376 research outputs found
LTL Parameter Synthesis of Parametric Timed Automata
The parameter synthesis problem for parametric timed automata is undecidable
in general even for very simple reachability properties. In this paper we
introduce restrictions on parameter valuations under which the parameter
synthesis problem is decidable for LTL properties. The investigated bounded
integer parameter synthesis problem could be solved using an explicit
enumeration of all possible parameter valuations. We propose an alternative
symbolic zone-based method for this problem which results in a faster
computation. Our technique extends the ideas of the automata-based approach to
LTL model checking of timed automata. To justify the usefulness of our
approach, we provide experimental evaluation and compare our method with
explicit enumeration technique.Comment: 23 pages, extended versio
Shift invariant preduals of ℓ<sub>1</sub>(ℤ)
The Banach space ℓ<sub>1</sub>(ℤ) admits many non-isomorphic preduals, for
example, C(K) for any compact countable space K, along with many more
exotic Banach spaces. In this paper, we impose an extra condition: the predual
must make the bilateral shift on ℓ<sub>1</sub>(ℤ) weak<sup>*</sup>-continuous. This is
equivalent to making the natural convolution multiplication on ℓ<sub>1</sub>(ℤ)
separately weak*-continuous and so turning ℓ<sub>1</sub>(ℤ) into a dual Banach
algebra. We call such preduals <i>shift-invariant</i>. It is known that the
only shift-invariant predual arising from the standard duality between C<sub>0</sub>(K)
(for countable locally compact K) and ℓ<sub>1</sub>(ℤ) is c<sub>0</sub>(ℤ). We provide
an explicit construction of an uncountable family of distinct preduals which do
make the bilateral shift weak<sup>*</sup>-continuous. Using Szlenk index arguments, we
show that merely as Banach spaces, these are all isomorphic to c<sub>0</sub>. We then
build some theory to study such preduals, showing that they arise from certain
semigroup compactifications of ℤ. This allows us to produce a large number
of other examples, including non-isometric preduals, and preduals which are not
Banach space isomorphic to c<sub>0</sub>
Teachers developing assessment for learning: impact on student achievement
While it is generally acknowledged that increased use of formative assessment (or assessment for learning) leads to higher quality learning, it is often claimed that the pressure in schools to improve the results achieved by students in externally-set tests and examinations precludes its use. This paper reports on the achievement of secondary school students who worked in classrooms where teachers made time to develop formative assessment strategies. A total of 24 teachers (2 science and 2 mathematics teachers, in each of six schools in two LEAs) were supported over a six-month period in exploring and planning their approach to formative assessment, and then, beginning in September 1999, the teachers put these plans into action with selected classes. In order to compute effect sizes, a measure of prior attainment and at least one comparison group was established for each class (typically either an equivalent class taught in the previous year by the same teacher, or a parallel class taught by another teacher). The mean effect size was 0.32
Spontaneous alloying in binary metal microclusters - A molecular dynamics study -
Microcanonical molecular dynamics study of the spontaneous alloying(SA),
which is a manifestation of fast atomic diffusion in a nano-sized metal
cluster, is done in terms of a simple two dimensional binary Morse model.
Important features observed by Yasuda and Mori are well reproduced in our
simulation. The temperature dependence and size dependence of the SA phenomena
are extensively explored by examining long time dynamics. The dominant role of
negative heat of solution in completing the SA is also discussed. We point out
that a presence of melting surface induces the diffusion of core atoms even if
they are solid-like. In other words, the {\it surface melting} at substantially
low temperature plays a key role in attaining the SA.Comment: 15 pages, 12 fgures, Submitted to Phys.Rev.
{VeSTA} : a Tool to Verify the Correct Integration of a Component in a Composite Timed System
International audienceVesta is a push-button tool for checking the correct integration of a component in an environment, for component-based timed systems. By correct integration, we mean that the local properties of the component are preserved when this component is merged into an environment. This correctness is checked by means of a so-called divergencesensitive and stability-respecting timed tau-simulation, ensuring the preservation of all linear timed properties expressed in the logical formalism Mitl (Metric Interval Temporal Logic), as well as strong non-zenoness and deadlock-freedom. The development of the tool was guided by the architecture of the Open-Kronos tool. This allows, as additional feature, an easy connection of the models considered in Vesta to the Open- Caesar verification platform, and to the Open-Kronos tool
Efficient Emptiness Check for Timed B\"uchi Automata (Extended version)
The B\"uchi non-emptiness problem for timed automata refers to deciding if a
given automaton has an infinite non-Zeno run satisfying the B\"uchi accepting
condition. The standard solution to this problem involves adding an auxiliary
clock to take care of the non-Zenoness. In this paper, it is shown that this
simple transformation may sometimes result in an exponential blowup. A
construction avoiding this blowup is proposed. It is also shown that in many
cases, non-Zenoness can be ascertained without extra construction. An
on-the-fly algorithm for the non-emptiness problem, using non-Zenoness
construction only when required, is proposed. Experiments carried out with a
prototype implementation of the algorithm are reported.Comment: Published in the Special Issue on Computer Aided Verification - CAV
2010; Formal Methods in System Design, 201
A Basic Framework for the Cryptanalysis of Digital Chaos-Based Cryptography
Chaotic cryptography is based on the properties of chaos as source of
entropy. Many different schemes have been proposed to take advantage of those
properties and to design new strategies to encrypt information. However, the
right and efficient use of chaos in the context of cryptography requires a
thorough knowledge about the dynamics of the selected chaotic system. Indeed,
if the final encryption system reveals enough information about the underlying
chaotic system it could be possible for a cryptanalyst to get the key, part of
the key or some information somehow equivalent to the key just analyzing those
dynamical properties leaked by the cryptosystem. This paper shows what those
dynamical properties are and how a cryptanalyst can use them to prove the
inadequacy of an encryption system for the secure exchange of information. This
study is performed through the introduction of a series of mathematical tools
which should be the basic framework of cryptanalysis in the context of digital
chaos-based cryptography.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figure
Noncommutative Figa-Talamanca-Herz algebras for Schur multipliers
We introduce a noncommutative analogue of the Fig\'a-Talamanca-Herz algebra
on the natural predual of the operator space of
completely bounded Schur multipliers on Schatten space . We determine the
isometric Schur multipliers and prove that the space of bounded
Schur multipliers on Schatten space is the closure in the weak operator
topology of the span of isometric multipliers.Comment: 24 pages; corrected typo
Longitudinal functional connectivity changes related to dopaminergic decline in Parkinson's disease.
BACKGROUND: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have demonstrated that basal ganglia functional connectivity is altered in Parkinson's disease (PD) as compared to healthy controls. However, such functional connectivity alterations have not been related to the dopaminergic deficits that occurs in PD over time. OBJECTIVES: To examine whether functional connectivity impairments are correlated with dopaminergic deficits across basal ganglia subdivisions in patients with PD both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. METHODS: We assessed resting-state functional connectivity of basal ganglia subdivisions and dopamine transporter density using 11C-PE2I PET in thirty-four PD patients at baseline. Of these, twenty PD patients were rescanned after 19.9 ± 3.8 months. A seed-based approach was used to analyze resting-state fMRI data. 11C-PE2I binding potential (BPND) was calculated for each participant. PD patients were assessed for disease severity. RESULTS: At baseline, PD patients with greater dopaminergic deficits, as measured with 11C-PE2I PET, showed larger decreases in posterior putamen functional connectivity with the midbrain and pallidum. Reduced functional connectivity of the posterior putamen with the thalamus, midbrain, supplementary motor area and sensorimotor cortex over time were significantly associated with changes in DAT density over the same period. Furthermore, increased motor disability was associated with lower intraregional functional connectivity of the posterior putamen. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that basal ganglia functional connectivity is related to integrity of dopaminergic system in patients with PD. Application of resting-state fMRI in a large cohort and longitudinal scanning may be a powerful tool for assessing underlying PD pathology and its progression
Longitudinal functional connectivity changes related to dopaminergic decline in Parkinson’s disease
Background: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have demonstrated that basal
ganglia functional connectivity is altered in Parkinson’s disease (PD) as compared to healthy controls. However,
such functional connectivity alterations have not been related to the dopaminergic deficits that occurs in PD over
time.
Objectives: To examine whether functional connectivity impairments are correlated with dopaminergic deficits
across basal ganglia subdivisions in patients with PD both cross-sectionally and longitudinally.
Methods: We assessed resting-state functional connectivity of basal ganglia subdivisions and dopamine transporter density using 11C-PE2I PET in thirty-four PD patients at baseline. Of these, twenty PD patients were
rescanned after 19.9 ± 3.8 months. A seed-based approach was used to analyze resting-state fMRI data. 11CPE2I binding potential (BPND) was calculated for each participant. PD patients were assessed for disease severity.
Results: At baseline, PD patients with greater dopaminergic deficits, as measured with 11C-PE2I PET, showed
larger decreases in posterior putamen functional connectivity with the midbrain and pallidum. Reduced functional connectivity of the posterior putamen with the thalamus, midbrain, supplementary motor area and sensorimotor cortex over time were significantly associated with changes in DAT density over the same period.
Furthermore, increased motor disability was associated with lower intraregional functional connectivity of the
posterior putamen.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that basal ganglia functional connectivity is related to integrity of dopaminergic system in patients with PD. Application of resting-state fMRI in a large cohort and longitudinal scanning
may be a powerful tool for assessing underlying PD pathology and its progression
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