2,302 research outputs found
Solving the kilo-second QPO problem of the intermediate polar GK Persei
We detect the likely optical counterpart to previously reported X-ray QPOs in
spectrophotometry of the intermediate polar GK Persei during the 1996 dwarf
nova outburst. The characteristic timescales range between 4000--6000 s.
Although the QPOs are an order of magnitude longer than those detected in the
other dwarf novae we show that a new QPO model is not required to explain the
long timescale observed. We demonstrate that the observations are consistent
with oscillations being the result of normal-timescale QPOs beating with the
spin period of the white dwarf. We determine the spectral class of the
companion to be consistent with its quiescent classification and find no
significant evidence for irradiation over its inner face. We detect the white
dwarf spin period in line fluxes, V/R ratios and Doppler-broadened emission
profiles.Comment: 14 pages, 11 figures. Accepted for publication in MNRA
The effects of sexual dimorphism on survivorship in fossil ammonoids: A role for sexual selection in extinction
Recent studies have suggested that sexual dimorphism in modern birds may be tied to increased extinction risk at the species level. If this is the case, it may represent a clear example of species-level selection, i.e., selection occurring at or above the species level. The fossil record provides an ideal opportunity to test this possibility over longer timescales. The goal of this study is to investigate the relationship between sexual dimorphism and extinction and diversification in ammonoid cephalopods. To do this, I compiled global data on the presence and absence of sexual dimorphism in Mesozoic ammonoids at the genus level from a recent literature compilation. To quantify survivorship across background intervals, I compiled first and last global occurrence data from the Paleobiology Database and the biostratigraphic literature to calculate genus-level durations. With which I found that monomorphic genera had shorter durations than dimorphic genera in the fossil record. This was the same trend seen in a number of other superfamilies. Meaning in at least ammonoids, dimorphism may actually extend one\u27s stratigraphic duration. To explore this possibility in more detail, I selected a single superfamily on which to focus our diameter measurements, (Acanthocerataceae) to assess the extent to which the magnitude of sexual dimorphism is correlated with survivorship. I found that there was actually a positive correlation between magnitude and duration. I also assessed survivorship across the Cenomanian-Turonian extinction. I found no significant results regarding their extinction or diversification after this extinction. The general trend among our results could be due to a dietary niche separation between males and females. This would reduce intraspecific competition for resources and could extend their duration
Information theoretic approach to interactive learning
The principles of statistical mechanics and information theory play an
important role in learning and have inspired both theory and the design of
numerous machine learning algorithms. The new aspect in this paper is a focus
on integrating feedback from the learner. A quantitative approach to
interactive learning and adaptive behavior is proposed, integrating model- and
decision-making into one theoretical framework. This paper follows simple
principles by requiring that the observer's world model and action policy
should result in maximal predictive power at minimal complexity. Classes of
optimal action policies and of optimal models are derived from an objective
function that reflects this trade-off between prediction and complexity. The
resulting optimal models then summarize, at different levels of abstraction,
the process's causal organization in the presence of the learner's actions. A
fundamental consequence of the proposed principle is that the learner's optimal
action policies balance exploration and control as an emerging property.
Interestingly, the explorative component is present in the absence of policy
randomness, i.e. in the optimal deterministic behavior. This is a direct result
of requiring maximal predictive power in the presence of feedback.Comment: 6 page
Computer based human-centered display system
A human centered informational display is disclosed that can be used with vehicles (e.g. aircraft) and in other operational environments where rapid human centered comprehension of an operational environment is required. The informational display integrates all cockpit information into a single display in such a way that the pilot can clearly understand with a glance, his or her spatial orientation, flight performance, engine status and power management issues, radio aids, and the location of other air traffic, runways, weather, and terrain features. With OZ the information is presented as an integrated whole, the pilot instantaneously recognizes flight path deviations, and is instinctively drawn to the corrective maneuvers. Our laboratory studies indicate that OZ transfers to the pilot all of the integrated display information in less than 200 milliseconds. The reacquisition of scan can be accomplished just as quickly. Thus, the time constants for forming a mental model are near instantaneous. The pilot's ability to keep up with rapidly changing and threatening environments is tremendously enhanced. OZ is most easily compatible with aircraft that has flight path information coded electronically. With the correct sensors (which are currently available) OZ can be installed in essentially all current aircraft
Eyes Wide Open: Pupil Size as a Proxy for Inhibition in the Masked-Priming Paradigm
A core assumption underlying competitive-network models of word recognition is that in order for a word to be recognized, the representations of competing orthographically similar words must be inhibited. This inhibitory mechanism is revealed in the masked-priming lexical-decision task (LDT) when responses to orthographically similar word prime-target pairs are slower than orthographically different word prime-target pairs (i.e., inhibitory priming). In English, however, behavioral evidence for inhibitory priming has been mixed. In the present study, we utilized a physiological correlate of cognitive effort never before used in the masked-priming LDT, pupil size, to replicate and extend behavioral demonstrations of inhibitory effects (i.e., Nakayama, Sears, & Lupker, Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, 34, 1236-1260, 2008, Exp. 1). Previous research had suggested that pupil size is a reliable indicator of cognitive load, making it a promising index of lexical inhibition. Our pupillometric data replicated and extended previous behavioral findings, in that inhibition was obtained for orthographically similar word prime-target pairs. However, our response time data provided only a partial replication of Nakayama et al. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, 34, 1236-1260, 2008. These results provide converging lines of evidence that inhibition operates in word recognition and that pupillometry is a useful addition to word recognition researchers\u27 toolbox
Development of hollow electron beams for proton and ion collimation
Magnetically confined hollow electron beams for controlled halo removal in
high-energy colliders such as the Tevatron or the LHC may extend traditional
collimation systems beyond the intensity limits imposed by tolerable material
damage. They may also improve collimation performance by suppressing loss
spikes due to beam jitter and by increasing capture efficiency. A hollow
electron gun was designed and built. Its performance and stability were
measured at the Fermilab test stand. The gun will be installed in one of the
existing Tevatron electron lenses for preliminary tests of the hollow-beam
collimator concept, addressing critical issues such as alignment and
instabilities of the overlapping proton and electron beams.Comment: 3 pp. 1st International Particle Accelerator Conference: IPAC'10,
23-28 May 2010: Kyoto, Japa
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