Reconstruction of Causal Networks by Set Covering

We present a method for the reconstruction of networks, based on the order of nodes visited by a stochastic branching process. Our algorithm reconstructs a network of minimal size that ensures consistency with the data. Crucially, we show that global consistency with the data can be achieved through purely local considerations, inferring the neighbourhood of each node in turn. The optimisation problem solved for each individual node can be reduced to a Set Covering Problem, which is known to be NP-hard but can be approximated well in practice. We then extend our approach to account for noisy data, based on the Minimum Description Length principle. We demonstrate our algorithms on synthetic data, generated by an SIR-like epidemiological model.Comment: Under consideration for the ECML PKDD 2010 conferenc

Meta -Bridged calix[4]arenes with the methylene moiety possessing in/out stereochemistry of substituents

meta-Substituted organomercury calix[4]arenes and their corresponding iodo derivatives have been used for lithiation followed by a reaction with various aldehydes or ketones. The resulting diastereomers were in some cases separable using simple column chromatography. Subsequent intramolecular Friedel-Crafts alkylation led to calix[4]arenes with an additional methylene bridge bearing two different substituents with in/out (relative to the cavity) stereochemistry. Our results indicate that the stereochemistry of the final cyclised product does not depend on the structure/stereochemistry of the starting compound, but rather it is influenced by the stability of the products. The relationship between the positions of these substituents and the complexation properties was demonstrated by 1H NMR titration experiments with N-methylpyridinium iodide

NEAT-FT: the European fiber link collaboration

The development of clocks based on optical transitions during the past three decades culminates in the availability of optical clocks with unprecedented stability and uncertainty . Simultaneously, increasing requirements for accurate time and frequency signals, e.g. for tests of fundamental physics or novel applications in relativistic geodesy, put forward new challenges. Typically, such applications rely on the comparison of two remote clocks. Thus, major challenges are how to synchronize these clocks over long distances or how to get the time or frequency signal of a clock to the location where it is required. It is generally agreed that optical fiber links are an excellent alternative to established satellite based distant clock comparison and synchronization techniques. A European joint research project called Network for European Accurate Time and Frequency Transfer (NEAT-FT) has been initiated in 2011 to lay the foundations for a novel approach to disseminate high-precision timing and ultrastable frequency signals by using existing fiber infrastructure. Since Europe has a large number of modern ultra-precise clocks, special emphasis is put on the development of new techniques for time transfer and phase-coherent comparison of remotely located optical clocks and the feasibility of a European fibre network connecting optical clocks in Europe. This talk highlights recent achievements and discusses some applications and prospects

30.7 Tb/s (96x320 Gb/s) DP-32QAM transmission over 19-cell photonic band gap fiber

We report for the first time coherently-detected, polarization-multiplexed transmission over a photonic band gap fiber. By transmitting 96 x 320-Gb/s DP-32QAM modulated channels, a net data rate of 24 Tb/s was obtained

Traveling waves and pattern formation for spatially discrete bistable reaction-diffusion equations (survey)

Analysis and Stochastic

Compact elements in the lattice of varieties

summary:We prove that the lattice of varieties contains almost no compact elements