Consistency of Markov chain quasi-Monte Carlo on continuous state spaces

The random numbers driving Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation are usually modeled as independent U(0,1) random variables. Tribble [Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms using completely uniformly distributed driving sequences (2007) Stanford Univ.] reports substantial improvements when those random numbers are replaced by carefully balanced inputs from completely uniformly distributed sequences. The previous theoretical justification for using anything other than i.i.d. U(0,1) points shows consistency for estimated means, but only applies for discrete stationary distributions. We extend those results to some MCMC algorithms for continuous stationary distributions. The main motivation is the search for quasi-Monte Carlo versions of MCMC. As a side benefit, the results also establish consistency for the usual method of using pseudo-random numbers in place of random ones.Comment: Published in at http://dx.doi.org/10.1214/10-AOS831 the Annals of Statistics (http://www.imstat.org/aos/) by the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (http://www.imstat.org

Gravitational radiation from the r-mode instability

The instability in the r-modes of rotating neutron stars can (in principle) emit substantial amounts of gravitational radiation (GR) which might be detectable by LIGO and similar detectors. Estimates are given here of the detectability of this GR based the non-linear simulations of the r-mode instability by Lindblom, Tohline and Vallisneri. The burst of GR produced by the instability in the rapidly rotating 1.4 solar mass neutron star in this simulation is fairly monochromatic with frequency near 960 Hz and duration about 100 s. A simple analytical expression is derived here for the optimal S/N for detecting the GR from this type of source. For an object located at a distance of 20 Mpc we estimate the optimal S/N to be in the range 1.2 to about 12.0 depending on the LIGO II configuration.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figure

A geostationary imaging spectrometer TOMS instrument

One design for a geostationary Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) with many desirable features is an imaging spectrometer. A preliminary study makes use of a 0.25 m Czerny-Turner spectrometer with which the Earth is imaged on a charge-coupled device (CCD) in dispersed light. The wavelength is determined by a movable grating which can be set arbitrarily by ground control. The signal integration time depends on wavelength but this system allows arbitrary timing by command. Special circumstances such as a requirement to track a low-lying sulfur dioxide cloud or a need to discriminate high level ozone from total ozone at midlatitudes could be obtained by adding a particular wavelength to the normally pre-programmed time sequence. The incident solar irradiance is measured by deploying a diffuser plate in the field of view. Individual detector elements correspond to scene elements in which the several wavelengths are serially sampled and the Earth radiance is compared to the incident sunlight. Thus the problem of uncorrelated drift of multiple detectors is removed

Analysis of heteroantisera to cells from human malignant effusions by immunofluorescence and protein A binding.

Using cultured cells derived from human malignant effusions, hetero-antisera were raised in rabbits. The antisera were sequentially absorbed on various human non-tumour cells, reactivity being monitored by immunofluorescence and 125I-labelled staphylococcal protein A assays. The absorbed antisera possessed common reactivity to all tumour cells assayed. This reactivity was not histogenically determined, and our data suggest that it was not directed to oncofoetal antigens

Monodeuterated methane in the outer Solar System. Part 3: Its abundance on Titan

The 3 nu 2 band of CH3D has been detected in spectra of Titan recorded at 1.6 microns with the Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) at the 4 m telescope of the Kitt Peak National Observatory (NOAO). We have obtained a value of the CH3D/CH4 mixing ratio of 6.6 (+6.6 or -3.3) x 10 to the -4 from a comparison between the observed Titan spectra and synthetic spectra. This value is approx. 2 times higher than the value measured on Uranus (de Bergh et al. 1986) and approx. 6 times higher than on Jupiter and on Saturn (Courtin et al. 1984; de Bergh et al. 1986). It corresponds to D/H of 1.65 (+1.65 or -0.8) x 10 the -4, nominally 8 times higher than the most commonly accepted value for the protosolar D/H = 2 x 10 to the -5 (Geiss and Reeves 1981). The value we find on Titan for D/H in methane is comparable to the D/H ratio measured in terrestrial H2O

Generalized curve fit and plotting (GECAP) program

Program generates graphs on 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper and is designed to be used by engineers and scientists who are not necessarily professional programers. It provides fast and efficient method for display of plotted data without having to generate any additional FORTRAN instructions

Manufacture of DPFC-DMS polymer in the SKG range

BPFC-DMS block copolymers were synthesized on a pre-pilot scale (i.e., to 5 Kg lots) and subsequently fabricated into clear, colorless films. Details of the synthesis procedures, property determinations, and film casting techniques are presented. Solubility, viscosity and molecular weight characteristics of the resulting product are reported

Monodeurated methane in the outer solar system. 2. Its detection on Uranus at 1.6 microns

Deuterium in the atmosphere of Uranus has been studied only via measurements of the exceedingly weak dipole lines of hydrogen-deuteride (HD) seen in the visible region of the spectrum. The other sensitive indicator of deuterium in the outer solar system is monodeuterated methane (CH3D) but the two bands normally used ot study this molecule, NU sub 2 near 2200 1/cm and NU sub 6 near 1161 1/cm, have not been detected in Uranus