Scale Factor Self-Dual Cosmological Models

We implement a conformal time scale factor duality for Friedmann-Robertson-Walker cosmological models, which is consistent with the weak energy condition. The requirement for self-duality determines the equations of state for a broad class of barotropic fluids. We study the example of a universe filled with two interacting fluids, presenting an accelerated and a decelerated period, with manifest UV/IR duality. The associated self-dual scalar field interaction turns out to coincide with the "radiation-like" modified Chaplygin gas models. We present an equivalent realization of them as gauged K\"ahler sigma models (minimally coupled to gravity) with very specific and interrelated K\"ahler- and super-potentials. Their applications in the description of hilltop inflation and also as quintessence models for the late universe are discussed.Comment: v3, improved and extended version to be published in JHEP; new results added to sect.2; 4 figures; 17pg

VOLARE: Adaptive Web Service Discovery Middleware for Mobile Systems

With the recent advent and widespread use of smart mobile devices, the flexibility and versatility offered by Service Oriented Architecture's (SOA) makes it an ideal approach to use in the rapidly changing mobile environment. However, the mobile setting presents a set of new challenges that service discovery methods developed for nonmobile environments cannot address. The requirements a mobile client device will have from a Web service may change due to changes in the context or the resources of the client device. In a similar manner, a mobile device that acts as a Web service provider will have different capabilities depending on its status, which may also change dramatically during runtime. This paper introduces VOLARE, a middleware-based solution that will monitor the resources and context of the device, and adapt service requests accordingly. The same method will be used to adapt the Quality of Service (QoS) levels advertised by service providers, to realistically reflect each provider's capabilities at any given moment. This approach will allow for more resource-efficient and accurate service discovery in mobile systems and will enable more reliable provider functionality in mobile devices

THEORY OF DEFECTS IN CONDUCTING POLYMERS .2. APPLICATION TO POLYACETYLENE

We exploit the approach of a previous paper, based on self-consistent quantum-chemical molecular dynamics, to investigate the energetics and dynamics of excitations in conducting polymers. The predictions include the formation energies of solitons and polarons, the phenomenon of doping by alkali atoms, luminescence quenching in cis-polyacetylene, the soliton mobility in trans-polyacetylene and the non-existence of breathers in cis-polyacetylene

Cut-elimination for the modal Grzegorczyk logic via non-well-founded proofs

We present a sequent calculus for the modal Grzegorczyk logic Grz allowing non-well-founded proofs and obtain the cut-elimination theorem for it by constructing a continuous cut-elimination mapping acting on these proofs.Comment: WOLLIC'17, 12 pages, 1 appendi

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment masquerading as exudative panuveitis with intense anterior chamber inflammatory reaction.

Purpose:This is a retrospective case report illustrating the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with a chronic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment masquerading as a severe panuveitis with intense anterior chamber inflammation. We have included clinical features, anterior segment and fundus photography, B-scan ultrasonography, fluorescein angiography, and intraoperative findings. Observations:A 26-year-old male presented with features of unilateral panuveitis: hypotony, anterior segment inflammation (posterior synechiae and anterior chamber cell with fibrin clumping), diffuse choroidal thickening, and retinal detachment. Laboratory investigations for infectious or rheumatologic processes were negative, and empiric systemic corticosteroid therapy was unsuccessful. This prompted suspicion for an alternate primary etiology, and pars plana vitrectomy revealed small retinal breaks as the underlying cause of the retinal detachment and inflammation. Conclusions:Rhegmatogenous retinal detachments are a known cause of intraocular inflammation. Nevertheless, it remains a challenge to recognize retinal breaks in this setting, particularly with robust anterior segment inflammation and posterior findings resembling severe exudative uveitis. Being aware of this unique presentation may prevent delays in diagnosis and have important prognostic implications

Selective bond-breaking in formic acid by dissociative electron attachment.

We report the results of a joint experimental and theoretical study of dissociative electron attachment to formic acid (HCOOH) in the 6-9 eV region, where H- fragment ions are a dominant product. Breaking of the C-H and O-H bonds is distinguished experimentally by deuteration of either site. We show that in this region H- ions can be produced by formation of two or possibly three Feshbach resonance (doubly-excited anion) states, one of which leads to either C-H or O-H bond scission, while the other can only produce formyloxyl radicals by O-H bond scission. Comparison of experimental and theoretical angular distributions of the anion fragment allows the elucidation of state specific pathways to dissociation

Health in my community: Conducting and evaluating photovoice as a tool to promote environmental health and leadership among Latino/a youth

BackgroundThe PhotoVoice method has shown substantial promise for work with youth in metropolitan areas, yet its potential for use with Latino youth from agricultural areas has not been well documented.ObjectivesThis project was designed to teach environmental health to 15 high school youth while building their individual and community capacity for studying and addressing shared environmental concerns. The project also aimed to test the utility of PhotoVoice with Latino agricultural youth.MethodsFifteen members of the Youth Community Council (YCC), part of a 15-year project with farmworker families in Salinas, CA, took part in a 12-week PhotoVoice project. Their pictures captured the assets and strengths of their community related to environmental health, and were then analyzed by participants. A multi-pronged evaluation was conducted.ResultsYCC members identified concerns such as poor access to affordable, healthy foods and lack of safe physical spaces in which to play, as well as assets, including caring adults and organizations, and open spaces in surrounding areas. Participants presented their findings on radio, television, at local community events, and to key policy makers. The youth also developed two action plans, a successful 5K run/walk and a school recycling project, still in progress. Evaluation results included significant changes in such areas as perceived ability to make presentations, leadership, and self-confidence, as well as challenges including transportation, group dynamics, and gaining access to people in power.ConclusionThe PhotoVoice method shows promise for environmental health education and youth development in farmworker communities