Towards a Generalized Database System with Multiple Interfaces

We have applied logic programming to the problem of designing knowledge representation systems. This report describes a Generalized Database System, PRODB, that has been implemented in Prolog. It also describes two extensions to the basic PRODB core. First, knowledge representation and consistency-checking features have been added to PRODB to enhance its ability to consistently represent knowledge, especially in an Engineering domain. Second, extensions to Prolog\u27s definite clause grammar mechanism have been used to create interfaces to a knowledge base directly from grammars describing the input languages. The interface to the system is derived directly from the grammars, so this part of the system is easy to tailor. In addition, we are able to use different grammars at different times in order to have multiple interfaces to the same knowledge base system

Including Systematic Uncertainties in Confidence Interval Construction for Poisson Statistics

One way to incorporate systematic uncertainties into the calculation of confidence intervals is by integrating over probability density functions parametrizing the uncertainties. In this note we present a development of this method which takes into account uncertainties in the prediction of background processes, uncertainties in the signal detection efficiency and background efficiency and allows for a correlation between the signal and background detection efficiencies. We implement this method with the Feldman & Cousins unified approach with and without conditioning. We present studies of coverage for the Feldman & Cousins and Neyman ordering schemes. In particular, we present two different types of coverage tests for the case where systematic uncertainties are included. To illustrate the method we show the relative effect of including systematic uncertainties the case of dark matter search as performed by modern neutrino tel escopes.Comment: 23 pages, 10 figures, replaced to match published versio

Concussion in University Level Sport: Knowledge and Awareness of Athletes and Coaches.

Using a cross-sectional survey concussion knowledge was evaluated among forty university-level athletes (n = 20, rugby union players; n = 20, Gaelic football players) and eight experienced team coaches (n = 2, rugby union; n = 2, Gaelic football; n = 1, soccer; n = 1, hockey; n = 1, netball; n = 1, basketball). Levels of knowledge of concussion were high across all participants. Coaches had higher knowledge scores for almost all areas; however, there was evidence of important gaps even in this group. Knowledge was not sufficient in identifying concussion, and when it is safe to return to play following a concussion. Impaired knowledge of how to recognise a concussion, and misunderstanding the need for rest and rehabilitation before return to play presents a hazard to health from second impact and more catastrophic brain injury. We discuss reasons for these guideline misconceptions, and suggest that attitude issues on the significance of concussion may underlie a willingness to want to play with a concussion. This suggests the current education on sport-related concussion needs to be expanded for the appropriate management of university-level contact sports

Nonlinear modal coupling in a high-stress doubly-clamped nanomechanical resonator

We present results from a study of the nonlinear intermodal coupling between different flexural vibrational modes of a single high-stress, doubly-clamped silicon nitride nanomechanical beam. The measurements were carried out at 100 mK and the beam was actuated using the magnetomotive technique. We observed the nonlinear behavior of the modes individually and also measured the coupling between them by driving the beam at multiple frequencies. We demonstrate that the different modes of the resonator are coupled to each other by the displacement induced tension in the beam, which also leads to the well known Duffing nonlinearity in doubly-clamped beams.Comment: 15 pages, 7 figure

Effects of UV-organic interaction and Martian conditions on the survivability of organics

This work was funded by the Leverhulme Trust (RPG-2015-071). Dr. C. Cousins also wishes to acknowledge funding from the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This work was financed by FEDER - Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional funds through the COMPETE 2020 - Operacional Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalisation (POCI), and by Portuguese funds through FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia in the framework of the project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029932 (PTDC/FIS-AST/29932/2017).Exogenous organic molecules are delivered to the surface of Mars annually, yet their fate is largely unknown. Likewise, the survivability of putative organic biomarkers directly implicates current Mars surface exploration ambitions. Among these, amino acids are valuable target molecules due to their abiogenic and biological origins. We present the fundamental, but not previously considered, factors that affect the fate of amino acids embedded in Mars mineral analogues when exposed to ionising radiation. Using existing experimental datasets, we show that the attenuation coefficient at 200 nm for amino acids is an effective parameter for quantifying organic survivability, especially when mineral shielding is limited or absent. Conversely, the dielectric constant of a material is a potential key parameter regarding mineral shielding, as it accounts for iron content, and the physical properties of the material (pore size, surface area or water content). Finally, we combine Martian climatic parameters (surface temperature and atmospheric opacity) to show that the relative UV environment varies significantly on Mars as a function of latitude, providing a reference point for future Mars simulation studies.PostprintPeer reviewe

UV luminescence characterisation of organics in Mars-analogue substrates

This project was supported by a Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grant (RPG-2015-071). C Cousins also wishes to acknowledge funding by the Royal Society of Edinburgh.Detection of organic matter is one of the core objectives of future Mars exploration. The ability to probe rocks, soils, and other geological substrates for organic targets is a high priority for in situ investigation, sample caching, and sample return. UV luminescence – the emission of visible light following UV irradiation – is a tool that is beginning to be harnessed for planetary exploration. We conducted  UV photoluminescence analyses of (i) Mars analogue sediments doped with polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; <15 ppm), (ii) carbonaceous CM chondrites and terrestrial kerogen (Type IV), and (iii) synthetic salt crystals doped with PAHs (2 ppm). We show that that detection of PAHs is possible within synthetic and natural gypsum, and synthetic halite. These substrates show the most apparent spectral modifications, suggesting that the most transparent minerals are more conducive to UV photoluminescence detection of trapped organic matter. Iron oxide, ubiquitously present on Mars surface, hampers but does not completely quench the UV luminescence emission. Finally, the maturity of organic carbonaceous material influences the luminescence response, resulting in a reduced signal for UV excitation wavelengths down to 225 nm. This study demonstrates the utility of UV luminescence spectroscopy for the analysis of mixed organic-inorganic materials applicable to Mars exploration.PostprintPeer reviewe

The Palomar Testbed Interferometer Calibrator Catalog

The Palomar Testbed Interferometer (PTI) archive of observations between 1998 and 2005 is examined for objects appropriate for calibration of optical long-baseline interferometer observations - stars that are predictably point-like and single. Approximately 1,400 nights of data on 1,800 objects were examined for this investigation. We compare those observations to an intensively studied object that is a suitable calibrator, HD217014, and statistically compare each candidate calibrator to that object by computing both a Mahalanobis distance and a Principal Component Analysis. Our hypothesis is that the frequency distribution of visibility data associated with calibrator stars differs from non-calibrator stars such as binary stars. Spectroscopic binaries resolved by PTI, objects known to be unsuitable for calibrator use, are similarly tested to establish detection limits of this approach. From this investigation, we find more than 350 observed stars suitable for use as calibrators (with an additional $\approx 140$ being rejected), corresponding to $\gtrsim 95$ sky coverage for PTI. This approach is noteworthy in that it rigorously establishes calibration sources through a traceable, empirical methodology, leveraging the predictions of spectral energy distribution modeling but also verifying it with the rich body of PTI's on-sky observations.Comment: 100 pages, 7 figures, 7 tables; to appear in the May 2008ApJS, v176n

Inflammation and immunity in schizophrenia: implications for pathophysiology and treatment.

Complex interactions between the immune system and the brain might have important aetiological and therapeutic implications for neuropsychiatric brain disorders. A possible association between schizophrenia and the immune system was postulated over a century ago, and is supported by epidemiological and genetic studies pointing to links with infection and inflammation. Contrary to the traditional view that the brain is an immunologically privileged site shielded behind the blood-brain barrier, studies in the past 20 years have noted complex interactions between the immune system, systemic inflammation, and the brain, which can lead to changes in mood, cognition, and behaviour. In this Review, we describe some of the important areas of research regarding innate and adaptive immune response in schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders that, we think, will be of interest to psychiatric clinicians and researchers. We discuss potential mechanisms and therapeutic implications of these findings, including studies of anti-inflammatory drugs in schizophrenia, describe areas for development, and offer testable hypotheses for future investigations.The work was supported by a doctoral clinical research training fellowship grant from the Wellcome Trust to Golam Khandaker (094790/Z/10/Z; 2010-‘13), grants from the Stanley Medical Research Institute and the National Institutes of Mental Health (grant# MH-94268) to Robert Yolken, and grants from the Wellcome Trust (095844/Z/11/Z & 088869/Z/09/Z), and the NIHR (RP-PG-0606-1335) to Peter Jones.This is the accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier at http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366%2814%2900122-9/abstrac

Search for muonic decays of the antiproton at the Fermilab Antiproton Accumulator

A search for antiproton decay has been made at the Fermilab Antiproton Accumulator. Limits are placed on six antiproton decay modes which contain a final-state muon. At the 90% C.L. we find that tau/B(mu gamma) > 5.0 x 10^4 yr, tau/B(mu pi0) > 4.8 x 10^4 yr, tau/B(mu eta) > 7.9 x 10^3 yr, tau/B(mu gamma gamma) > 2.3 x 10^4 yr, tau/B(mu K0S > 4.3 x 10^3 yr, and tau/B(mu K0L) > 6.5 x 10^3 yr.Comment: 8 pages + 3 Postscript figure

The ExoMars Spectral Tool (ExoSpec):an image analysis tool for ExoMars 2020 PanCam imagery

The upcoming launch of the European Space Agency (ESA) ExoMars 2020 rover signals a need for an analysis tool to be created which can exploit the multi- and hyperspectral data that will be returned by its Panoramic Camera (PanCam), Infrared Spectrometer for Mars (ISEM), and Close-UP Imager (CLUPI) instruments. Data processed by this analysis tool will be invaluable in (i) characterising the geology local to the ExoMars rover, (ii) relating ground-based observations to orbital Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) data, (iii) detecting evidence of past habitability on Mars, and (iv) identifying drilling locations. PanCam, ISEM, and CLUPI offer spectral analysis capabilities in both spatial (140-1310 microns/pixel at 2 m working distance) and spectral (440-3300 nm) dimensions. We have developed the ExoMars Spectral Tool (ExoSpec) which functions as a GUI-based extension to ENVI + IDL and performs steps from image import and compilation into ENVI.dat format, flat-fielding, radiometric correction, radiance-toreflectance (R∗) corrections using the in-scene Gretag MacBeth ColorCheckerTM, and calculation of spectral parameters. We demonstrate the functionality of ExoSpec at its current stage of development and illustrate its utility with results from field expeditions to Mars analogue terrains in: (i) geothermally altered basalts in Ńamafjall, Iceland, and (ii) layered alluvial plains deposits in Hanksville, USA, using ExoMars PanCam, ISEM, and CLUPI emulator instruments