Calculation of Exact Estimators by Integration Over the Surface of an n-Dimensional Sphere

This paper reconsiders the problem of calculating the expected set of probabilities , given the observed set of items {m_i}, that are distributed among n bins with an (unknown) set of probabilities {p_i} for being placed in the ith bin. The problem is often formulated using Bayes theorem and the multinomial distribution, along with a constant prior for the values of the p_i, leading to a Dirichlet distribution for the {p_i}. The moments of the p_i can then be calculated exactly. Here a new approach is suggested for the calculation of the moments, that uses a change of variables that reduces the problem to an integration over a portion of the surface of an n-dimensional sphere. This greatly simplifies the calculation by allowing a straightforward integration over (n-1) independent variables, with the constraints on the set of p_i being automatically satisfied. For the Dirichlet and similar distributions the problem simplifies even further, with the resulting integrals subsequently factorising, allowing their easy evaluation in terms of Beta functions. A proof by induction confirms existing calculations for the moments. The advantage of the approach presented here is that the methods and results apply with minimum or no modifications to numerical calculations that involve more complicated distributions or non-constant prior distributions, for which cases the numerical calculations will be greatly simplified

Discrimination and visualization of ELM types based on a probabilistic description of inter-ELM waiting times

Discrimination and visualization of different observed classes of edge-localized plasma instabilities (ELMs), using advanced data analysis techniques has been considered. An automated ELM type classifier which effectively incorporates measurement uncertainties is developed herein and applied to the discrimination of type I and type III ELMs in a set of carbon-wall JET plasmas. The approach involves constructing probability density functions (PDFs) for inter-ELM waiting times and global plasma parameters and then utilizing an effective similarity measure for comparing distributions: the Rao geodesic distance (GD). It is demonstrated that complete probability distributions of plasma parameters contain significantly more information than the measurement values alone, enabling effective discrimination of ELM type

Case Studies in Using Whole Building Interval Data to Determine Annualized Electrical Savings

Whole building interval analysis to determine savings from energy reduction measures is addressed in several guidelines. The whole building method has typically focused on measured savings where baseline regression models are developed to project original operational characteristics to measured post implementation results. A normalized savings method is described in the same guidelines. The savings normalization uses baseline and post regression models with a common data set, such as TMY. Details in applying the normalized savings method are not described in the guidelines. The case studies presented in this paper attempt to use the normalized method to determine annual savings. Results show the normalized method produces the same savings percentage as the measured method, but the total energy usage and savings predicted was lower. Using 12, 9, 6 and 3 month post monitoring periods for the development of the post regression models yielded normalized realization rates of 87% to 114% when compared to the measured method results

Rescue of the MERTK phagocytic defect in a human iPSC disease model using translational read-through inducing drugs.

Inherited retinal dystrophies are an important cause of blindness, for which currently there are no effective treatments. In order to study this heterogeneous group of diseases, adequate disease models are required in order to better understand pathology and to test potential therapies. Induced pluripotent stem cells offer a new way to recapitulate patient specific diseases in vitro, providing an almost limitless amount of material to study. We used fibroblast-derived induced pluripotent stem cells to generate retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) from an individual suffering from retinitis pigmentosa associated with biallelic variants in MERTK. MERTK has an essential role in phagocytosis, one of the major functions of the RPE. The MERTK deficiency in this individual results from a nonsense variant and so the MERTK-RPE cells were subsequently treated with two translational readthrough inducing drugs (G418 & PTC124) to investigate potential restoration of expression of the affected gene and production of a full-length protein. The data show that PTC124 was able to reinstate phagocytosis of labeled photoreceptor outer segments at a reduced, but significant level. These findings represent a confirmation of the usefulness of iPSC derived disease specific models in investigating the pathogenesis and screening potential treatments for these rare blinding disorders

Understanding power, social capital and trust alongside near real-time water quality monitoring and technological development collaboration

We report on qualitative social research conducted with stakeholders in a local agricultural knowledge and advice network associated with a collaborative water quality monitoring project. These farmers, advisors and researchers allude to existing social dynamics, technological developments, and (more general) social evolution which is analysed against a novel analytical framework. This framework considers notions of power, social capital, and trust as related and dynamic, forming the basis of our contribution to knowledge. We then probe the data to understand perceived impacts of the collaborative project and social interaction associated with this research project, which involved cutting edge automated and frequent water quality monitoring that allowed for near real-time access to data visualisation displayed via a bespoke mobile or web ‘app’ (1622WQ). Our findings indicate that a multi-faceted approach to assessing and intervening based on consideration of multiple social dimensions holds promise in terms of creating conditions that allow for individual and group learning to encourage changes in thinking required to result in improved land management practice