Tree-Independent Dual-Tree Algorithms

Dual-tree algorithms are a widely used class of branch-and-bound algorithms. Unfortunately, developing dual-tree algorithms for use with different trees and problems is often complex and burdensome. We introduce a four-part logical split: the tree, the traversal, the point-to-point base case, and the pruning rule. We provide a meta-algorithm which allows development of dual-tree algorithms in a tree-independent manner and easy extension to entirely new types of trees. Representations are provided for five common algorithms; for k-nearest neighbor search, this leads to a novel, tighter pruning bound. The meta-algorithm also allows straightforward extensions to massively parallel settings.Comment: accepted in ICML 201

Reassessment of mid-Carboniferous glacial extent in southwestern Gondwana (Rio Blanco Basin, Argentina) inferred from paleo-mass transport of diamictites

Late Paleozoic glacial diamictites occur in many localities in western Argentina, indicating that the region was strongly affected by glaciation during the mid-Carboniferous (late Serpukhovian–early Bashkirian). In most instances these diamictites are found in steeply walled paleovalley settings in the Andean Precordillera. This study presents new data from a locality north of the Precordillera that suggests an additional, distinct, volume of ice existed in the region during the Carboniferous. The glacigenic diamictites in the Rio Blanco Basin were ultimately emplaced as gravity flows, precluding inferences of paleo-ice volume. Fold nose orientation and soft-sediment groove orientations within the diamictites indicate that the deposits were emplaced from north to south, suggesting that glacial ice was most likely not sourced from the proto-Precordillera at this locality, requiring the need for another ice center to the north of the basin. Diamictite facies indicates that the sediment was initially supplied to the study area by a warm-based glacier.Fil: Gulbranson, Erik L.. University of California at Davis; Estados Unidos. University of Wisconsin; Estados UnidosFil: Isbell, John L.. University of Wisconsin; Estados UnidosFil: Montañez, Isabel P.. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Limarino, Carlos Oscar. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Geología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Marenssi, Sergio Alfredo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Geología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Comercio Interno y Culto. Dirección Nacional del Antártico. Instituto Antártico Argentino; ArgentinaFil: Meyer, Kyle. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Hull, Clara. University of California at Davis; Estados Unido

Do Proto-Jovian Planets Drive Outflows?

We discuss the possibility that gaseous giant planets drive strong outflows during early phases of their formation. We consider the range of parameters appropriate for magneto-centrifugally driven stellar and disk outflow models and find that if the proto-Jovian planet or accretion disk had a magnetic field of >~ 10 Gauss and moderate mass inflow rates through the disk of less than 10^-7 M_J/yr that it is possible to drive an outflow. Estimates based both on scaling from empirical laws observed in proto-stellar outflows and the magneto-centrigugal disk and stellar+disk wind models suggest that winds with mass outflow rates of 10^-8 M_J/yr and velocities of order ~ 20 km/s could be driven from proto-Jovian planets. Prospects for detection and some implications for the formation of the solar system are briefly discussed.Comment: AAS Latex, accepted for Ap

Statistical relational learning with soft quantifiers

Quantification in statistical relational learning (SRL) is either existential or universal, however humans might be more inclined to express knowledge using soft quantifiers, such as ``most'' and ``a few''. In this paper, we define the syntax and semantics of PSL^Q, a new SRL framework that supports reasoning with soft quantifiers, and present its most probable explanation (MPE) inference algorithm. To the best of our knowledge, PSL^Q is the first SRL framework that combines soft quantifiers with first-order logic rules for modelling uncertain relational data. Our experimental results for link prediction in social trust networks demonstrate that the use of soft quantifiers not only allows for a natural and intuitive formulation of domain knowledge, but also improves the accuracy of inferred results

La secuencia Neopaleozoica de la quebrada de Agua de Jagüel (Precordillera de Mendoza): edad y redefinición estratigráfica

Se propone la denominación de Formación Cordón de Jagüel para la sucesión pérmica de areniscas, pelitas y escasos conglomerados que forman la ladera occidental del Cordón de Agua de Jagüel en la Precordillera de Mendoza. Estas rocas descansan en discordancia sobre metasedimentitas de la Formación Villavicencio y son separadas por falla de areniscas, pelitas y diamictitas pertenecientes a la Formación Agua de Jagüel (Pennsylvaniano). En la Formación Cordón de Jagüel se han identificado seis asociaciones de facies sedimentarias. La asociación 1 está integrada mayormente por conglomerados polimícticos y areniscas gruesas de origen fluvial. El inicio de un ascenso relativo del nivel del mar aparece registrado en la asociación de facies 2, formada por areniscas y pelitas carbonosas depositadas en ambientes transicionales, probablemente estuarinos. La asociación de facies 3, compuesta por areniscas finas, indica el pasaje a un ambiente marino costero, mientras que la asociación de facies 4 incluye areniscas con paquetes de estratificación entrecruzada de gran escala y probablemente corresponde a ambientes subtidales con importante crecimiento de barras de arena de gran porte. Una progresiva somerización llevó a la depositación de pelitas carbonosas, areniscas finas e intercalaciones de margas (asociación de facies 5) en ambientes restringidos (albuferas). Finalmente, la asociación de facies 6 (pelitas laminadas y areniscas finas) indica un nuevo evento transgresivo. Restos de invertebrados marinos pertenecientes a la Biozona de Costatumulus y de palinofloras conteniendo Lueckisporites virkkiae Potonié y Klaus sugieren una edad pérmica temprana, probablemente cisuraliana tardía para la unidad.The neopaleozoic sequence of the Agua de Jagüel Creek (Precordillera de Mendoza): age and stratigraphic redefinition. The name of the Cordón de Jagüel Formation is proposed for Permian sandstones, mudstones and scarce conglomerates that form the western slope of the Cordón de Agua de Jagüel range in the Precordillera (Mendoza Province). These rocks unconformably overlie low-grade metamorphic rocks belonging to the Villavicencio Formation and are separated by a fault from sandstones, mudstones and diamictites of the Agua de Jagüel Formation (Pennsylvanian). Six facies association have been recognized in the Cordón de Jagüel Formation. The association 1 is composed of conglomerates and coarse-grained sandstones deposited in fluvial environment. The onset of a sea-level rise is recorded in the facies association 2, which is formed by sandstones and carbonaceous mudstones sedimented in transitional environments (estuarine?). Facies association 3 is made up by fine-grained sandstones indicating the transition to coastal marine settings while facies association 4, formed by large-scale cross-bedded sandstones, was very probably deposited in subtidal coastal environments. A progressive shallowing appears in the carbonaceous mudstones, fine-grained sandstones and marls forming the facies association 5 deposited in a transitional environment (lagoons). Finally, facies association 6 (shales and fine-grained sandstones) indicates a new sea level rise. Remains of the marine invertebrates belonging to the Costatumulus Biozone and palynofloras containing Lueckisporites virkkiae Potonié and Klaus suggest an early Permian age, probably late Cisuralian, for the unit.litic layer. Proximal non-amalgamated storm deposits are represented by thick sandy beds with hummocky cross stratification, bioclastic accumulations and ripples at the top intercalated with thin shaly levels. Distal storm deposits are thinly laminated o massive silty to sandy beds intercalated in shaly intervals.Fil: Limarino, Carlos Oscar. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Geociencias Básicas, Aplicadas y Ambientales de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Isbell, John L.. University of Wisconsin. Department of Geosciences; Estados UnidosFil: Ciccioli, Patricia Lucia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Geociencias Básicas, Aplicadas y Ambientales de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Taboada, Arturo Cesar. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco". Facultad de Ciencias Naturales - Sede Esquel. Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Evolución y Biodiversidad; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin