Outlook for detection of GW inspirals by GRB-triggered searches in the Advanced detector era

Short, hard gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are believed to originate from the coalescence of two neutron stars (NSs) or a NS and a black hole (BH). If this scenario is correct, then short GRBs will be accompanied by the emission of strong gravitational waves (GWs), detectable by GW observatories such as LIGO, Virgo, KAGRA, and LIGO-India. As compared with blind, all-sky, all-time GW searches, externally triggered searches for GW counterparts to short GRBs have the advantages of both significantly reduced detection threshold due to known time and sky location and enhanced GW amplitude because of face-on orientation. Based on the distribution of signal-to-noise ratios in candidate compact binary coalescence events in the most recent joint LIGO-Virgo data, our analytic estimates, and our Monte Carlo simulations, we find an effective sensitive volume for GRB-triggered searches that is about 2 times greater than for an all-sky, all-time search. For NS-NS systems, a jet angle of 20 degrees, a gamma-ray satellite field of view of 10% of the sky, and priors with generally precessing spin, this doubles the number of NS-NS short-GRB and NS-BH short-GRB associations, to ~3-4% of all detections of NS-NSs and NS-BHs. We also investigate the power of tests for statistical excesses in lists of subthreshold events, and show that these are unlikely to reveal a subthreshold population until finding GW associations to short GRBs is already routine. Finally, we provide useful formulas for calculating the prior distribution of GW amplitudes from a compact binary coalescence, for a given GW detector network and given sky location.Comment: 14 pages, 4 figures, published in PRD; this version includes changes in final copyedited articl

Scenario Development for Unmanned Aircraft System Simulation-Based Immersive Experiential Learning

Application of scenario-based training can serve as practical means of educating remote pilots and sensor operators as they seek professional levels of knowledge. Both education and training can build upon time-tested training and simulation methodologies that apply simulators in settings that mirror real-world operations. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s unmanned aircraft system (UAS) program curriculum is rooted in immersive simulation that offers students an experiential learning experience that is aimed to develop higher-order thinking skills. Skills that are critical to professional levels of performance. The degree program builds from basic application skills to critical thinking skills by using immersive scenario-based training in a generic medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAS simulator. This MALE UAS has capabilities akin to the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.,Guardian. This paper serves to discuss the development, application, and integration of scenario-based training that is typified by an experiential learning theory (ELT) approach. The growing need for professional civil and military UAS remote pilots, and sensor operators, necessitates a methodical approach to education and training; the rich history of manned pilot education and training that leads to certification demonstrates a validated pathway that can be followed by the UAS community

Detecting transient gravitational waves in non-Gaussian noise with partially redundant analysis methods

There is a broad class of astrophysical sources that produce detectable, transient, gravitational waves. Some searches for transient gravitational waves are tailored to known features of these sources. Other searches make few assumptions about the sources. Typically events are observable with multiple search techniques. This work describes how to combine the results of searches that are not independent, treating each search as a classifier for a given event. This will be shown to improve the overall sensitivity to gravitational-wave events while directly addressing the problem of consistent interpretation of multiple trials.Comment: 11 pages, 5 figure

Radiative Recombination Of Spatially Extended Excitons In (znse/cds)/cds Heterostructured Nanorods

We report on organometallic synthesis of luminescent (ZnSe/CdS)/CdS semiconductor heterostructured nanorods (hetero-NRs) that produce an efficient spatial separation of carriers along the main axis of the structure (type II carrier localization). Nanorods were fabricated using a seeded-type approach by nucleating the growth of 20-100 nm CdS extensions at [000 +/- 1] facets of wurtzite ZnSe/CdS core/shell nanocrystals. The difference in growth rates of CdS in each of the two directions ensures that the position of ZnSe/CdS seeds in the final structure is offset from the center of hetero-NRs, resulting in a spatially asymmetric distribution of carrier wave functions along the heterostructure. Present work demonstrates a number of unique properties of (ZnSe/CdS)/CdS hetero-NRs, including enhanced magnitude of quantum confined Stark effect and subnanosecond switching of absorption energies that can find practical applications in electroabsorption switches and ultrasensitive charge detectors

The Effect of Dielectric Friction on the Rate of Charge Separation in Type Ii Znse/Cds Semiconductor Nanorods

The effect of dielectric friction on the rate of charge separation in type II ZnSe/CdS semiconductor nanorods has been investigated using picosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. The spatial separation of an excited electron-hole pair was estimated from the redshift in band edge absorption corresponding to the decrease in the exciton binding energy. The present study identifies a considerable effect of the solvent polarity on the rate of charge separation in semiconductor heterostructures, which should be taken into account when selecting nanorod caging media, such as solvents or polymer matrices. © 2009 American Institute of Physics

Likelihood-ratio ranking of gravitational-wave candidates in a non-Gaussian background

We describe a general approach to detection of transient gravitational-wave signals in the presence of non-Gaussian background noise. We prove that under quite general conditions, the ratio of the likelihood of observed data to contain a signal to the likelihood of it being a noise fluctuation provides optimal ranking for the candidate events found in an experiment. The likelihood-ratio ranking allows us to combine different kinds of data into a single analysis. We apply the general framework to the problem of unifying the results of independent experiments and the problem of accounting for non-Gaussian artifacts in the searches for gravitational waves from compact binary coalescence in LIGO data. We show analytically and confirm through simulations that in both cases the likelihood ratio statistic results in an improved analysis.Comment: 10 pages, 6 figure

Image Segmentation using U-Net Architecture for Powder X-ray Diffraction Images

Scientific researchers frequently use the in situ synchrotron high-energy powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique to examine the crystallographic structures of materials in functional devices such as rechargeable battery materials. We propose a method for identifying artifacts in experimental XRD images. The proposed method uses deep learning convolutional neural network architectures, such as tunable U-Nets to identify the artifacts. In particular, the predicted artifacts are evaluated against the corresponding ground truth (manually implemented) using the overall true positive rate or recall. The result demonstrates that the U-Nets can consistently produce great recall performance at 92.4% on the test dataset, which is not included in the training, with a 34% reduction in average false positives in comparison to the conventional method. The U-Nets also reduce the time required to identify and separate artifacts by more than 50%. Furthermore, the exclusion of the artifacts shows major changes in the integrated 1D XRD pattern, enhancing further analysis of the post-processing XRD data.Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures, 3 table

Attitudes toward Methadone among Out-of-Treatment Minority Injection Drug Users: Implications for Health Disparities

Injection drug use (IDU) continues to be a significant public health issue in the U.S. and internationally, and there is evidence to suggest that the burden of injection drug use and associated morbidity and mortality falls disproportionately on minority communities. IDU is responsible for a significant portion of new and existing HIV/AIDS cases in many parts of the world. In the U.S., the prevalence of HIV and hepatitis C virus is higher among populations of African-American and Latino injection drug users (IDUs) than among white IDUs. Methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) has been demonstrated to effectively reduce opiate use, HIV risk behaviors and transmission, general mortality and criminal behavior, but opiate-dependent minorities are less likely to access MMT than whites. A better understanding of the obstacles minority IDUs face accessing treatment is needed to engage racial and ethnic disparities in IDU as well as drug-related morbidity and mortality. In this study, we explore knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about methadone among 53 out-of-treatment Latino and African-American IDUs in Providence, RI. Our findings suggest that negative perceptions of methadone persist among racial and ethnic minority IDUs in Providence, including beliefs that methadone is detrimental to health and that people should attempt to discontinue methadone treatment. Additional potential obstacles to entering methadone therapy include cost and the difficulty of regularly attending a methadone clinic as well as the belief that an individual on MMT is not abstinent from drugs. Substance use researchers and treatment professionals should engage minority communities, particularly Latino communities, in order to better understand the treatment needs of a diverse population, develop culturally appropriate MMT programs, and raise awareness of the benefits of MMT

The Vehicle, Fall 2009

Table of Contents Poetry AliveRashelle McNairpage 3 Train of ThoughtsJeanette Saribekianpage 4 Biding the TideMarlee Lutzpage 5 Rotten HarvestJessyca Revillapage 15 Nostalgia ODJustine Fittonpage 16 Beyond WordsAshley Wrightpage 26 Don\u27tMelinda Knightpage 27 Happy HourStephen Garciapage 35 UntitledDaniel Paquinpage 37 Vibrant SensationsAshton Tembypage 38 Scarecrow Sally on a Saturday NightDaniel Davispage 45 The FarmAshley Wrightpage 49 Anything ButJustine Fittonpage 51 CrashDanielle Shirtinopage 53 Weathering SatisfactionRashelle McNairpage 54 SeminarDaniel Davispage 71 Nature\u27s Mood SwingsJeanette Saribekianpage 72 The PerformanceMelinda Knightpage 68 AmaterasuMarlee Lutzpage 82 Prose AirLauren Davidsonpage 6 The Twang of OrangesJ.T. Dawsonpage 18 ListenStephani Pescitellipage 29 The Rise and Fall of NickNickolas Alexanderpage 30 LossSimyona Deanovapage 39 Like DiamondsMark Rheaumepage 42 Moral FixationBryan Rolfsenpage 47 Reflections in College AlgebraNicole Reichertpage 52 LeashDaniel Paquinpage 56 I Lost My KeysJustine Fittonpage 75 A Third Grade EssayMark Rheaumepage 69 Be Careful, They BiteDaniel Davispage 84 Art Limb BurgAlycia Rockeycover AvesSamantha Flowerspage 14 Life-LuminescenceStephani Pescitellipage 25 MonopolyMegan Mathypage 28 Carousel NostalgiaAlycia Rockeypage 36 ShoesSarah Olsonpage 41 Waimea BayJarrod Taylorpage 50 Peacock Plumage Alycia Rockeypage 55 Building a HouseStephani Pescitellipage 70 ShellMegan Mathypage 74 From the VacationSamantha Flowerspage 73 Chicago CanopyAlycia Rockeypage 83 Features Editor\u27s NoteLindsey Durbinpage 1 LazarusDr. David Radavichpage 2 James K. Johnson Creative Writing Awardpage 88 Winning Entries (Poetry)Matthew J. Schumakepage 89 Winning Entry (Nonfiction)Jennifer O\u27Neilpage 92 Interview, 2009 Chapbook WinnerDaniel Davispage 95 Contributorspage 99https://thekeep.eiu.edu/vehicle/1090/thumbnail.jp