Cost of Generalised HMC Algorithms for Free Field Theory

We study analytically the computational cost of the Generalised Hybrid Monte Carlo (GHMC) algorithm for free field theory. We calculate the autocorrelation functions of operators quadratic in the fields, and optimise the GHMC momentum mixing angle, the trajectory length, and the integration stepsize. We show that long trajectories are optimal for GHMC, and that standard HMC is much more efficient than algorithms based on the Second Order Langevin (L2MC) or Kramers Equation. We show that contrary to naive expectations HMC and L2MC have the same volume dependence, but their dynamical critical exponents are z=1 and z=3/2 respectively.Comment: LATTICE99(Algorithms and Machines) - 3 pages, 1 PostScript figur

Tuning the generalized Hybrid Monte Carlo algorithm

We discuss the analytic computation of autocorrelation functions for the generalized Hybrid Monte Carlo algorithm applied to free field theory and compare the results with numerical results for the $O(4)$ spin model in two dimensions. We explain how the dynamical critical exponent $z$ for some operators may be reduced from two to one by tuning the amount of randomness introduced by the updating procedure, and why critical slowing down is not a problem for other operators.Comment: 4 pages, to be published in the Proceedings of Lattice 95, uuencoded PostScript fil

Cost of the Generalised Hybrid Monte Carlo Algorithm for Free Field Theory

We study analytically the computational cost of the Generalised Hybrid Monte Carlo (GHMC) algorithm for free field theory. We calculate the Metropolis acceptance probability for leapfrog and higher-order discretisations of the Molecular Dynamics (MD) equations of motion. We show how to calculate autocorrelation functions of arbitrary polynomial operators, and use these to optimise the GHMC momentum mixing angle, the trajectory length, and the integration stepsize for the special cases of linear and quadratic operators. We show that long trajectories are optimal for GHMC, and that standard HMC is more efficient than algorithms based on Second Order Langevin Monte Carlo (L2MC), sometimes known as Kramers Equation. We show that contrary to naive expectations HMC and L2MC have the same volume dependence, but their dynamical critical exponents are z = 1 and z = 3/2 respectively.Comment: 54 pages, 3 figure

Parallel Tempering in Lattice QCD with O(a)-Improved Wilson Fermions

We present details of our investigation of the Parallel Tempering algorithm. We consider the application of action matching technology to the selection of parameters. We then present a simple model of the autocorrelations for a particular parallel tempered system. Finally we present numerical results from applying the algorithm to lattice QCD with O(a)-improved dynamical fermions with twin ensemble system

Sequential sampling for panicle caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in sorghum

Citation: Elliott, N. C., M. J. Brewer, K. L. Giles, G. F. Backoulou, B. P. McCornack, B. B. Pendleton, and T. A. Royer. 2014. “Sequential Sampling for Panicle Caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Sorghum.” Journal of Economic Entomology 107 (2): 846–53. https://doi.org/10.1603/EC13413.Panicle caterpillars comprise an economically important insect pest complex of sorghum throughout the Great Plains of the United States, particularly in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The sorghum panicle caterpillar complex consists of larvae of two polyphagous lepidopteran species: the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), and fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Sampling for panicle caterpillars in sorghum fields is usually accomplished by the beat bucket sampling technique with a fixed sample size of 30 beat bucket samples of one sorghum panicle each per 16.2 ha of field. We used Wald's sequential probability ratio test for a negative binomial distribution to develop a sequential sampling plan for panicle caterpillars. In total, 115 sorghum fields were sampled in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas from June to August 2010. Panicle caterpillars had an aggregated distribution of counts confirmed by Pearson's chi-square statistic for lack of fit to the negative binomial distribution for each sampled field. A sequential sampling plan was developed using a high threshold (an economic threshold) of 0.5 caterpillars per sorghum panicle, a low threshold (a safe level) of 0.20 caterpillars per panicle, and fixed error rates (α = 0.10 and β = 0.05). At caterpillar densities >0.45 and <0.12 per panicle, the average number of panicles inspected to make a decision was less than the current recommendation of 30. In a 2013 validation test of 25 fields, the expected number of samples taken from average sample number curve was in close agreement with the number of samples required using the sequential plan (r 2 = 0.93), and all fields were correctly classified when compared with a fixed sample size result. The plan improved upon current sampling recommendations for panicle caterpillars in sorghum because at known acceptable fixed error rates fewer samples were required when caterpillars are scarce or abundant, whereas more samples were required to make decisions with the same acceptable error rates when densities were near the economic thresholds

Instability in the Molecular Dynamics Step of Hybrid Monte Carlo in Dynamical Fermion Lattice QCD Simulations

We investigate instability and reversibility within Hybrid Monte Carlo simulations using a non-perturbatively improved Wilson action. We demonstrate the onset of instability as tolerance parameters and molecular dynamics step sizes are varied. We compare these findings with theoretical expectations and present limits on simulation parameters within which a stable and reversible algorithm is obtained for physically relevant simulations. Results of optimisation experiments with respect to tolerance prarameters are also presented

Instability in the molecular dynamics step of a hybrid Monte Carlo algorithm in dynamical fermion lattice QCD simulations

We investigate instability and reversibility within Hybrid Monte Carlo simulations using a non-perturbatively improved Wilson action. We demonstrate the onset of instability as tolerance parameters and molecular dynamics step sizes are varied. We compare these findings with theoretical expectations and present limits on simulation parameters within which a stable and reversible algorithm is obtained for physically relevant simulations. Results of optimisation experiments with respect to tolerance prarameters are also presented.Comment: RevTeX, Some results here were presented at Vielat 99, Vienna, Austria, Sept 1999 22 Pages, 10 figures, to be submitted to PR

Clinical Characteristics, Management, and Outcomes of Patients Diagnosed With Acute Pulmonary Embolism in the Emergency Department

Objectives In a large U.S. sample, this study measured the presentation features, testing, treatment strategies, and outcomes of patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism (PE) in the emergency department (ED). Background No data have quantified the demographics, clinical features, management, and outcomes of outpatients diagnosed with PE in the ED in a large, multicenter U.S. study. Methods Patients of any hemodynamic status were enrolled from the ED after confirmed acute PE or with a high clinical suspicion prompting anticoagulation before imaging for PE. Exclusions were inability to provide informed consent (where required) or unavailability for follow-up. Results A total of 1,880 patients with confirmed acute PE were enrolled from 22 U.S. EDs. Diagnosis of PE was based upon positive results of computerized tomographic pulmonary angiogram in most cases (n = 1,654 [88%]). Patients represented both sexes equally, and racial and ethnic composition paralleled the overall U.S. ED population. Most (79%) patients with PE were employed, and one-third were older than age 65 years. The mortality rate directly attributed to PE was 20 in 1,880 (1%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0% to 1.6%). Mortality from hemorrhage was 0.2%, and the all-cause 30-day mortality rate was 5.4% (95% CI: 4.4% to 6.6%). Only 3 of 20 patients with major PE that ultimately proved fatal had systemic anticoagulation initiated before diagnostic confirmation, and another 3 of these 20 received a fibrinolytic agent. Conclusions Patients diagnosed with acute PE in U.S. EDs have high functional status, and their mortality rate is low. These registry data suggest that appropriate initial medical management of ED patients with severe PE with anticoagulation is poorly standardized and indicate a need for research to determine the appropriate threshold for empiric treatment when PE is suspected before diagnostic confirmation