplet instabilities and singlet near instabilities, thus helping maintain energetically reasonable excited-state potential energy surfaces during bond breaking. Other difficulties one would encounter in modeling oxirane photodynamics are pointed out but none of these is likely to prevent a qualitatively correct TDDFT/TDA description of photochemistry in this prototypical molecule.Comment: 19 pages, 17 figures, submitted to the Journal of Chemical Physic

Early assessment of vestibular function after unilateral cochlear implant surgery

Introduction : Cochlear implantation (CI) has been reported to negatively effect on the vestibular function. The study of the vestibular function has variably been conducted by different types of diagnostic tools. The combined use of modern, rapidly performable diagnostic tools could reveal useful for standardizing the evaluation protocol. Methods: In a group of 28 subjects undergoing CI, the video Head Impulse Test (vHIT), the cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (cVEMPS) and the short-form of Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) questionnaire were investigated pre-operatively and post-operatively (implant on and off) in both the implanted and the contralateral, non-implanted ear. All surgeries were performed with a round window approach (RWA), except for three otosclerosis cases were the extended RWA (eRWA) was used. Results: The vHIT of the lateral semicircular canal showed a pre-operative vestibular involvement in nearly 50% of the cases, whilst the three canals were contemporarily affected in only 14% of them. In all the hypo-functional subjects, cVEMPs were absent. A low VOR gain in all the investigated SSCC was found in 4 subjects (14%). In those subjects, (21.7%) in whom cVEMPs were pre-operatively present and normal in the operated side, absence of response was post-operatives recorded. Discussion/Conclusion: The vestibular protocol applied for the study showed to be appropriate for distinguishing between the CI operated and the non-operated ear. In this regard, cVEMPs showed to be more sensitive than vHIT for revealing a vestibular sufferance after CI, although without statistical significance. Finally, the use of the RWA surgery was apparently not avoiding signs of vestibular impairment to occur

Simultaneous Contralateral Vestibular Schwannoma and Middle Ear Paraganglioma Tumor

To the best of our knowledge, only 2 cases of a simultaneous contralateral vestibular schwannoma (VS) and middle ear paraganglioma (MEP) have previously been reported in literature. We report the third case observed in a 43-year-old male, who presented with an 11-year history of right-sided hearing loss and a 1-year history of left-sided pulsatile tinnitus. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a VS on the right side and computer tomography (CT) identified a Fisch type A1 paraganglioma on the left side. The VS was treated using a translabyrinthine approach and the MEP was kept under radiological observation for 1 year. Due to the growth of the MEP (Fisch type A2), it was treated with excision via a retroauricular approach. Our case was very challenging because there was a different and important pathology on each side, both carrying a risk of deafness as a consequence of the disease and/or the treatments

Performance of 15-Stage Experimental J71 Axial-Flow Compressor. III - Effects of Inlet-Guide-Vane Adjustment

The stall-limit line at low speeds was improved somewhat by closing the inlet guide vanes 6 deg, while the design-speed maximum flow and pressure ratio were reduced. The first-stage characteristic curve was moved to lower values of both flog coefficient and equivalent pressure ratio. The second-stage pressure ratio was decreased slightly at high speeds, while the later stages were unaffected

IMAGINING CULTURES OF COOPERATION: UNIVERSITIES NETWORKING TO FACE THE NEW DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES

The Proceedings of the CUCS Torino 2013 Congress (19-21 September 2013) represent the final step of a scientific project and of an organisational and relational process that have proved challenging, engaging and ultimately rewording. At the same time the Proceedings testify the growing contribution by the Italian universities to the debate on international development and set a new beginning towards the next CUCS Congress to be held in 2015 in Brescia, as well as towards a more tight and effective cooperation between Politecnico di Torino, University of Turin and all the other actors involved in international development cooperation within the territory of Turin and Piedmont (international organisations, local institutions, NGOs, foundations, private companies…)