1,112 research outputs found
Searching for electromagnetic counterpart of LIGO gravitational waves in the Fermi GBM data with ADWO
The Fermi collaboration identified a possible electromagnetic counterpart of
the gravitational wave event of September 14, 2015. Our goal is to provide an
unsupervised data analysis algorithm to identify similar events in Fermi's
Gamma-ray Burst Monitor CTTE data stream. We are looking for signals that are
typically weak. Therefore, they can only be found by a careful analysis of
count rates of all detectors and energy channels simultaneously. Our
Automatized Detector Weight Optimization (ADWO) method consists of a search for
the signal, and a test of its significance. We developed ADWO, a virtual
detector analysis tool for multi-channel multi-detector signals, and performed
successful searches for short transients in the data-streams. We have
identified GRB150522B, as well as possible electromagnetic candidates of the
transients GW150914 and LVT151012. ADWO is an independently developed,
unsupervised data analysis tool that only relies on the raw data of the Fermi
satellite. It can therefore provide a strong, independent test to any
electromagnetic signal accompanying future gravitational wave observations.Comment: 4 pages and 4 figures, A&A Letters accepte
Multidimensional analysis of Fermi GBM gamma-ray bursts
The Fermi GBM catalog provides a large database with many measured variables
that can be used to explore and verify gamma-ray burst classification results.
We have used Principal Component Analysis and statistical clustering techniques
to look for clustering in a sample of 801 gamma-ray bursts described by sixteen
classification variables. The analysis recovers what appears to be the Short
class and two long-duration classes that differ from one another via peak flux,
with negligible variations in fluence, duration and spectral hardness. Neither
class has properties entirely consistent with the Intermediate GRB class.
Spectral hardness has been a critical Intermediate class property. Rather than
providing spectral hardness, Fermi GBM provides a range of fitting variables
for four different spectral models; it is not intuitive how these variables can
be used to support or disprove previous GRB classification results.Comment: accepte
Could vectors’ fear of predators reduce the spread of plant diseases?
AbstractPredators influence the behaviour of prey and by doing so they potentially reduce pathogen transmission by a vector. Arthropod predators have been shown to reduce the consumption of plant biomass by pest herbivores, but their cascading non-consumptive effect on vector insects’ feeding behaviour and subsequent pathogen transmission has not been investigated experimentally before. Here we experimentally examined predator-mediated pathogen transmission mechanisms using the plant pathogen Wheat Dwarf Virus that is transmitted by the leafhopper, Psammotettix alienus. We applied in situ hybridization to localize which leaf tissues were infected with transmitted virus DNA in barley host plants, proving that virus occurrence is restricted to phloem tissues. In the presence of the spider predator, Tibellus oblongus, we recorded the within leaf feeding behaviour of the herbivore using electrical penetration graph. The leafhopper altered its feeding behaviour in response to predation risk. Phloem ingestion, the feeding phase when virus acquisition occurs, was delayed and was less frequent. The phase when pathogen inoculation takes place, via the secretion of virus infected vector saliva, was shorter when predator was present. Our study thus provides experimental evidence that predators can potentially limit the spread of plant pathogens solely through influencing the feeding behaviour of vector organisms.</jats:p
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The development of the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (PPCS)
Background: To date, no short scale exists with strong psychometric properties that can assess problematic pornography consumption based on an overarching theoretical background. Objectives: The goal of the present study was to develop a brief scale (Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale; PPCS) on the basis of Griffiths` (2005) six-component addiction model that can distinguish between non-problematic and problematic pornography use. Methods: The PPCS was developed using an online sample of 772 respondents (390 females, 382 males; Mage = 22.56, SD = 4.98 years). Items creation was based on previous problematic pornography use instruments and on the definitions of the factors of Griffiths’ model. Results: A confirmatory factor analysis was carried out—as the scale is based on a well-established theoretical model—leading to an 18-item second-order factor structure. The reliability of the PPCS was excellent and measurement invariance was established. In the current sample, 3.6% of the users belonged to the at-risk group. Based on the sensitivity and specificity analyses we identified an optimal cut-off to distinguish between problematic and non-problematic pornography users. Conclusion: The PPCS is a multidimensional scale of problematic pornography use with strong theoretical basis that also has strong psychometric properties in terms of factor structure and reliability
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Revisiting the role of impulsivity and compulsivity in problematic sexual behaviors
Impulsivity and compulsivity are transdiagnostic features associated with clinically relevant aspects of psychiatric disorders, including addictions. However, little research has investigated how impulsivity and compulsivity relate to hypersexuality and problematic pornography use. Thus, the aims of the present study were to investigate (a) self-reported impulsivity and compulsivity with respect to hypersexuality and problematic pornography use and (b) the similarities and possible differences between hypersexuality and problematic pornography use in these domains. Utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM) in a large community sample (N = 13,778 participants; female = 4,151, 30.1%), results indicated that impulsivity (β = .28, β = .26) and compulsivity (β = .23, β = .14) were weakly related to problematic pornography use among men and women, respectively. Impulsivity had a stronger relationship (β = .41, β = .42) with hypersexuality than did compulsivity (β = .21, β = .16) among men and women, respectively. Consequently, impulsivity and compulsivity may not contribute as substantially to problematic pornography use as some scholars have proposed. On the other hand, impulsivity might have a more prominent role in hypersexuality than in problematic pornography use. Future research should examine further social and situational factors associated with problematic pornography use
Effects of the Focused Ion Beam Parameters on Nanopore Milling in Solid State Membranes
AbstractThis work describes a reliable nanofabrication technology of solid state nanopore arrays. The geometric parameters of pores are achieved and optimized according to the requirements of bioanalytical applications regarding conformation and size of the characteristic proteins in clinical diagnostics. Different structural configurations and material compositions of the nanopore structures were developed and characterised according to the variable biofunctionalisation strategies. The geometry of the fabricated pores were analysed as the statistical function of the focused ion beam milling parameters
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Are sexual functioning problems associated with frequent pornography use and/or problematic pornography use? Results from a large community survey including males and females
There is much debate regarding whether pornography use has positive or negative associations with sexuality-related measures such as sexual functioning problems. The present study aimed to examine differential correlates between quantity (frequency of pornography use–FPU) and severity (problematic pornography use–PPU) of pornography use with respect to sexual functioning problems among both males and females. Multi-group structural equation modeling was conducted to investigate hypothesized associations between PPU, FPU, and sexual functioning problems among males and females (N=14,581 participants; females=4,352; 29.8%; Mage=33.6 years, SDage=11.0), controlling for age, sexual orientation, relationship status, and masturbation frequency. The hypothesized model had excellent fit to the data (CFI=.962, TLI=.961, RMSEA=.057 [95% CI=.056-.057]). Similar associations were identified in both genders, with all pathways being statistically significant (
Experimental determination of the He(,)Be reaction cross section above the Be proton separation threshold
The He(,)Be reaction plays a major role both in the
BBN producing the majority of the primordial Li, and in the pp-chain, where
it is the branching point. As a few-nucleon system, this reaction is often used
to validate ab-initio theoretical calculations and/or test R-matrix theory and
code implementations. For the latter, experimental data in an extended energy
range is of crucial importance to test the fit and extrapolation capabilities
of the different codes. The He(,)Be reaction cross
section has been measured by several groups up to the first resonance
( MeV) in the reaction. However, only one dataset exists
above the Be proton separation threshold measured in a narrow energy range
( MeV). In this work we extend the available experimental
capture cross section database to the energy range of known Be levels. The
activation method was used. The experiment was performed using a thin-window
gas cell with two high-purity Al foils as entrance and exit windows. The
activity of the Be nuclei implanted in the exit/catcher foil was measured
by detecting the yield of the emitted ~rays using shielded high-purity
germanium detectors. New experimental He(,)Be reaction
cross section data were obtained for the first time in the
MeV energy region. The new dataset with about 0.2 MeV step covers the energy
range of known levels and particle separation thresholds. No prominent
structures are observer around the Be levels. The reaction cross section is
slowly increasing with increasing energy. Above the Li threshold, a
decrease starts in the cross section trend. The overall structure of the cross
section suggest a broad resonance peaking around MeV Be
excitation energy, with a width of 8 MeV.Comment: Accepted for publication in PR
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