Linear random knots and their scaling behavior

We present here a nonbiased probabilistic method that allows us to consistently analyze knottedness of linear random walks with up to several hundred noncorrelated steps. The method consists of analyzing the spectrum of knots formed by multiple closures of the same open walk through random points on a sphere enclosing the walk. Knottedness of individual "frozen" configurations of linear chains is therefore defined by a characteristic spectrum of realizable knots. We show that in the great majority of cases this method clearly defines the dominant knot type of a walk, i.e., the strongest component of the spectrum. In such cases, direct end-to-end closure creates a knot that usually coincides with the knot type that dominates the random closure spectrum. Interestingly, in a very small proportion of linear random walks, the knot type is not clearly defined. Such walks can be considered as residing in a border zone of the configuration space of two or more knot types. We also characterize the scaling behavior of linear random knots.

Polydispersity index from linear viscoelastic data: Unimodal and bimodal linear polymer melts

This article describes a method for determining the polydispersity index Ip2=Mz/Mw of the molecular weight distribution (MWD) of linear polymeric materials from linear viscoelastic data. The method uses the Mellin transform of the relaxation modulus of a simple molecular rheological model. One of the main features of this technique is that it enables interesting MWD information to be obtained directly from dynamic shear experiments. It is not necessary to achieve the relaxation spectrum, so the ill-posed problem is avoided. Furthermore, a determinate shape of the continuous MWD does not have to be assumed in order to obtain the polydispersity index. The technique has been developed to deal with entangled linear polymers, whatever the form of the MWD is. The rheological information required to obtain the polydispersity index is the storage G′(ω) and loss G″(ω) moduli, extending from the terminal zone to the plateau region. The method provides a good agreement between the proposed theoretical approach and the experimental polydispersity indices of several linear polymers for a wide range of average molecular weights and polydispersity indices. It is also applicable to binary blends.

Comparison between a linear ion trap and a triple quadruple MS in the sensitive detection of large peptides at femtomole amounts on column.

In addition to the importance of sample preparation and extract separation, MS detection is a key factor in the sensitive quantification of large undigested peptides. In this article, a linear ion trap MS (LIT-MS) and a triple quadrupole MS (TQ-MS) have been compared in the detection of large peptides at subnanomolar concentrations. Natural brain natriuretic peptide, C-peptide, substance P and D-Junk-inhibitor peptide, a full D-amino acid therapeutic peptide, were chosen. They were detected by ESI and simultaneous MS(1) and MS(2) acquisitions. With direct peptide infusion, MS(2) spectra revealed that fragmentation was peptide dependent, milder on the LIT-MS and required high collision energies on the TQ-MS to obtain high-intensity product ions. Peptide adsorption on surfaces was overcome and peptide dilutions ranging from 0.1 to 25 nM were injected onto an ultra high-pressure LC system with a 1 mm id analytical column and coupled with the MS instruments. No difference was observed between the two instruments when recording in LC-MS(1) acquisitions. However, in LC-MS(2) acquisitions, a better sensitivity in the detection of large peptides was observed with the LIT-MS. Indeed, with the three longer peptides, the typical fragmentation in the TQ-MS resulted in a dramatic loss of sensitivity (> or = 10x).

Utilização da fosfina em combinação com o dióxido de carbono no controle do Rhyzopertha dominica (f.)

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da utilização de fosfina, associada a uma atmosfera rica em dióxido de carbono (CO2), no controle efetivo do inseto Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) em todas as suas fases de desenvolvimento. Para isso, foram realizadas fumigações com atmosfera sintética contendo 21% de CO2 e 79% de N2 associada a níveis reduzidos de fosfina (0,25, 0,50 e 0,75 g m-3). Para posterior comparação dos resultados, foram realizados dois tratamentos com ar ambiente associado às dosagens de zero e 1,00 g m-3 de fosfina. Todos os tratamentos foram realizados em três períodos de exposição (24, 72 e 120 horas), à temperatura de 29°C e umidade relativa de 60%. A análise dos resultados permitiu concluir que o aumento no período de exposição resultou no aumento da eficácia dos tratamentos em atmosferas sintética e ambiente. O controle efetivo de todas as fases do inseto foi obtido, em geral, com 0,50 e 0,75 g m-3 de fosfina + CO2, em período de exposição de 120 horas. Ovos e adultos foram as fases mais suscetíveis, e pupa, a mais resistente.

Micro-Computer Based Linear Scheduling Application for Highway Construction Project Control, HR-339A, 1995

This report describes a new approach to the problem of scheduling highway construction type projects. The technique can accurately model linear activities and identify the controlling activity path on a linear schedule. Current scheduling practices are unable to accomplish these two tasks with any accuracy for linear activities, leaving planners and manager suspicious of the information they provide. Basic linear scheduling is not a new technique, and many attempts have been made to apply it to various types of work in the past. However, the technique has never been widely used because of the lack of an analytical approach to activity relationships and development of an analytical approach to determining controlling activities. The Linear Scheduling Model (LSM) developed in this report, completes the linear scheduling technique by adding to linear scheduling all of the analytical capabilities, including computer applications, present in CPM scheduling today. The LSM has tremendous potential, and will likely have a significant impact on the way linear construction is scheduled in the future.

Método generalizado de análise de dialelos desbalanceados

Apresenta-se um procedimento generalizado de estimação das capacidades geral e específica de combinação em cruzamentos dialélicos, com número desigual de repetições para tratamentos (genitores e combinações híbridas F1), avaliados em um delineamento com restrições na casualização. Neste caso, as médias ajustadas estimadas são interdependentes e heterocedásticas, devendo-se, para estimar os parâmetros desejados, utilizar o modelo linear generalizado de GaussMarkov. O objetivo deste trabalho foi a dedução teórica do método e sua aplicação a um exemplo prático. Foram analisados os dados obtidos de um dialelo completo, sem os recíprocos, envolvendo cinco genitores: CB 511687-1, CB 733753, Diamante Negro, Rosinha G2 e Compuesto Chimaltenango 2. Os genitores CB 733753, CB 511687-1 e Diamante Negro contribuem geneticamente para a resistência, enquanto Rosinha G2 e Compuesto Chimaltenango 2 contribuem para a suscetibilidade do feijoeiro ao crestamento-bacteriano comum. Na maioria dos cruzamentos analisados constatou-se a dominância parcial da suscetibilidade do feijoeiro a Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli.

A general linear relaxometry model of R1 using imaging data.

PURPOSE: The longitudinal relaxation rate (R1 ) measured in vivo depends on the local microstructural properties of the tissue, such as macromolecular, iron, and water content. Here, we use whole brain multiparametric in vivo data and a general linear relaxometry model to describe the dependence of R1 on these components. We explore a) the validity of having a single fixed set of model coefficients for the whole brain and b) the stability of the model coefficients in a large cohort. METHODS: Maps of magnetization transfer (MT) and effective transverse relaxation rate (R2 *) were used as surrogates for macromolecular and iron content, respectively. Spatial variations in these parameters reflected variations in underlying tissue microstructure. A linear model was applied to the whole brain, including gray/white matter and deep brain structures, to determine the global model coefficients. Synthetic R1 values were then calculated using these coefficients and compared with the measured R1 maps. RESULTS: The model's validity was demonstrated by correspondence between the synthetic and measured R1 values and by high stability of the model coefficients across a large cohort. CONCLUSION: A single set of global coefficients can be used to relate R1 , MT, and R2 * across the whole brain. Our population study demonstrates the robustness and stability of the model. Magn Reson Med, 2014. © 2014 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Magn Reson Med 73:1309-1314, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Combinação de métodos paramétricos e não-paramétricos na análise de estabilidade de cultivares de cana-de-açúcar

A presença e a magnitude da interação genótipo--ambiente são fatores que determinam o desempenho de cultivares nos diversos ambientes de produção. A forma de teste e interpretação dessa interação tem sido muito discutida na literatura agronômica, e vários métodos têm sido propostos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi testar uma combinação de métodos paramétricos e não-paramétricos para avaliação da interação genótipo--ambiente de forma simples e fácil. Foram utilizados os resultados experimentais de três grupos de cultivares de cana-de-açúcar, de acordo com suas características de maturação (precoce, média e tardia), em média de três cortes, em cinco locais da região Oeste do Estado de São Paulo. Os testes utilizados, além de simples, permitiram indicar as melhores cultivares para aquela região e para cada época de colheita, e confirmaram, através de modelos probabilísticos, as recomendações anteriormente realizadas pelos melhoristas.

Capacidade de combinação em sete populações de melancia

Este trabalho teve como objetivo estimar as capacidades geral (CGC) e específica (CEC) de combinação e os efeitos recíprocos (ER) em relação à precocidade, componentes de produção e características do fruto em sete populações de melancia. As populações foram intercruzadas em dialelo, incluindo os recíprocos. Todas as variáveis avaliadas, com exceção do número de frutos por planta, apresentaram efeitos da CGC, CEC e ER significativos. Efeitos gênicos aditivos foram importantes em relação ao número e peso de frutos por planta, assim como em relação à cor, espessura e teor de sólidos solúveis da polpa. Quanto ao número de dias para o aparecimento da primeira flor feminina e número de sementes por fruto, ocorreu predominância de efeitos gênicos não-aditivos. Foram identificadas algumas populações e algumas combinações híbridas superiores, que podem ser exploradas em programas de melhoramento. As populações tradicionais P14 e B9, coletadas no Nordeste do Brasil, são promissoras para serem empregadas em programas que visem melhorar o número e o peso dos frutos, ao passo que a M7 é promissora em relação à precocidade. As variedades comerciais Charleston Gray e Crimson Sweet poderão ser empregadas para melhorar o teor de açúcar e a cor da polpa.

Cobertura do solo e acumulação de nutrientes pelo amendoim forrageiro

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar as taxas de cobertura do solo, produção de biomassa e acumulação total de N, P e K da parte aérea da leguminosa herbácea perene amendoim forrageiro (Arachis pintoi Krapov. & W.C. Greg.), em diferentes densidades e espaçamentos de plantio. O delineamento experimental adotado foi de blocos ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 2x4, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos constaram de espaçamentos entre sulcos de plantio (25 e 50 cm), e de densidades de plantas (2, 4, 8 e 16 plantas/m linear). A cobertura total do solo ocorreu aos 224 dias após o plantio. Foram constatadas diferenças de densidades de plantio na taxa de cobertura do solo, produção de biomassa e acúmulo de nutrientes na parte aérea do amendoim forrageiro. Todavia, não foram observadas diferenças quando se variou o espaçamento entre sulcos. Entre as alternativas testadas, a densidade de 8 plantas/m linear no espaçamento de 50 cm entre sulcos de plantio foi a combinação mais adequada para a plena formação da cobertura viva com amendoim forrageiro.

On the tractability of the piecewise-linear approximation for general discrete-choice network revenue management

The choice network revenue management (RM) model incorporates customer purchase behavioras customers purchasing products with certain probabilities that are a function of the offeredassortment of products, and is the appropriate model for airline and hotel network revenuemanagement, dynamic sales of bundles, and dynamic assortment optimization. The underlyingstochastic dynamic program is intractable and even its certainty-equivalence approximation, inthe form of a linear program called Choice Deterministic Linear Program (CDLP) is difficultto solve in most cases. The separation problem for CDLP is NP-complete for MNL with justtwo segments when their consideration sets overlap; the affine approximation of the dynamicprogram is NP-complete for even a single-segment MNL. This is in contrast to the independentclass(perfect-segmentation) case where even the piecewise-linear approximation has been shownto be tractable. In this paper we investigate the piecewise-linear approximation for network RMunder a general discrete-choice model of demand. We show that the gap between the CDLP andthe piecewise-linear bounds is within a factor of at most 2. We then show that the piecewiselinearapproximation is polynomially-time solvable for a fixed consideration set size, bringing itinto the realm of tractability for small consideration sets; small consideration sets are a reasonablemodeling tradeoff in many practical applications. Our solution relies on showing that forany discrete-choice model the separation problem for the linear program of the piecewise-linearapproximation can be solved exactly by a Lagrangian relaxation. We give modeling extensionsand show by numerical experiments the improvements from using piecewise-linear approximationfunctions.

SAT Modulo Linear Arithmetic for Solving Polynomial

Polynomial constraint solving plays a prominent role in several areas of hardware and software analysis and verification, e.g., termination proving, program invariant generation and hybrid system verification, to name a few. In this paper we propose a new method for solving non-linear constraints based on encoding the problem into an SMT problem considering only linear arithmetic. Unlike other existing methods, our method focuses on proving satisfiability of the constraints rather than on proving unsatisfiability, which is more relevant in several applications as we illustrate with several examples. Nevertheless, we also present new techniques based on the analysis of unsatisfiable cores that allow one to efficiently prove unsatisfiability too for a broad class of problems. The power of our approach is demonstrated by means of extensive experiments comparing our prototype with state-of-the-art tools on benchmarks taken both from the academic and the industrial world.

Maximum likelihood Linear Programming Data Fusion for Speaker Recognition

Biometric system performance can be improved by means of data fusion. Several kinds of information can be fused in order to obtain a more accurate classification (identification or verification) of an input sample. In this paper we present a method for computing the weights in a weighted sum fusion for score combinations, by means of a likelihood model. The maximum likelihood estimation is set as a linear programming problem. The scores are derived from a GMM classifier working on a different feature extractor. Our experimental results assesed the robustness of the system in front a changes on time (different sessions) and robustness in front a change of microphone. The improvements obtained were significantly better (error bars of two standard deviations) than a uniform weighted sum or a uniform weighted product or the best single classifier. The proposed method scales computationaly with the number of scores to be fussioned as the simplex method for linear programming.

A non-linear VAD for noisy environments

This paper deals with non-linear transformations for improving the performance of an entropy-based voice activity detector (VAD). The idea to use a non-linear transformation has already been applied in the field of speech linear prediction, or linear predictive coding (LPC), based on source separation techniques, where a score function is added to classical equations in order to take into account the true distribution of the signal. We explore the possibility of estimating the entropy of frames after calculating its score function, instead of using original frames. We observe that if the signal is clean, the estimated entropy is essentially the same; if the signal is noisy, however, the frames transformed using the score function may give entropy that is different in voiced frames as compared to nonvoiced ones. Experimental evidence is given to show that this fact enables voice activity detection under high noise, where the simple entropy method fails.

Non-Linear and Non-Conventional Speech Processing: Alternative Techniques

This special issue aims to cover some problems related to non-linear and nonconventional speech processing. The origin of this volume is in the ISCA Tutorial and Research Workshop on Non-Linear Speech Processing, NOLISP’09, held at the Universitat de Vic (Catalonia, Spain) on June 25–27, 2009. The series of NOLISP workshops started in 2003 has become a biannual event whose aim is to discuss alternative techniques for speech processing that, in a sense, do not fit into mainstream approaches. A selected choice of papers based on the presentations delivered at NOLISP’09 has given rise to this issue of Cognitive Computation.