Detector Description and Performance for the First Coincidence Observations between LIGO and GEO

For 17 days in August and September 2002, the LIGO and GEO interferometer gravitational wave detectors were operated in coincidence to produce their first data for scientific analysis. Although the detectors were still far from their design sensitivity levels, the data can be used to place better upper limits on the flux of gravitational waves incident on the earth than previous direct measurements. This paper describes the instruments and the data in some detail, as a companion to analysis papers based on the first data.Comment: 41 pages, 9 figures 17 Sept 03: author list amended, minor editorial change

The JWST early-release science program for direct observations of exoplanetary systems II: A 1 to 20 μm spectrum of the planetary-mass companion VHS 1256-1257 b

Stars and planetary system

RECORDS: improved reporting of Monte Carlo radiation transport studies

Studies involving Monte Carlo simulations are common in both diagnostic and therapy medical phy- sics research, as well as other fields of basic and applied science. As with all experimental studies , the conditions and parameters used for Monte Carlo simulations impact their scope, validity, limita- tions, and generalizability. Unfortunately, many published peer-reviewed articles involving Mont e Carlo simulations do not provide the level of detail needed for the reader to be able to properly assess the quality of the simulations. The American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group #268 developed guidelines to improve reporting of Monte Carlo studies in medical physics research. By following these guidelines, manuscripts submitted for peer-review will include a level of relevant detail that will increase the transparency, the ability to reproduce results, and the overall scientific value of these studies. The guidelines include a checklist of the items that should be included in the Methods, Results, and Discussion sections of manuscripts submitted for peer-review. These guideli- nes do not attempt to replace the journal reviewer, but rather to be a tool during the writing and review process. Given the varied nature of Monte Carlo studies, it is up to the authors and the review- ers to use this checklist appropriately, being conscious of how the different items apply to each partic- ular scenario. It is envisioned that this list will be useful both for authors and for reviewers, to help ensure the adequate description of Monte Carlo studies in the medical physics literatur.Postprint (author's final draft

RECORDS: improved reporting of Monte Carlo radiation transport studies

Studies involving Monte Carlo simulations are common in both diagnostic and therapy medical phy- sics research, as well as other fields of basic and applied science. As with all experimental studies , the conditions and parameters used for Monte Carlo simulations impact their scope, validity, limita- tions, and generalizability. Unfortunately, many published peer-reviewed articles involving Mont e Carlo simulations do not provide the level of detail needed for the reader to be able to properly assess the quality of the simulations. The American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group #268 developed guidelines to improve reporting of Monte Carlo studies in medical physics research. By following these guidelines, manuscripts submitted for peer-review will include a level of relevant detail that will increase the transparency, the ability to reproduce results, and the overall scientific value of these studies. The guidelines include a checklist of the items that should be included in the Methods, Results, and Discussion sections of manuscripts submitted for peer-review. These guideli- nes do not attempt to replace the journal reviewer, but rather to be a tool during the writing and review process. Given the varied nature of Monte Carlo studies, it is up to the authors and the review- ers to use this checklist appropriately, being conscious of how the different items apply to each partic- ular scenario. It is envisioned that this list will be useful both for authors and for reviewers, to help ensure the adequate description of Monte Carlo studies in the medical physics literatur