On the Stability of Stochastic Parametrically Forced Equations with Rank One Forcing

We derive simplified formulas for analyzing the stability of stochastic parametrically forced linear systems. This extends the results in [T. Blass and L.A. Romero, SIAM J. Control Optim. 51(2):1099--1127, 2013] where, assuming the stochastic excitation is small, the stability of such systems was computed using a weighted sum of the extended power spectral density over the eigenvalues of the unperturbed operator. In this paper, we show how to convert this to a sum over the residues of the extended power spectral density. For systems where the parametric forcing term is a rank one matrix, this leads to an enormous simplification.Comment: 16 page

A Logic for Non-Deterministic Parallel Abstract State Machines

We develop a logic which enables reasoning about single steps of non-deterministic parallel Abstract State Machines (ASMs). Our logic builds upon the unifying logic introduced by Nanchen and St\"ark for reasoning about hierarchical (parallel) ASMs. Our main contribution to this regard is the handling of non-determinism (both bounded and unbounded) within the logical formalism. Moreover, we do this without sacrificing the completeness of the logic for statements about single steps of non-deterministic parallel ASMs, such as invariants of rules, consistency conditions for rules, or step-by-step equivalence of rules.Comment: arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1602.0748

The ultrafilter number for singular cardinals

We prove the consistency of a singular cardinal $\lambda$ with small value of the ultrafilter number $u_\lambda$, and arbitrarily large value of $2^\lambda$.Comment: 8 page

Sub-unit cell layer-by-layer growth of Fe3O4, MgO, and Sr2RuO4 thin films

The use of oxide materials in oxide electronics requires their controlled epitaxial growth. Recently, it was shown that Reflection High Energy Electron Diffraction (RHEED) allows to monitor the growth of oxide thin films even at high oxygen pressure. Here, we report the sub-unit cell molecular or block layer growth of the oxide materials Sr2RuO4, MgO, and magnetite using Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) from stoichiometric targets. Whereas for perovskites such as SrTiO3 or doped LaMnO3 a single RHEED intensity oscillation is found to correspond to the growth of a single unit cell, in materials where the unit cell is composed of several molecular layers or blocks with identical stoichiometry, a sub-unit cell molecular or block layer growth is established resulting in several RHEED intensity oscillations during the growth of a single unit-cell

Algumas Considerações Sobre a Sazonalidade no IPCA

This article presents the results of the analysis of IPCA (Consumer Price Index) seasonality and its items in the period between January 1995 and December 2000. The discussion is based in the points surveyed by Bryan and Cecchetti (1995) regarding the idiosyncratic feature in the seasoning changes of the prices which imply that, despite the items in the IPCA present seasoning, the aggregated index doesn't necessarily has such evidence. Moreover, the result of the seasonal adjustment of the IPCA is compared, using both direct and indirect methods.

A General Framework for Sound and Complete Floyd-Hoare Logics

This paper presents an abstraction of Hoare logic to traced symmetric monoidal categories, a very general framework for the theory of systems. Our abstraction is based on a traced monoidal functor from an arbitrary traced monoidal category into the category of pre-orders and monotone relations. We give several examples of how our theory generalises usual Hoare logics (partial correctness of while programs, partial correctness of pointer programs), and provide some case studies on how it can be used to develop new Hoare logics (run-time analysis of while programs and stream circuits).Comment: 27 page

Systematic Review: Anesthetic Protocols and Management as Confounders in Rodent Blood Oxygen Level Dependent Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (BOLD fMRI)—Part B: Effects of Anesthetic Agents, Doses and Timing

In rodent models the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) under anesthesia is common. The anesthetic protocol might influence fMRI readouts either directly or via changes in physiological parameters. As long as those factors cannot be objectively quantified, the scientific validity of fMRI in rodents is impaired. In the present systematic review, literature analyzing in rats and mice the influence of anesthesia regimes and concurrent physiological functions on blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) fMRI results was investigated. Studies from four databases that were searched were selected following pre-defined criteria. Two separate articles publish the results; the herewith presented article includes the analyses of 83 studies. Most studies found differences in BOLD fMRI readouts with different anesthesia drugs and dose rates, time points of imaging or when awake status was compared to anesthetized animals. To obtain scientifically valid, reproducible results from rodent fMRI studies, stable levels of anesthesia with agents suitable for the model under investigation as well as known and objectively quantifiable effects on readouts are, thus, mandatory. Further studies should establish dose ranges for standardized anesthetic protocols and determine time windows for imaging during which influence of anesthesia on readout is objectively quantifiable

Concurrent abstract state machines

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Effects of simulated removal activities on movements and space use of feral swine

Abundance and distribution of feral swine (Sus scrofa) in the USA have increased dramatically during the last 30 years. Effective measures are needed to control and eradicate feral swine populations without displacing animals over wider areas. Our objective was to investigate effects of repeated simulated removal activities on feral swine movements and space use.We analyzed location data from 21 feral swine that we fitted with Global Positioning System harnesses in southern MO, USA. Various removal activities were applied over time to eight feral swine before lethal removal, including trapped-and-released, chased with dogs, chased with hunter, and chased with helicopter. We found that core space-use areas were reduced following the first removal activity, whereas overall space-use areas and diurnal movement distances increased following the second removal activity. Mean geographic centroid shifts did not differ between pre- and postperiods for either the first or second removal activities. Our information on feral swine movements and space use precipitated by human removal activities, such as hunting, trapping, and chasing with dogs, helps fill a knowledge void and will aid wildlife managers. Strategies to optimize management are needed to reduce feral swine populations while preventing enlarged home ranges and displacing individuals, which could lead to increased disease transmission risk and human-feral swine conflict in adjacent areas