13,367 research outputs found
A pitfall of piecewise-polytropic equation of state inference
The only messenger radiation in the Universe which one can use to
statistically probe the Equation of State (EOS) of cold dense matter is that
originating from the near-field vicinities of compact stars. Constraining
gravitational masses and equatorial radii of rotating compact stars is a major
goal for current and future telescope missions, with a primary purpose of
constraining the EOS. From a Bayesian perspective it is necessary to carefully
discuss prior definition; in this context a complicating issue is that in
practice there exist pathologies in the general relativistic mapping between
spaces of local (interior source matter) and global (exterior spacetime)
parameters. In a companion paper, these issues were raised on a theoretical
basis. In this study we reproduce a probability transformation procedure from
the literature in order to map a joint posterior distribution of Schwarzschild
gravitational masses and radii into a joint posterior distribution of EOS
parameters. We demonstrate computationally that EOS parameter inferences are
sensitive to the choice to define a prior on a joint space of these masses and
radii, instead of on a joint space interior source matter parameters. We focus
on the piecewise-polytropic EOS model, which is currently standard in the field
of astrophysical dense matter study. We discuss the implications of this issue
for the field.Comment: 16 pages, 9 figures. Accepted for publication in MNRA
Air quality indices from ERTS-1 MSS information
Comparison between ground based atmospheric turbidity network measurements and the average scene grayness from MSS Channel 4 data is in progress. Correlation between these two sources is promising. If continued correlation occurs for other ERTS-1 overflight dates and ground test sites, a new operational use of ERTS-1 useful to Federal, state, and international organizations will become available
High-Resolution K' Imaging of the z = 1.786 Radio Galaxy 3C 294
We have obtained imaging in the K' band (~I-band rest frame) of the z=1.786
radio galaxy 3C 294 with the 36-element curvature-sensing adaptive optics
system Hokupa`a and the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope. At a resolution of <
\~0."15, the galaxy is seen as a group of small but resolved knots distributed
over a roughly triangular region ~1."4 across. The interpretation of the
structure depends on the location of the nucleus, as indicated by the compact
radio core. Its position is uncertain by > ~0."5 (2-sigma) because of
uncertainties in the optical astrometry, but our best estimate places it at or
near the southern apex of the distribution. If this location is correct, the
most likely interpretation is that of a hidden quasar nucleus illuminating
dusty infalling dwarf-galaxy-like clumps having characteristic sizes of ~1.5
kpc.Comment: 8 pages. One figure in gif format. Postscript version including fig.
(240 kb) available at http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/~canaguby/preprints.html To
appear in ApJ. Letter
Investigation of environmental indices from the Earth Resources Technology Satellite
The author has identified the following significant results. Land use change, water quality, and air quality indices have been calculated from analysis of ERTS-1 multispectral scanning imagery and computer compatible tapes. Specifications have been developed and discussed for an ERTS-1 environmental monitoring system which help to serve the information needs of environmental managers at the Federal, state, regional, and local level. General conclusions of the investigation are that ERTS-1 data is very useful in land use mapping and updating to 10-15 categories, and can provide an overall measure of air and water turbidity; however, more and better ground truth and possibly additional spacecraft sensors will be required if specific air and water pollutants are to be quantified from satellite data
On parametrised cold dense matter equation of state inference
Constraining the equation of state of cold dense matter in compact stars is a
major science goal for observing programmes being conducted using X-ray, radio,
and gravitational wave telescopes. We discuss Bayesian hierarchical inference
of parametrised dense matter equations of state. In particular we generalise
and examine two inference paradigms from the literature: (i) direct posterior
equation of state parameter estimation, conditioned on observations of a set of
rotating compact stars; and (ii) indirect parameter estimation, via
transformation of an intermediary joint posterior distribution of exterior
spacetime parameters (such as gravitational masses and coordinate equatorial
radii). We conclude that the former paradigm is not only tractable for
large-scale analyses, but is principled and flexible from a Bayesian
perspective whilst the latter paradigm is not. The thematic problem of Bayesian
prior definition emerges as the crux of the difference between these paradigms.
The second paradigm should in general only be considered as an ill-defined
approach to the problem of utilising archival posterior constraints on exterior
spacetime parameters; we advocate for an alternative approach whereby such
information is repurposed as an approximative likelihood function. We also
discuss why conditioning on a piecewise-polytropic equation of state model -
currently standard in the field of dense matter study - can easily violate
conditions required for transformation of a probability density distribution
between spaces of exterior (spacetime) and interior (source matter) parameters.Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS, 43 pages, 7 figure
Application of multidisciplinary optimization methods to the design of a supersonic transport
An optimization design method is discussed. This method is based on integrating existing disciplinary analysis and sensitivity analysis techniques by means of generalized sensitivity equations. A generic design system implementing this method is described. The system is being used to design the configuration and internal structure of a supersonic transport wing for optimum performance. This problem combines the disciplines of linear aerodynamics, structures, and performance. Initial results which include the disciplines of aerodynamics and structures in a conventional minimum weight design under static aeroelastic constraints are presented
The Non-thermal Radio Jet Toward the NGC 2264 Star Formation Region
We report sensitive VLA 3.6 cm radio observations toward the head of the Cone
nebula in NGC 2264, made in 2006. The purpose of these observations was to
study a non-thermal radio jet recently discovered, that appears to emanate from
the head of the Cone nebula. The jet is highly polarized, with well-defined
knots, and one-sided. The comparison of our images with 1995 archive data
indicates no evidence of proper motions nor polarization changes. We find
reliable flux density variations in only one knot, which we tentatively
identify as the core of a quasar or radio galaxy. An extragalactic location
seems to be the best explanation for this jet.Comment: 12 pages, 5 figure
Multilayered printed circuit boards inspected by X-ray laminography
Technique produces high resolution cross-sectional radiographs with close interplane spacing for inspecting multilayer boards to be used in providing circuitry routing and module structural support
Analysis of the point-diffraction interferometer and application to testing of pressure-loaded windows
A diffraction-theory analysis is given of the point-diffraction interferometer. The leading error present in the reference beam is expressed as a function of the pinhole diameter. A second part of the work presents a ray-tracing analysis of pressure-loaded windows; the leading-order distortion for incident plane waves is a weak lensing. The point-diffraction interferometer is used to confirm the analysis for an astigmatic aberration produced by cylindrical deformation of a plastic window
A Longitudinal Study of the Reciprocal Relationship Between Ever Smoking and Urgency in Early Adolescence
Background—Among early adolescents in the United States (U.S.), the prevalence of cigarette smoking is at its lowest level in recent decades. Nonetheless, given the risks of smoking in early development, it remains critically important to study both risk factors for smoking and risks from smoking. This longitudinal study with U.S. early adolescents examines smoking initiation and tests a model of reciprocal prediction between ever smoking and the personality trait of urgency (i.e., mood-based impulsivity), a trait that increases risk for multiple forms of dysfunction.
Methods—Participants (n=1906; 90% 10–11 years old, 50% female, 39% racial minorities at baseline) completed questionnaires 1–2 times per year starting in 5th grade and ending in 9th grade. Structural equation modeling allowed tests of bidirectional relationships between ever smoking and urgency controlling for pubertal status and negative affect at each wave.
Results—Incidence of ever smoking increased from 5% to 27% over time, with current smoking around 5% at the last wave. Urgency at each wave predicted ever smoking at the next wave above and beyond covariates and prior smoking (all p \u3c .01). Likewise, with one exception, ever smoking predicted an increase in urgency at the subsequent wave above and beyond covariates and prior urgency (all p \u3c .05).
Conclusion—Results show that risk for smoking increases with higher levels of urgency and urgency increases secondary to engagement in smoking. Future work should therefore explore urgency as a point of prevention for smoking and smoking cessation as a means to mitigate mood-based impulsivity
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