Rhythms of Locomotion Expressed by Limulus polyphemus, the American Horseshoe Crab: I. Synchronization by Artificial Tides

Limulus polyphemus, the American horseshoe crab, has an endogenous clock that drives circatidal rhythms of locomotor activity. In this study, we examined the ability of artificial tides to entrain the locomotor rhythms of Limulus in the laboratory. In experiments one and two, the activity of 16 individuals of L. polyphemus was monitored with activity boxes and “running wheels.” When the crabs were exposed to artificial tides created by changes in water depth, circatidal rhythms were observed in animals exposed to 12.4-h “tidal” cycles of either water depth changes (8 of 8 animals) or inundation (7 of 8 animals). In experiment three, an additional 8 animals were exposed to water depth changes under cyclic conditions of light and dark and then monitored for 10 days with no imposed artificial tides. Most animals (5) clearly synchronized their activity to the imposed artificial tidal cycles, and 3 of these animals showed clear evidence of entrainment after the artificial tides were terminated. Overall, these results demonstrate that the endogenous tidal clock that influences locomotion in Limulus can be entrained by imposed artificial tides. In the laboratory, these tidal cues override the influence of light/dark cycles. In their natural habitat, where both tidal and photoperiod inputs are typically always present, their activity rhythms are likely to be much more complex

A Method for Using Player Tracking Data in Basketball to Learn Player Skills and Predict Team Performance

Player tracking data represents a revolutionary new data source for basketball analysis, in which essentially every aspect of a player’s performance is tracked and can be analyzed numerically. We suggest a way by which this data set, when coupled with a network-style model of the offense that relates players’ skills to the team’s success at running different plays, can be used to automatically learn players’ skills and predict the performance of untested 5-man lineups in a way that accounts for the interaction between players’ respective skill sets. After developing a general analysis procedure, we present as an example a specific implementation of our method using a simplified network model. While player tracking data is not yet available in the public domain, we evaluate our model using simulated data and show that player skills can be accurately inferred by a simple statistical inference scheme. Finally, we use the model to analyze games from the 2011 playoff series between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder and we show that, even with a very limited data set, the model can consistently describe a player’s interactions with a given lineup based only on his performance with a different lineup

Christian education as a hermeneutical project with special reference to the ascension of Christ

This thesis offers a broad ranging overview of Adult Christian Education, approached from the standpoint of the facilitation of Understanding. We introduce nine questions central to this subject, and these form the thesis' overall structure and content. Continuous interaction is made with educationalists currently working in A.C.E., especially in the United States. We interact especially with J.M. Lee and T.H. Groome. Chapter I.l considers the nature of God's activity in A.C.E. programmes; and seeks to justify a moderate interventionist model of revelation; against M. Wiles particularly. Chapter I.2 propounds a matrix of twelve Aims possible in A.C.E. Our overall definition of A.C.E. focuses on Discipleship and Maturity (L.O. Richards).Chapter II.1 focuses on the content of A.C.E. We here concentrate upon Christian doctrine, illustrated in the Ascension. Detailed exegesis of the Ascension texts highlights the work of G. Lohfink. Chapter II.2 addresses the nature of the person being educated. Drawing on D. Cairns, J. Macquarrie we discuss the nature of the Imago Dei, and education into the Imago Christi. Chapter II.3 offers extensive justification for hermeneutical theory forming the underlying dynamic for learning theory pertinent to A.C.E. In dialogue initially with Heidegger, Bultmann and Gadamer we construct a model for A.C.E. with power to promote interpretative ability, and application of faith to daily life. A special place is reserved for the Holy Spirit's educative role. We utilize Narrative Theology as a powerful and practical hermeneutical bridge. (D.E. Miller)Chapter III features a particular small-scale educational programme carried out in a Church setting, using the model developed in Chapters I.II. The thesis concludes by re-emphasizing the multifaceted dimensions of A.C.E. necessary in order to be adequate to both Christian tradition and experience. Teaching that facilitates the release of students towards their own "meaning making" is far more demanding than traditionally required in education which transmits predetermined content. This is because of the teacher's need to understand in depth both the subject material (for hermeneutically distanced understanding) and his students (for hermeneutical fusion of horizons)

On transport integration: a contribution to better understanding

Over the years there have been many forecasts of transport futures. Most have taken a technological perspective, but this paper differs. Our perspective, linked to current transport policy debates, concerns the processes, institutions and structures within which transport technologies develop. ‘Integration’ is taken as our focus, because the concept of ‘integrated transport’ has become an important guiding principle for transport policies' institutional and structural development in several countries. Much has been talked about the need to reduce significantly the environmental impact of transport. While technical solutions that reduce the impact of individual journeys have a place, it is unlikely that they alone can reduce the impact of transport to a sustainable level. Only the development of highly integrated strategies have the potential to improve sustainability. Such strategies involve areas of activity that are not traditionally considered part of the transport planning process, such as health, urban regeneration, and education. There is no widely accepted definition of what Integrated Transport means. It is to help clarify such ambiguities that this paper has been written. This paper explores the meaning of Integrated Transport and considers whether such strategies will contribute to sustainability. Using examples from photography and computer system design the paper shows that there is a need to develop a better understanding of the meaning of Integrated Transport, outlining a typology developed to classify various definitions of Integrated Transport. Integrated Transport is viewed as scalar in nature, with higher levels incorporating lower, or narrower, understandings of the term Integrated Transport. Points on this scale include: • Functional or Modal Integration, which is part of... • Transport and Planning Integration, which is part of... • Social Integration, which is part of... • Environmental, Economic and Transport Policy Integration Transport Integration may be considered as a series of steps, with an incremental approach leading to higher levels of both Integration and Sustainability. Only by commitment, and allocation of resources, to the highest levels, will issues of sustainability be properly addressed

A Method for Using Player Tracking Data in Basketball to Learn Player Skills and Predict Team Performance

Player tracking data represents a revolutionary new data source for basketball analysis, in which essentially every aspect of a player’s performance is tracked and can be analyzed numerically. We suggest a way by which this data set, when coupled with a network-style model of the offense that relates players’ skills to the team’s success at running different plays, can be used to automatically learn players’ skills and predict the performance of untested 5-man lineups in a way that accounts for the interaction between players’ respective skill sets. After developing a general analysis procedure, we present as an example a specific implementation of our method using a simplified network model. While player tracking data is not yet available in the public domain, we evaluate our model using simulated data and show that player skills can be accurately inferred by a simple statistical inference scheme. Finally, we use the model to analyze games from the 2011 playoff series between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder and we show that, even with a very limited data set, the model can consistently describe a player’s interactions with a given lineup based only on his performance with a different lineup

X-Ray Evidence for Flare Density Variations and Continual Chromospheric Evaporation in Proxima Centauri

Using the XMM-Newton X-ray observatory to monitor the nearest star to the Sun, Proxima Centauri, we recorded the weakest X-ray flares on a magnetically active star ever observed. Correlated X-ray and optical variability provide strong support for coronal energy and mass supply by a nearly continuous sequence of rapid explosive energy releases. Variable emission line fluxes were observed in the He-like triplets of OVII and NeIX during a giant flare. They give direct X-ray evidence for density variations, implying densities between 2x10^{10} - 4x10^{11} cm^{-3} and providing estimates of the mass and the volume of the line-emitting plasma. We discuss the data in the context of the chromospheric evaporation scenario.Comment: 10 pages, 2 figures, accepted by The Astrophysical Journal, Letters; improved calculations of radiative loss of cool plasma (toward end of paper

IBIS/PICsIT in-flight performances

PICsIT (Pixellated Imaging CaeSium Iodide Telescope) is the high energy detector of the IBIS telescope on-board the INTEGRAL satellite. PICsIT operates in the gamma-ray energy range between 175 keV and 10 MeV, with a typical energy resolution of 10% at 1 MeV, and an angular resolution of 12 arcmin within a \~100 square degree field of view, with the possibility to locate intense point sources in the MeV region at the few arcmin level. PICsIT is based upon a modular array of 4096 independent CsI(Tl) pixels, ~0.70 cm^2 in cross-section and 3 cm thick. In this work, the PICsIT on-board data handling and science operative modes are described. This work presents the in-flight performances in terms of background count spectra, sensitivity limit, and imaging capabilities.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures. Accepted for publication on A&A, special issue on First Science with INTEGRA

Hydrogen oxidation kinetics on platinum-palladium bimetallic thin films for solid acid fuel cells

Solid acid fuel cells (SAFCs) based on the proton-conductive electrolyte CsH2PO4 have shown promising power densities at an intermediate operating temperature of ∼250 °C. However, Pt loadings in SAFCs remain higher than desirable, and the electrocatalysis mechanisms in these devices are still unknown. Here, hydrogen oxidation kinetics on Pt and Pt-Pd bimetallic thin film electrodes on CsH2PO4 have been evaluated to establish the potential for a beneficial role of Pd in SAFC anodes. Symmetric cells fabricated by depositing a metal film on both sides of electrolyte discs are characterized for studying hydrogen electro-oxidation across the gas|metal|CsH2PO4 structure. It was found that Pd reacts with CsH2PO4, forming palladium phosphide at the metal-electrolyte interface. Accordingly, the activity of Pd was examined in a bilayer geometry of Pd|Pt|CsH2PO4|Pt|Pd. The bilayer Pt|Pd films showed much higher activity for hydrogen electro-oxidation than films of Pt alone, as measured by AC impedance spectroscopy. Ex situ low energy ion scattering and scanning transmission electron microscopy revealed that Pd diffused into the Pt layer under operating conditions. The dramatic impact of Pd along with its presence throughout the film suggests that it catalyzes reactions at both the metal-gas and metal-electrolyte interfaces, as well as increasing hydrogen diffusion rates through the films