Development of quantum perspectives in modern physics

Introductory undergraduate courses in classical physics stress a perspective that can be characterized as realist; from this perspective, all physical properties of a classical system can be simultaneously specified and thus determined at all future times. Such a perspective can be problematic for introductory quantum physics students, who must develop new perspectives in order to properly interpret what it means to have knowledge of quantum systems. We document this evolution in student thinking in part through pre- and post-instruction evaluations using the Colorado Learning Attitudes about Science Survey. We further characterize variations in student epistemic and ontological commitments by examining responses to two essay questions, coupled with responses to supplemental quantum attitude statements. We find that, after instruction in modern physics, many students are still exhibiting a realist perspective in contexts where a quantum-mechanical perspective is needed. We further find that this effect can be significantly influenced by instruction, where we observe variations for courses with differing learning goals. We also note that students generally do not employ either a realist or a quantum perspective in a consistent manner.Comment: 18 pages, plus references; 3 figures; 9 tables. PACS: 01.40.Fk, 03.65._

Algorithms for Olfactory Search across Species

Localizing the sources of stimuli is essential. Most organisms cannot eat, mate, or escape without knowing where the relevant stimuli originate. For many, if not most, animals, olfaction plays an essential role in search. While microorganismal chemotaxis is relatively well understood, in larger animals the algorithms and mechanisms of olfactory search remain mysterious. In this symposium, we will present recent advances in our understanding of olfactory search in flies and rodents. Despite their different sizes and behaviors, both species must solve similar problems, including meeting the challenges of turbulent airflow, sampling the environment to optimize olfactory information, and incorporating odor information into broader navigational systems

Stabilisation of beta and gamma oscillation frequency in the mammalian olfactory bulb

International audienceThe dynamics of the mammalian olfactory bulb (OB) is characterized by local field potential (LFP) oscillations either slow, in the theta range (2-10Hz, tightly linked to the respiratory rhythm), or fast, in the beta (15-30Hz) or gamma (40-90Hz) range. These fast oscillations are known to be modulated by odorant features and animal experience or state, but both their mechanisms and implication in coding are still not well understood. In this study, we used a double canulation protocol to impose artificial breathing rhythms to anesthetized rats while recording the LFP in the OB. We observed that despite the changes in the input air flow parameters (frequency or flow rate), the main characteristics of fast oscillations (duration, frequency or amplitude) were merely constant. We thus made the hypothesis that fast beta and gamma oscillations dynamics are entirely determined by the OB network properties and that external stimulation was only able put the network in a state which permits the generation of one or the other oscillations (they are never present simultaneously)

The impact of chorionicity on pregnancy outcome and neurodevelopment at 2 years old among twins born preterm: the EPIPAGE-2 cohort study

OBJECTIVE To compare the short‐ and mid‐term outcomes of preterm twins by chorionicity of pregnancy. DESIGN Prospective nationwide population‐based EPIPAGE‐2 cohort study. SETTING 546 maternity units in France, between March and December 2011. POPULATION A total of 1700 twin neonates born between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation. METHODS The association of chorionicity with outcomes was analysed using multivariate regression models. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES First, survival at 2‐year corrected age with or without neurosensory impairment, and second, perinatal, short‐, and mid‐term outcomes (survival at discharge, survival at discharge without severe morbidity) were described and compared by chorionicity. RESULTS In the EPIPAGE 2 cohort, 1700 preterm births were included (850 twin pregnancies). In all, 1220 (71.8%) were from dichorionic (DC) pregnancies and 480 from monochorionic (MC) pregnancies. MC pregnancies had three times more medical terminations than DC pregnancies (1.67 versus 0.51%, P < 0.001), whereas there were three times more stillbirths in MC than in DC pregnancies (10.09 versus 3.78%, P < 0.001). Both twins were alive at birth in 86.6% of DC pregnancies compared with 80.0% among MC pregnancies (P = 0.008). No significant difference according to chorionicity was found regarding neonatal deaths and morbidities. Likewise, for children born earlier than 32 weeks, the 2‐year follow‐up neurodevelopmental results were not significantly different between DC and MC twins. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms that MC pregnancies have a higher risk of adverse outcomes. However, the outcomes among preterm twins admitted to neonatal intensive care units are similar irrespective of chorionicity

Prospectus, April 28, 1982

BOARD PLANS FOR COLLEGE EXPANSION; News Digest; Candidates present views; Previewing really is censorship; Second StuGo forum flops on its back; ERA supporters rally together at capital; Don\u27t push your opinions, beliefs on others; Variety of students enroll in art transfer program; P.C. Happenings...: May Day festival to be featured, Music program to be performed, Phi Beta Lambda attends convention, Walks planned through woods, Help yourself to health, Learning to adjust to newborn baby; Parkland serves area through TV classes; Event offers chance to sell food; Origin of Arbor Day hazy; Parkland plans for Arbor Day activity; Soft pretzels make good party snacks; Rathskeller jams at 1st Parkland outdoor concert; Classifieds; Gettin\u27 lucky rocking with Loverboy; \u27Swamp Thing\u27 nothing but entertainment; Talking with the roadies; Tornado Shelter Guide; Mother Nature at her worst...: Watch for tornadoes; Mayor discusses Champaign projectshttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_1982/1020/thumbnail.jp

Prospectus, September 22, 1982

STUDENT VOTE SHOULD BE EXERCISED; News Digest; Election candidates present platforms; Children\u27s theater group performs new play; College remark causes reaction; Annex gets approval; C-U Happenings…; Club designed for business students; Bike is victim of \u27dastardly deed\u27; Microprecision department one of few in U.S.; Hough now teaches class; Community Calendar; Classified; Problem lyrics can\u27t overshadow great music; Hot Country Singles; TV season may bring surprises; TH\u27s delight CU at AH; Abbey\u27s job has variety; White leads for Parkland; ISU transfer looks like an asset; Fast Freddy Contesthttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_1982/1010/thumbnail.jp

Prospectus, February 4, 1981

12 RUNNING FOR POSITIONS IN STU GO.; Severns speaks to Community News Class; Sign up for student insurance; $1.50 a gallon? Ouch!: Instructiors discuss oil de-regulation; Everything you always wanted to know about participating in class!; Did you know that?; The Ice Capades \u27celebrates\u27 at the Hall Feb. 10-15; Muddy Waters: Is he the father of Rock n\u27 Roll?; Media 1000$ catches Parkland\u27s eyes!; Ramblin\u27...; Classifieds; Homer has big celebration for their hero: Paul Lewis; 11 Amendments to Stugo Constitution; 250 enrolled in Learning Lab.; It\u27s Susan B. Anthony\u27s b-day!; 42 donated at the Blood Drive; Images getting ready to hit the presses.; Women\u27s team boosts record to 19-1; Cobras beat arch-rival Lake Land; Dunson slam takes game into overtime: Cobras upset No. 1 Kankakee in double OT; Women beat Cavaliers; Softball practice begins Feb. 9; Geoff Ray wins FF competition; Fast Freddy Contest; Collins, the perfect leaderhttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_1981/1028/thumbnail.jp