A Proposal to Localize Fermi GBM GRBs Through Coordinated Scanning of the GBM Error Circle via Optical Telescopes

We investigate the feasibility of implementing a system that will coordinate ground-based optical telescopes to cover the Fermi GBM Error Circle (EC). The aim of the system is to localize GBM detected GRBs and facilitate multi-wavelength follow-up from space and ground. This system will optimize the observing locations in the GBM EC based on individual telescope location, Field of View (FoV) and sensitivity. The proposed system will coordinate GBM EC scanning by professional as well as amateur astronomers around the world. The results of a Monte Carlo simulation to investigate the feasibility of the project are presented.Comment: 2011 Fermi Symposium proceedings - eConf C11050

Absorbing systematic effects to obtain a better background model in a search for new physics

This paper presents a novel approach to estimate the Standard Model backgrounds based on modifying Monte Carlo predictions within their systematic uncertainties. The improved background model is obtained by altering the original predictions with successively more complex correction functions in signal-free control selections. Statistical tests indicate when sufficient compatibility with data is reached. In this way, systematic effects are absorbed into the new background model. The same correction is then applied on the Monte Carlo prediction in the signal region. Comparing this method to other background estimation techniques shows improvements with respect to statistical and systematical uncertainties. The proposed method can also be applied in other fields beyond high energy physics

Abnormal light propagation and the underdetermination of theory by evidence in astrophysics

We investigate the propagation of certain non-plane wave solutions to Maxwell's equations in both flat and curved spacetimes. We find that such solutions (or rather parts of them) exhibit accelerative behaviour, and in particular do not propagate on straight lines. Having established these results, we then turn to their conceptual significance -- which, in brief, we take to be the following: (i) one should not assume that the part of electromagnetic waves from outer space that is subject to detection is localised onto null trajectories; therefore (ii) astrophysicists and cosmologists should at least be wary about making such assumptions in their inferences from obtained data, for to do so may lead to incorrect inferences regarding the nature of our universe.Comment: 18 pages, 4 figures, forthcoming in Annals of Physic

Zircon U-Pb Geochronology from the Wakhan Corridor, NE Afghanistan

Abstract HKT-ISTP 201

Human-centered 2D/3D Video Content Analysis and Description

In this paper, we propose a way of using the AudioVisual Description Profile (AVDP) of the MPEG-7 standard for stereo video and multichannel audio content description. Our aim is to provide means of using AVDP in such a way, that 3D video and audio content can be correctly and consistently described. Since AVDP semantics do not include ways for dealing with 3D audiovisual content, a new semantic framework within AVDP is proposed and examples of using AVDP to describe the results of analysis algorithms on stereo video and multichannel audio content are presented

A Versatile, Portable Intravital Microscopy Platform for Studying Beta-cell Biology In Vivo

The pancreatic islet is a complex micro-organ containing numerous cell types, including endocrine, immune, and endothelial cells. The communication of these systems is lost upon isolation of the islets, and therefore the pathogenesis of diabetes can only be fully understood by studying this organized, multicellular environment in vivo. We have developed several adaptable tools to create a versatile platform to interrogate β-cell function in vivo. Specifically, we developed β-cell-selective virally-encoded fluorescent protein biosensors that can be rapidly and easily introduced into any mouse. We then coupled the use of these biosensors with intravital microscopy, a powerful tool that can be used to collect cellular and subcellular data from living tissues. Together, these approaches allowed the observation of in vivo β-cell-specific ROS dynamics using the Grx1-roGFP2 biosensor and calcium signaling using the GcAMP6s biosensor. Next, we utilized abdominal imaging windows (AIW) to extend our in vivo observations beyond single-point terminal measurements to collect longitudinal physiological and biosensor data through repeated imaging of the same mice over time. This platform represents a significant advancement in our ability to study β-cell structure and signaling in vivo, and its portability for use in virtually any mouse model will enable meaningful studies of β-cell physiology in the endogenous islet niche