Asymptotic properties of computationally efficient alternative estimators for a class of multivariate normal models

Parameters of Gaussian multivariate models are often estimated using the maximum likelihood approach. In spite of its merits, this methodology is not practical when the sample size is very large, as, for example, in the case of massive georeferenced data sets. In this paper, we study the asymptotic properties of the estimators that minimize three alternatives to the likelihood function, designed to increase the computational efficiency. This is achieved by applying the information sandwich technique to expansions of the pseudo-likelihood functions as quadratic forms of independent normal random variables. Theoretical calculations are given for a first-order autoregressive time series and then extended to a two-dimensional autoregressive process on a lattice. We compare the efficiency of the three estimators to that of the maximum likelihood estimator as well as among themselves, using numerical calculations of the theoretical results and simulations.     

Correction: Phytol-based novel adjuvants in vaccine formulation: 1. assessment of safety and efficacy during stimulation of humoral and cell-mediated immune responses

This is a correction article.     

U(2, 2) Symmetry as a Common Basis for Quantum Theory and Geometrodynamics

We formulated some criticisms of the Diracequation and its Clifford-algebraic philosophy; inparticular, we show that, within a general-relativisticcontext, they seem to contain hidden action-at-distance concepts. We suggest a new model based on thefour-component Klein-Gordon equation locally invariantunder the U(2,2) gauge group. The usual Dirac equationis then obtained as a certain approximation. The geometrodynamical sector shows reasonablecorrespondence with general relativity.     

Phase Shift Modulations for Stable,Oscillatory, Traveling,Strongly Nonlinear Waves

Oscillatory dispersive waves propagating in a slowly varying medium are analyzed for Klein-Gordon equations with perturbations. The method of multiple scales is extended to include two fast scales, the usual traveling-wave phase and time, in order to allow initial conditions not usually permitted. An exact wave-action equation is introduced if the traveling wave is stable, involving averages over the periodic wave as well as time. This is equivalent to an extended averaged Lagrangian principle. The equation for the slow modulations of the phase shift of the traveling wave is derived from the higher order terms in the exact action equation and is shown to be the same as in earlier more restrictive studies.     

Relevance of Reflection in Static and Dynamic Light Scattering Experiments

Using a monodisperse PMMA dispersion, it was shown that light reflection at the sample cuvette walls may greatly influence the results of both static (SLS) and dynamic (DLS) light scattering experiments. Considering SLS, this reflection phenomenon mostly causes an overestimation of the scattered intensity at high scattering angles, which may give rise to the emergence of an additional, artificial peak in the lower region of the particle size distribution. On the other hand, the influcence of reflection on DLS measurements was shown to be particularly important in the upper region of the particle size distribution. The experimentally observed phenomena were explained from the basic principles of both particle sizing methods. Finally, it was shown that the disturbing effect of reflection could be avoided by modifying either the hardware or the software of the static and dynamic light scattering technique.     

Molecular addressing? Studies on light-induced reorientation in liquid-crystalline side chain polymers

Polarized light leads to an effective reorientation of the optic axis in the glassy state of liquid-crystalline side chain polymers containing azobenzene mesogenic groups, via a trans-cis and cis-trans isomerization. Using a combination of U V and IR dichroitic studies it is shown for copolymers consisting of chromophores (azobenzene) and non-chromophores (phenylbenzoate) that only the chromophores are reoriented by light as far as the glassy state is concerned. Individual chromophores are thus addressed by photoselection. Photoselection in the fluid nematic state, on the other hand, leads also to a reorientation of the non-chromophores.     

Liquid crystal side chain polysiloxanes containing various proportions of non-mesogenic units

Recent studies have established that side chain polymeric liquid crystals composed of mesogenic and non-mesogenic side groups keep their liquid-crystalline properties even for a low proportion of mesogens. We show that the detailed structures of three kinds of new diluted liquid crystal polysiloxanes depend on the nature of the co-substituent as well as on the proportion of the silicon sites occupied by the mesogenic groups. Mixtures of these systems with low molar mass liquid crystals were also investigated in terms of compatibility and/or stabilization of smectic A phases.