28,539 research outputs found
Elevated soil lead: Statistical modeling and apportionment of contributions from lead-based paint and leaded gasoline
While it is widely accepted that lead-based paint and leaded gasoline are
primary sources of elevated concentrations of lead in residential soils,
conclusions regarding their relative contributions are mixed and generally
study specific. We develop a novel nonlinear regression for soil lead
concentrations over time. It is argued that this methodology provides useful
insights into the partitioning of the average soil lead concentration by source
and time over large residential areas. The methodology is used to investigate
soil lead concentrations from the 1987 Minnesota Lead Study and the 1990
National Lead Survey. Potential litigation issues are discussed briefly.Comment: Published at http://dx.doi.org/10.1214/07-AOAS112 in the Annals of
Applied Statistics (http://www.imstat.org/aoas/) by the Institute of
Mathematical Statistics (http://www.imstat.org
Learning Loosely Connected Markov Random Fields
We consider the structure learning problem for graphical models that we call
loosely connected Markov random fields, in which the number of short paths
between any pair of nodes is small, and present a new conditional independence
test based algorithm for learning the underlying graph structure. The novel
maximization step in our algorithm ensures that the true edges are detected
correctly even when there are short cycles in the graph. The number of samples
required by our algorithm is C*log p, where p is the size of the graph and the
constant C depends on the parameters of the model. We show that several
previously studied models are examples of loosely connected Markov random
fields, and our algorithm achieves the same or lower computational complexity
than the previously designed algorithms for individual cases. We also get new
results for more general graphical models, in particular, our algorithm learns
general Ising models on the Erdos-Renyi random graph G(p, c/p) correctly with
running time O(np^5).Comment: 45 pages, minor revisio
Q-CSMA: Queue-Length Based CSMA/CA Algorithms for Achieving Maximum Throughput and Low Delay in Wireless Networks
Recently, it has been shown that CSMA-type random access algorithms can
achieve the maximum possible throughput in ad hoc wireless networks. However,
these algorithms assume an idealized continuous-time CSMA protocol where
collisions can never occur. In addition, simulation results indicate that the
delay performance of these algorithms can be quite bad. On the other hand,
although some simple heuristics (such as distributed approximations of greedy
maximal scheduling) can yield much better delay performance for a large set of
arrival rates, they may only achieve a fraction of the capacity region in
general. In this paper, we propose a discrete-time version of the CSMA
algorithm. Central to our results is a discrete-time distributed randomized
algorithm which is based on a generalization of the so-called Glauber dynamics
from statistical physics, where multiple links are allowed to update their
states in a single time slot. The algorithm generates collision-free
transmission schedules while explicitly taking collisions into account during
the control phase of the protocol, thus relaxing the perfect CSMA assumption.
More importantly, the algorithm allows us to incorporate mechanisms which lead
to very good delay performance while retaining the throughput-optimality
property. It also resolves the hidden and exposed terminal problems associated
with wireless networks.Comment: 12 page
An optimal gap theorem
By solving the Cauchy problem for the Hodge-Laplace heat equation for
-closed, positive -forms, we prove an optimal gap theorem for
K\"ahler manifolds with nonnegative bisectional curvature which asserts that
the manifold is flat if the average of the scalar curvature over balls of
radius centered at any fixed point is a function of .
Furthermore via a relative monotonicity estimate we obtain a stronger
statement, namely a `positive mass' type result, asserting that if is
not flat, then for any
Second language user support
Computer users rarely experience entirely trouble-free interaction. The natural variety ofindividuals ensures that no software systems yield constantly fluent interaction for allusers. In consequence, software designers often strive to ameliorate this situation bybuilding 'user support' into their systems. User support can take different forms but,conventionally, each aims to assist the needy end-user by means of facilities directly supporting the performance of certain operations, or through supply of information thatadvises the user on available system functionality.The present paper briefly characterises a range of user support facilities before describingone requirement in greater detail. This aspect considers the needs of users whose mother-tongue is not English, but who are obliged to use English-based information systems. Inthis context, 'helping the user' must reasonably extend beyond mere advice on systemoperation to selective elucidation of information content. We regard this move as alogical extension of the user support concept, by seeking to address specific interactionneeds in a target user population. An example of this approach is described through aninformation system, in the domain of civil engineering, for native Chinese speakers ofEnglish
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Spatial data stream multiplexing scheme for high-throughput WLANs
A novel scheme using spatial data stream multiplexing (SDSM) in the upcoming multiple-input multipleoutput (MIMO)-based IEEE 802.11n physical layer is proposed. It is shown that with SDSM, the same data rate can be achieved by using less number of transmit and receive antennas and therefore this scheme can reduce the number of antennas which results in reducing mutual coupling effects, hardware costs and implementation complexities. The maximum data rates that can be achieved using a 2 * 2 MIMO system is 270 Mbps and for a 4 * 4 MIMO system is 540 Mbps. The same data rates can be achieved using the SDSM technique which reduces the 2 * 2 MIMO system to 1 * 1 SISO system and the 4 * 4 MIMO system to a 2 * 2 MIMO system
Scattering by a contact potential in three and lower dimensions
We consider the scattering of nonrelativistic particles in three dimensions
by a contact potential which is defined
as the limit of . It is
surprising that it gives a nonvanishing cross section when and
. When the contact potential is approached by a spherical square
well potential instead of the above spherical shell one, one obtains basically
the same result except that the parameter that gives a nonvanishing
cross section is different. Similar problems in two and one dimensions are
studied and results of the same nature are obtained.Comment: REVTeX, 9 pages, no figur
Experimental tests of the chiral anomaly magnetoresistance in the Dirac-Weyl semimetals NaBi and GdPtBi
In the Dirac/Weyl semimetal, the chiral anomaly appears as an "axial" current
arising from charge-pumping between the lowest (chiral) Landau levels of the
Weyl nodes, when an electric field is applied parallel to a magnetic field . Evidence for the chiral anomaly was obtained from the longitudinal
magnetoresistance (LMR) in NaBi and GdPtBi. However, current jetting
effects (focussing of the current density ) have raised general concerns
about LMR experiments. Here we implement a litmus test that allows the
intrinsic LMR in NaBi and GdPtBi to be sharply distinguished from pure
current jetting effects (in pure Bi). Current jetting enhances along the
mid-ridge (spine) of the sample while decreasing it at the edge. We measure the
distortion by comparing the local voltage drop at the spine (expressed as the
resistance ) with that at the edge (). In Bi,
sharply increases with but decreases (jetting effects are
dominant). However, in NaBi and GdPtBi, both and
decrease (jetting effects are subdominant). A numerical simulation allows the
jetting distortions to be removed entirely. We find that the intrinsic
longitudinal resistivity in NaBi decreases by a factor of
10.9 between = 0 and 10 T. A second litmus test is obtained from the
parametric plot of the planar angular magnetoresistance. These results
strenghthen considerably the evidence for the intrinsic nature of the
chiral-anomaly induced LMR. We briefly discuss how the squeeze test may be
extended to test ZrTe.Comment: 17 pages, 8 figures, new co-authors added, new Fig. 6a added. In
press, PR
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