On the maximum tolerable noise for reliable computation by formulas

It is shown that if formulas constructed from error-prone three-input gates are used to compute Boolean functions, then a per-gate failure probability of 1/6 or more cannot be tolerated. The result is shown to be tight if the per-gate failure probability is constant and precisely known     

Hysteresis switching adaptive control of linear multivariablesystems

This paper presents a model reference adaptive control scheme for deterministic continuous-time multivariable systems represented by square, strictly proper, minimum-phase transfer function matrices. A typical requirement of existing algorithms is to assume that the zero structure at infinity and the high-frequency gain matrix are fully (or at least partially) known. It is well known that these requirements may be very restrictive, since, in general, both the zero structure at infinity and the high-frequency gain matrix depend on plant parameters. In this paper we show that these restrictive assumptions may be considerably weakened using Morse et al.'s hysteresis switching control strategy (1992). The strategy entails running a finite number of parameter estimators in parallel and using a switching algorithm to select between candidate estimators based on their associated prediction errors. Hysteresis in the switching algorithm precludes switching arbitrarily rapidly between estimators, and all switching ceases within a finite time. The results represent a significant step forward in understanding the minimal amount of prior knowledge necessary to design a stabilizing controller for a linear multivariable system     

A linear representation of the diffusion of solvents into insoluble polymers

The amount,q, of a solvent taken up by a sample of an insoluble polymer during a time,t, can be represented accurately by the relationq=t/(at + b), which has a very simple linear equivalent: (t/q)=at+b, wherea andb are constants. The same behaviour is also shown by the exchange of ions in an ion-exchange resin and in the case of a swell process, whereq may be measured as a volume increase. The kinetic relationq=k(Q−q) ², where Q=a⁻¹ andk=Q ⁻²b⁻¹, is compared with Fick's first law of diffusion and the dependence of the diffusion coefficient and the concentration gradient onq is discussed.     

Model Checking

Die Gewährleistung der korrekten Funktionsweise von Hard- und Software ist ein entscheidender Faktor bei der heutigen Systementwicklung. Dies trifft ganz besonders auf das Gebiet der sog. sicherheitskritischen Systeme zu, bei dem ein Systemversagen Menschenleben gefährden kann.     

Improving generalization capabilities of dynamic neural networks

This work addresses the problem of improving the generalization capabilities of continuous recurrent neural networks. The learning task is transformed into an optimal control framework in which the weights and the initial network state are treated as unknown controls. A new learning algorithm based on a variational formulation of Pontrayagin's maximum principle is proposed. Under reasonable assumptions, its convergence is discussed. Numerical examples are given that demonstrate an essential improvement of generalization capabilities after the learning process of a dynamic network.     

Recent changes in platinum group element concentrations and osmium isotopic composition in sediments from an urban lake

Automobile catalyst emissions have resulted in the occurrence of elevated Pt, Pd, and Rh concentration in the urban and roadside environment. We investigate the chronology of platinum group elements (PGE) accumulation in dated sediments from an urban lake near Boston, MA. Chronological profiles demonstrate that Pt, Pd, and Rh concentrations increased following the introduction in catalysts with accumulation rates 6-16 times larger in 1992-2002 than prior to the introduction of catalysts. Ratios of these elements closely match their ratios in catalysts, providing further evidence of an automobile source. Iridium and Ru accumulation in sediments also increased following the introduction of catalysts, and while past Os contamination is associated with leather tanning, recent changes in the isotopic composition of Os indicate another anthropogenic source for this element. The PGE have similar geochemical properties and are difficult to separate from one another, and therefore, we suggest that automobile catalyst emissions also result in increasing environmental concentrations of Ir, Ru, and Os, which occur as impurities in catalysts. An automobile catalyst source of Ir and Os is supported by elevated concentrations of these elements in a tunnel dust sample.     

DGAT1 polymorphism in Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle breeds

As a result of multiple QTL-mapping projects in recent years, a quantitative trait locus for milk fat percentage and milk yield has been described on BTA14. Recent reports name the acyl-CoA : diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT1) gene on BTA14 as a potential candidate gene, with a nonconservative substitution of lysine by alanine (K232A) producing a major effect on milk composition and yield. DGAT1K appears to be the ancestral allele and the K232A substitution probably occurred after the divergence of the Bos indicus and Bos taurus lineages. These findings prompted us to genotype 1748 DNA samples of 38 different Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle breeds from 13 countries on five continents (Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and South America), to examine the occurrence of the DGAT1 polymorphism and characterize the K232A substitution in cattle breeds of different origins and selected for different purposes (e.g., beef, dairy and dual purpose). Calculating pairwise FST values for pooled subpopulations showed least divergence for Bos indicus breeds with high milk fat percentage. Fixation of DGAT1A was found in some Bos taurus breeds and fixation of DGAT1K in one Bos indicus breed. Breeds of no known organized breeding background from the Near East domestication centre of Bos taurus and taurine African N'Dama cattle were found to possess intermediate frequencies of DGAT1K. While beef breeds tended to harbour higher DGAT1A levels, dairy cattle showed everything from very low levels of DGAT1K to unexpectedly high frequencies of this allele.