On the signature of z∼0.6z\sim 0.6 superclusters and voids in the Integrated Sachs-Wolfe effect

Through a large ensemble of Gaussian realisations and a suite of large-volume N-body simulations, we show that in a standard LCDM scenario, supervoids and superclusters in the redshift range $z\in[0.4,0.7]$ should leave a {\em small} signature on the ISW effect of the order $\sim 2 \mu$K. We perform aperture photometry on WMAP data, centred on such superstructures identified from SDSS LRGs, and find amplitudes at the level of 8 -- 11$\mu$K -- thus confirming the earlier work of Granett et al 2008. If we focus on apertures of the size \sim3.6\degr, then our realisations indicate that LCDM is discrepant at the level of $\sim4 \sigma$. If we combine all aperture scales considered, ranging from 1\degr--20\degr, then the discrepancy becomes $\sim2\sigma$, and it further lowers to $\sim 0.6 \sigma$ if only 30 superstructures are considered in the analysis (being compatible with no ISW signatures at $1.3\sigma$ in this case). Full-sky ISW maps generated from our N-body simulations show that this discrepancy cannot be alleviated by appealing to Rees-Sciama mechanisms, since their impact on the scales probed by our filters is negligible. We perform a series of tests on the WMAP data for systematics. We check for foreground contaminants and show that the signal does not display the correct dependence on the aperture size expected for a residual foreground tracing the density field. The signal also proves robust against rotation tests of the CMB maps, and seems to be spatially associated to the angular positions of the supervoids and superclusters. We explore whether the signal can be explained by the presence of primordial non-Gaussianities of the local type. We show that for models with \FNL=\pm100, whilst there is a change in the pattern of temperature anisotropies, all amplitude shifts are well below $<1\mu$K.Comment: 14 pages, 9 figures, matches accepted version in MNRA

Consciosusness in Cognitive Architectures. A Principled Analysis of RCS, Soar and ACT-R

This report analyses the aplicability of the principles of consciousness developed in the ASys project to three of the most relevant cognitive architectures. This is done in relation to their aplicability to build integrated control systems and studying their support for general mechanisms of real-time consciousness.\ud To analyse these architectures the ASys Framework is employed. This is a conceptual framework based on an extension for cognitive autonomous systems of the General Systems Theory (GST).\ud A general qualitative evaluation criteria for cognitive architectures is established based upon: a) requirements for a cognitive architecture, b) the theoretical framework based on the GST and c) core design principles for integrated cognitive conscious control systems

The clustering of merging star-forming haloes: dust emission as high frequency arcminute CMB foreground

Future observations of CMB anisotropies will be able to probe high multipole regions of the angular power spectrum, corresponding to a resolution of a few arcminutes. Dust emission from merging haloes is one of the foregrounds that will affect such very small scales. We estimate the contribution to CMB angular fluctuations from objects that are bright in the sub-millimeter band due to intense star formation bursts following merging episodes. We base our approach on the Lacey-Cole merger model and on the Kennicutt relation which connects the star formation rate in galaxies with their infrared luminosity. We set the free parameters of the model in order to not exceed the SCUBA source counts, the Madau plot of star formation rate in the universe and COBE/FIRAS data on the intensity of the sub-millimeter cosmic background radiation. We show that the angular power spectrum arising from the distribution of such star-forming haloes will be one of the most significant foregrounds in the high frequency channels of future CMB experiments, such as PLANCK, ACT and SPT. The correlation term, due to the clustering of multiple haloes at redshift z~2-6, is dominant in the broad range of angular scales 200<l<3000. Poisson fluctuations due to bright sub-millimeter sources are more important at higher l, but since they are generated from the bright sources, such contribution could be strongly reduced if bright sources are excised from the sky maps. The contribution of the correlation term to the angular power spectrum depends strongly on the redshift evolution of the escape fraction of UV photons and the resulting temperature of the dust. The measurement of this signal will therefore give important information about galaxies in the early stage of their evolution.Comment: 18 pages, 16 figures. Accepted by Astronomy & Astrophysic

Principles for Consciousness in Integrated Cognitive Control

In this article we will argue that given certain conditions for the evolution of bi- \ud ological controllers, these will necessarily evolve in the direction of incorporating \ud consciousness capabilities. We will also see what are the necessary mechanics for \ud the provision of these capabilities and extrapolate this vision to the world of artifi- \ud cial systems postulating seven design principles for conscious systems. This article \ud was published in the journal Neural Networks special issue on brain and conscious- \ud ness

Home Language Use and Hispanic Academic Achievement: Evidence from Texas High Schools

Hispanics, the nation’s largest ethnic minority, are largely characterized by their low levels of education and Spanish-speaking backgrounds. In 1989, 96% of Hispanic school-aged children lived in homes where Spanish is spoken at home. Because many Hispanics speak Spanish at home, this study seeks to explore the association between foreign language use at home and academic achievement. Using data from the Texas Higher Education Opportunity Project, preliminary cross-tabulations find that home language use does not sufficiently explain academic achievement patterns across race/ethnic groups. However, a strong correlation is shown between parental academic background and academic success. Bivariate analyses find that Hispanics who have at least one parent with a college education will perform significantly better and narrow achievement gaps between Hispanics and Whites and Asians

Development of Flexible Photo-Mechanoluminescent Polymeric Based Systems

The project focuses on the creation of nanofiber systems with enhanced photo-mechanoluminescent response and high mechanical flexibility to further enhance promising optical applications. Lanthanide-Polyvinyl Di-Fluoride fiber systems were created using centrifugal spinning and characterized using SEM, FTIR, XPS, DSC, XRD, and PL. Fibers luminescence response was gotten when induced by ultraviolet light and the application of an impact force

The relationship between gluteus maximus activation and running economy in recreational distance runners

Within the running community, there are strategies that a trainer will utilize to improve the performance of an athlete. One of these strategies suggests that an increase in activation of the Gluteus Maximus (GM) muscle will result in an increase in the efficiency of runners. The primary purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between GM activation and running economy (RE). Methods: Three female and seven male recreational runners (27±8 yrs) from California Polytechnic State University, Humboldt and the local community. A Pearson product-correlation was used to determine the strength of the relationship between Gluteus Maximus activation and running economy. Runners (27±8 yrs) ran on a treadmill at 11 km/hr and running economy was quantified as metabolic power (Watt/kg) using indirect calorimetry (ParvoMedic). Muscle activation (2000 Hz; Delsys Trigno) of the Rectus Femoris (RF), Biceps Femoris (BF), Soleus (SOL), Tibialis Anterior (TA) muscles were collected in the last two minutes of each six-minute trial. Results/Discussion: There was no significant relation between GM activation and metabolic cost at 11km/hr (r=-0.08, p=.817, Figure 1). When examining secondary lower extremity muscles, none of the muscles had a correlation with metabolic cost (Table 1). Similar studies examining metabolic cost and muscle activation found similar trends in which GM was reported to be one of the lower activating muscles at slower speeds. This lack of a relationship between muscle activation and running metabolic cost may be related to the contributing roles of these muscles while running. Conclusion: GM activation does not correlate with metabolic cost at intermediate running speeds. The results of this study will be beneficial to coaches and athletes in developing a training program to improve running performance