A fictitious domain approach to the numerical solution of PDEs in stochastic domains

We present an efficient method for the numerical realization of elliptic PDEs in domains depending on random variables. Domains are bounded, and have finite fluctuations. The key feature is the combination of a fictitious domain approach and a polynomial chaos expansion. The PDE is solved in a larger, fixed domain (the fictitious domain), with the original boundary condition enforced via a Lagrange multiplier acting on a random manifold inside the new domain. A (generalized) Wiener expansion is invoked to convert such a stochastic problem into a deterministic one, depending on an extra set of real variables (the stochastic variables). Discretization is accomplished by standard mixed finite elements in the physical variables and a Galerkin projection method with numerical integration (which coincides with a collocation scheme) in the stochastic variables. A stability and convergence analysis of the method, as well as numerical results, are provided. The convergence is “spectral” in the polynomial chaos order, in any subdomain which does not contain the random boundaries.     

Asymptotic distributions of nonparametric regression estimators for longitudinal or functional data

The estimation of a regression function by kernel method for longitudinal or functional data is considered. In the context of longitudinal data analysis, a random function typically represents a subject that is often observed at a small number of time points, while in the studies of functional data the random realization is usually measured on a dense grid. However, essentially the same methods can be applied to both sampling plans, as well as in a number of settings lying between them. In this paper general results are derived for the asymptotic distributions of real-valued functions with arguments which are functionals formed by weighted averages of longitudinal or functional data. Asymptotic distributions for the estimators of the mean and covariance functions obtained from noisy observations with the presence of within-subject correlation are studied. These asymptotic normality results are comparable to those standard rates obtained from independent data, which is illustrated in a simulation study. Besides, this paper discusses the conditions associated with sampling plans, which are required for the validity of local properties of kernel-based estimators for longitudinal or functional data.     

On universal central extensions of precrossed and crossed modules

We study the connection between universal central extensions in the categories of precrossed and crossed modules. They are compared with several kinds of universal central extensions in the categories of groups, epimorphisms of groups, groups with operators and modules over a group. We study the relationship between the homologies defined in these categories. Applications to relative algebraic K-theory are also obtained.     

Exponential decay rate of survival probability in a disastrous random environment

Summary. We study the exponential decay rate of the survival probability up to time t>0 of a random walker moving in Zopf; ^d in a temporally and spatially fluctuating random environment. When the random walker has a speed parameter κ>0, we investigate the influence of κ on the exponential decay rate λ(d,κ). In particular we prove that for any fixed d≥1, λ(d,κ) behaves like as logκ as κ↘0. Received: 21 May 1996 / In revised form: 2 February 1997     

Metric marginal problems for set-valued or non-measurable variables

Summary In a separable metric space, if two Borel probability measures (laws) are nearby in a suitable metric, then there exist random variables with those laws which are nearby in probability. Specifically, by a well-known theorem of Strassen, the Prohorov distance between two laws is the infimum of Ky Fan distances of random variables with those laws. The present paper considers possible extensions of Strassen's theorem to two random elements one of which may be (compact) set-valued and/or non-measurable. There are positive results in finite-dimensional spaces, but with factors depending on the dimension. Examples show that such factors cannot entirely be avoided, so that the extension of Strassen's theorem to the present situation fails in infinite dimensions.This research was partially supported by a Guggenheim Fellowship, by National Science Foundation grant DMS 8505550 at MSRI-Berkeley, and other NSF grants     

On order-preservation and positive correlations for multidimensional diffusion processes

Summary As a continuation of the study by Herbst and Pitt (1991), this note presents two criteria. The first one is on the order-preservation for two (may be different) multidimensional diffusion processes. The second one is on the preservation of positive correlations for a diffusion process.Research supported in part by the Ying-Tung Fok Educational Foundation and the National Natural Science Foundation of China     

A diffusion approximation result for two parameter processes

Summary We consider a one-dimensional linear wave equation with a small mean zero dissipative field and with the boundary condition imposed by the so-called Goursat problem. In order to observe the effect of the randomness on the solution we perform a space-time rescaling and we rewrite the problem in a diffusion approximation form for two parameter processes. We prove that the solution converges in distribution toward the solution of a two-parameter stochastic differential equation which we identify. The diffusion approximation results for oneparameter processes are well known and well understood. In fact, the solution of the one-parameter analog of the problem we consider here is immediate. Unfortunately, the situation is much more complicated for two-parameter processes and we believe that our result is the first one of its kind.Partially supported by ONR N00014-91-J-1010     

Coupling for Markov renewal processes and the rate of convergence in ergodic theorems for processes with semi-Markov switchings

Coupling procedures for Markov renewal processes are described. Applications to ergodic theorems for processes with semi-Markov switchings are considered.This paper was partly prepared with the support of NFR Grant F-UP 10257-300.