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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 127 records · Page 7

HYBRID NEURAL NETWORK AND SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINE METHOD FOR OPTIMIZATION

System and method for optimization of a design associated with a response function, using a hybrid neural net and support vector machine (NN/SVM) analysis to minimize or maximize an objective function, optionally subject to one or more constraints. As a first example, the NN/SVM analysis is applied iteratively to design of an aerodynamic component, such as an airfoil shape, where the objective function measures deviation from a target pressure distribution on the perimeter of the aerodynamic component. As a second example, the NN/SVM analysis is applied to data classification of a sequence of data points in a multidimensional space. The NN/SVM analysis is also applied to data regression.

Rai, Man Mohan↗

Hybrid Neural Network and Support Vector Machine Method for Optimization

System and method for optimization of a design associated with a response function, using a hybrid neural net and support vector machine (NN/SVM) analysis to minimize or maximize an objective function, optionally subject to one or more constraints. As a first example, the NN/SVM analysis is applied iteratively to design of an aerodynamic component, such as an airfoil shape, where the objective function measures deviation from a target pressure distribution on the perimeter of the aerodynamic component. As a second example, the NN/SVM analysis is applied to data classification of a sequence of data points in a multidimensional space. The NN/SVM analysis is also applied to data regression.

Rai, Man Mohan↗

Convergence of variational Monte Carlo simulation and scale-invariant pre-training

We provide theoretical convergence bounds for the variational Monte Carlo (VMC) method as applied to optimize neural network wave functions for the electronic structure problem. Here, we study both the energy minimization phase and the supervised pre-training phase that is commonly used prior to energy minimization. For the energy minimization phase, the standard algorithm is scale-invariant by design, and we provide a proof of convergence for this algorithm without modifications. The pre-training stage typically does not feature such scale-invariance. We propose using a scale-invariant loss for the pretraining phase and demonstrate empirically that it leads to faster pre-training.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Unraveling Adsorbate-Induced Structural Evolution of Iron Carbide Nanoparticles

Iron carbide (Fe x C y ) nanoparticles (NPs) are promising candidates for replacing platinum group metals in industrial applications, such as high-temperature Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. However, due to their amorphous nature, characterization of the active sites has been challenging experimentally and computationally. Here, using a combined density functional theory (DFT), neural network interatomic potential-assisted global optimization, and ensemble learning study, we evaluate dynamic surface changes associated with syngas (H and CO) interactions. For this purpose, we have developed a general procedure that we use to model an experimentally relevant 270-atom Fe 182 C 88 NP using the neural network-assisted stochastic surface walk global optimization algorithm (SSW-NN). Once generated, the Fe 182 C 88 NP active sites and particle morphology are thoroughly characterized before the effects of syngas adsorbate interactions are explored by using DFT and molecular dynamics simulations. Lastly, we explore correlations between geometric and electronic features of the active sites and the adsorption of H (H ads ), using a regularized random forest machine learning algorithm. In doing so, we identified the Fe–C coordination number and p orbital occupancy as the most important descriptors affecting H ads . Furthermore, using a combined ML and quantum chemistry approach, our work demonstrates a general and efficient procedure for generating and probing complex surface phenomena on binary nanoparticles.

Adsorption↗

Photodetector Array For Neural Network

Integrated circuit performs 1,024 threshold operations in parallel. Designed for use in postprocessing output of optical correlator in optoelectronic neural network. Overall function of device to put out digital signals indicative of location(s) of bright spot(s) on detector plane. Response time less than commercial charge-coupled-device (CCD) imaging detector operating at standard television frame rate.

Langenbacher, Harry↗

Transferable predictions of energetic and structural properties for refractory solid solution alloys across chemical compositions

We present a data-efficient approach to train graph neural networks (GNNs) on density functional theory (DFT) data for accurate and transferable predictions of energetic and structural properties of refractory solid solution alloys in the niobium-tantalum-vanadium (Nb-Ta-V) chemical space. We start by training the GNN model only on DFT data that describes refractory binary alloys niobium-tantalum (Nb-Ta), niobium-vanadium (Nb-V), and tantalum-vanadium (Ta-V) to predict formation enthalpy and root mean squared displacement. Once trained, the GNN predictions are tested on DFT data describing refractory ternary alloys Nb-Ta-V. While, unsurprisingly, direct transferability from binary to ternary is not sufficiently accurate, augmenting the training with only 1% of the available ternary data (uniformly distributed across the entire range of chemical compositions) improves significantly the quality of the GNN predictions. For comparison, we assess the transferability in the opposite direction by training GNN models on ternary Nb-Ta-V data and making predictions on binaries Nb-Ta, Nb-V, and Ta-V, which exhibits notably higher predictive errors. The proposed methodology, which favors transferability from lower-component to higher-component alloys, offers an efficient path towards avoiding the curse of dimensionality incurred when collecting DFT data for discovery and design of multi-component disordered alloys.

Density functional theory calculations↗

Linear and nonlinear ARMA model parameter estimation using an artificial neural network

This paper addresses parametric system identification of linear and nonlinear dynamic systems by analysis of the input and output signals. Specifically, we investigate the relationship between estimation of the system using a feedforward neural network model and estimation of the system by use of linear and nonlinear autoregressive moving-average (ARMA) models. By utilizing a neural network model incorporating a polynomial activation function, we show the equivalence of the artificial neural network to the linear and nonlinear ARMA models. We compare the parameterization of the estimated system using the neural network and ARMA approaches by utilizing data generated by means of computer simulations. Specifically, we show that the parameters of a simulated ARMA system can be obtained from the neural network analysis of the simulated data or by conventional least squares ARMA analysis. The feasibility of applying neural networks with polynomial activation functions to the analysis of experimental data is explored by application to measurements of heart rate (HR) and instantaneous lung volume (ILV) fluctuations.

NASA Discipline Regulatory Physiology↗

Depth-size tradeoffs for neural computation

The tradeoffs between the depth (i.e., the time for parallel computation) and the size (i.e., the number of threshold gates) in neural networks are studied. The authors focus the study on the neural computations of symmetric Boolean functions and some arithmetic functions. It is shown that a significant reduction in the size is possible for symmetric functions and some arithmetic functions, at the expense of a small constant increase in depth. In the process, several neural networks which have the minimum size among all the known constructions have been developed. Results on implementing symmetric functions can be used to improve results about arbitrary Boolean functions. In particular, It is shown that any Boolean function can be computed in a depth-3 neural network with O(2n/2) threshold gates; it is also proven that a minimum number of threshold gates are required.

Siu, Kai-Yeung↗

From biological neural networks to thinking machines: Transitioning biological organizational principles to computer technology

The three-dimensional organization of the vestibular macula is under study by computer assisted reconstruction and simulation methods as a model for more complex neural systems. One goal of this research is to transition knowledge of biological neural network architecture and functioning to computer technology, to contribute to the development of thinking computers. Maculas are organized as weighted neural networks for parallel distributed processing of information. The network is characterized by non-linearity of its terminal/receptive fields. Wiring appears to develop through constrained randomness. A further property is the presence of two main circuits, highly channeled and distributed modifying, that are connected through feedforward-feedback collaterals and biasing subcircuit. Computer simulations demonstrate that differences in geometry of the feedback (afferent) collaterals affects the timing and the magnitude of voltage changes delivered to the spike initiation zone. Feedforward (efferent) collaterals act as voltage followers and likely inhibit neurons of the distributed modifying circuit. These results illustrate the importance of feedforward-feedback loops, of timing, and of inhibition in refining neural network output. They also suggest that it is the distributed modifying network that is most involved in adaptation, memory, and learning. Tests of macular adaptation, through hyper- and microgravitational studies, support this hypothesis since synapses in the distributed modifying circuit, but not the channeled circuit, are altered. Transitioning knowledge of biological systems to computer technology, however, remains problematical.

Ross, Muriel D.↗

System and method for determining stability of a neural system

Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer-readable media for determining stability of a neural system. The method includes tracking a function world line of an N element neural system within at least one behavioral space, determining whether the tracking function world line is approaching a psychological stability surface, and implementing a quantitative solution that corrects instability if the tracked function world line is approaching the psychological stability surface.

Curtis, Steven A.↗

Identification of Abnormal System Noise Temperature Patterns in Deep Space Network Antennas Using Neural Network Trained Fuzzy Logic

This paper presents the development of a fuzzy logic function trained by an artificial neural network to classify the system noise temperature (SNT) of antennas in the NASA Deep Space Network (DSN). The SNT data were classified into normal, marginal, and abnormal classes. The irregular SNT pattern was further correlated with link margin and weather data. A reasonably good correlation is detected among high SNT, low link margin and the effect of bad weather; however we also saw some unexpected non-correlations which merit further study in the future.

pattern identification↗

Massively parallel and universal approximation of nonlinear functions using diffractive processors

Nonlinear computation is essential for a wide range of information processing tasks, yet implementing nonlinear functions using optical systems remains a challenge due to the weak and power-intensive nature of optical nonlinearities. Overcoming this limitation without relying on nonlinear optical materials could unlock unprecedented opportunities for ultrafast and parallel optical computing systems. Here, we demonstrate that large-scale nonlinear computation can be performed using linear optics through optimized diffractive processors composed of passive phase-only surfaces. In this framework, the input variables of nonlinear functions are encoded into the phase of an optical wavefront—e.g., via a spatial light modulator (SLM)—and transformed by an optimized diffractive structure with spatially varying point-spread functions to yield output intensities that approximate a large set of unique nonlinear functions–all in parallel. We provide proof establishing that this architecture serves as a universal function approximator for an arbitrary set of bandlimited nonlinear functions, also covering wavelength-multiplexed nonlinear functions as well as multi-variate and complex-valued functions that are all-optically cascadable. Our analysis also indicates the successful approximation of typical nonlinear activation functions commonly used in neural networks, including the sigmoid, tanh, ReLU (rectified linear unit), and softplus. We numerically demonstrate the parallel computation of one million distinct nonlinear functions, accurately executed at wavelength-scale spatial density at the output of a diffractive optical processor. Furthermore, we experimentally validated this framework using in situ optical learning and approximated 35 unique nonlinear functions in a single shot using a compact setup consisting of an SLM and an image sensor. These results establish diffractive optical processors as a scalable platform for massively parallel universal nonlinear function approximation, paving the way for new capabilities in analog optical computing based on linear materials.

Rahman, Md Sadman Sakib [University of California,↗

Sensing and perception: Connectionist approaches to subcognitive computing

New approaches to machine sensing and perception are presented. The motivation for crossdisciplinary studies of perception in terms of AI and neurosciences is suggested. The question of computing architecture granularity as related to global/local computation underlying perceptual function is considered and examples of two environments are given. Finally, the examples of using one of the environments, UCLA PUNNS, to study neural architectures for visual function are presented.

Skrrypek, J.↗

Hippocampal place-cell firing during movement in three-dimensional space

"Place" cells of the rat hippocampus are coupled to "head direction" cells of the thalamus and limbic cortex. Head direction cells are sensitive to head direction in the horizontal plane only, which leads to the question of whether place cells similarly encode locations in the horizontal plane only, ignoring the z axis, or whether they encode locations in three dimensions. This question was addressed by recording from ensembles of CA1 pyramidal cells while rats traversed a rectangular track that could be tilted and rotated to different three-dimensional orientations. Cells were analyzed to determine whether their firing was bound to the external, three-dimensional cues of the environment, to the two-dimensional rectangular surface, or to some combination of these cues. Tilting the track 45 degrees generally provoked a partial remapping of the rectangular surface in that some cells maintained their place fields, whereas other cells either gained new place fields, lost existing fields, or changed their firing locations arbitrarily. When the tilted track was rotated relative to the distal landmarks, most place fields remapped, but a number of cells maintained the same place field relative to the x-y coordinate frame of the laboratory, ignoring the z axis. No more cells were bound to the local reference frame of the recording apparatus than would be predicted by chance. The partial remapping demonstrated that the place cell system was sensitive to the three-dimensional manipulations of the recording apparatus. Nonetheless the results were not consistent with an explicit three-dimensional tuning of individual hippocampal neurons nor were they consistent with a model in which different sets of cells are tightly coupled to different sets of environmental cues. The results are most consistent with the statement that hippocampal neurons can change their "tuning functions" in arbitrary ways when features of the sensory input or behavioral context are altered. Understanding the rules that govern the remapping phenomenon holds promise for deciphering the neural circuitry underlying hippocampal function.

Non-NASA Center↗

The RNA-binding protein Modulo promotes neural stem cell maintenance in Drosophila

A small population of stem cells in the developing Drosophila central nervous system generates the large number of different cell types that make up the adult brain. To achieve this, these neural stem cells (neuroblasts, NBs) divide asymmetrically to produce non-identical daughter cells. The balance between stem cell self-renewal and neural differentiation is regulated by various cellular machinery, including transcription factors, chromatin remodelers, and RNA-binding proteins. The list of these components remains incomplete, and the mechanisms regulating their function are not fully understood, however. Here, we identify a role for the RNA-binding protein Modulo (Mod; nucleolin in humans) in NB maintenance. We employ transcriptomic analyses to identify RNA targets of Mod and assess changes in global gene expression following its knockdown, results of which suggest a link with notable proneural genes and those essential for neurogenesis. Mod is expressed in larval brains and its loss leads to a significant decrease in the number of central brain NBs. Stem cells that remain lack expression of key NB identity factors and exhibit cell proliferation defects. Mechanistically, our analysis suggests these deficiencies arise at least in part from altered cell cycle progression, with a proportion of NBs arresting prior to mitosis. Overall, our data show that Mod function is essential for neural stem cell maintenance during neurogenesis.

Parra, Amalia S.↗