Dissonance Minimization as a Microfoundation of Social Influence in Models of Opinion Formation

Models of opinion formation are used to investigate many collective phenomena. While social influence often constitutes a basic mechanism, its implementation differs between the models. In this article, we provide a general framework of social influence based on dissonance minimization. We only premise that individuals strive to minimize dissonance resulting from different opinions compared to individuals in a given social network. Within a game theoretic context, we show that our concept of dissonance minimization resembles a coordination process when interactions are homogeneous. We further show that different models of opinion formation can be represented as best response dynamics within our framework. Thus, we offer a unifying perspective on these heterogeneous models and link them to rational choice theory.     

A numerical method using the Prfer transformation for the calculation of eigenpairs of two-parameter Sturm-Liouville problems

A shooting method for coupled Prfer equations is discussedfor numerical solution of two-parameter Sturm-Liouville problems. Research supported in part by grants from the NSERC of Canada.     

Orientational ordering in some nematogens deviating from the classical rod-shape

Several new laterally substituted liquid crystalline compounds have been synthesized. They have the same main core which contains four rings (two aromatic, two alicyclic) with two lateral substituents introduced on the same side of one of the inner rings. One of the substituents is a 4-X-benzyloxy group (X=CH3,CN,Cl) and the other is a hexyloxy chain. The presence of the lateral aromatic substituent makes these compounds deviate markedly from the classical rod-shape. However, a wide enantiotropic nematic phase is present for all the compounds. The order parameters of the chain and the para -disubstituted aromatic rings were obtained by using a 2D 13C NMR technique with variable angle spinning. The temperature dependence of the order parameters was estimated using 13C chemical shifts with slow spinning of the sample parallel to the magnetic field. The results indicate that the two lateral substituents are more or less folded back along the mesogenic core. Thus, the flexible lateral chain is found to be roughly aligned with the molecular long axis, whereas the para axis of the less flexible aromatic branch makes a considerable angle with the molecular long axis imposed by the core, substantially increasing the mean width of the molecule. The core ordering does not seem to be influenced by the type and position of the substituents. The folding back of the lateral chain and the substantial tilt of the lateral aromatic branch with respect to the core main axis are confirmed by the X-ray structure of a parent compound.     

THE EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON WETLANDS AND WATERFOWL IN WESTERN CANADA: INCORPORATING CROPPING DECISIONS INTO A BIOECONOMIC MODEL

Abstract We extend an earlier bioeconomic model of optimal duck harvest and wetland retention in the Prairie Pothole Region of Western Canada to include cropping decisions. Instead of a single state equation, the model has two state equations representing the population dynamics of ducks and the amount of wetlands. We use the model to estimate the impact of climate change on wetlands and waterfowl, including direct climate effects as well as land use change due to biofuel policies aimed at mitigating climate change. The model predicts that climate change will reduce wetlands by 37–56% from historic levels. Land use change due to biofuel policies is expected to reduce wetlands by between 35% and 45% from historic levels, whereas direct climate effects will range from a reduction of 2–11%, depending on the future climate scenario. This result indicates that models that neglect the effect of land use changes underestimate the effect of climate change on wetlands. Further, wetlands loss is geographically heterogeneous, with losses being the largest in Saskatchewan.     

二芳基乙烯衍生物与DNA结合的分子动力学研究

基于分子动力学方法, 对2种旋转异构的二芳基乙烯(DTE, dithienylethene)衍生物(DTE1和DTE2)与不同分子结构DNA结合过程的热力学与动力学特征进行模拟, 结果发现, DTE1, DTE2与DNA分子采用小凹槽结合(MiGB)的模式结合时所需能量最低, 存在的分子间库仑能与范德华相互作用能最小, 说明该结合模式最稳定; 由于空间位阻作用, 互为旋转异构体的2个DTE衍生物与DNA作用表现出截然不同的结合行为, DNA对DTE衍生物具有明显的对映异构体选择性; DTE衍生物与DNA分子作用位点的选择性直接与构成位点的碱基对相关.     

Theoretical study of the photoelectron spectra of gaseous Cu3Cl3

Ab initio calculations have been performed to interpret the photoelectron spectrum of gaseous cuprous chloride, Cu₃Cl³. Density functional calculations revealed Cu₃Cl₃ to be a planar cyclic D_3h molecule. Koopmans' theorem and two-hole/one-particle calculations with canonical Hartree-Fock orbitals were used to interpret the vertical ionization energies. These were compared with similar calculations using B3LYP Kohn-Sham orbitals. The results confirm the claim by Casida that Kohn-Sham orbitals mimic Dyson orbitals.     

STABILIZATION OF LIPID BILAYERS ON SURFACES THROUGH CHARGED POLYMERS

ABSTRACT

It is our concept to use a polymer as a hydrophilic cushion to stabilize a lipid bilayer on a solid support. This can be accomplished by using polyacrylamides with disulfides and DMPE anchors as a hydrophilic cushion. These polymers have the additional functionalities to chemisorb on gold surfaces through the disulfides and to bind a lipid bilayer on it through the insertion of the lipid anchors into the lipid bilayer. This paper shows that a polymer with the additional functionality of charged groups increases the attraction of vesicles to form a tethered supported lipid bilayer. By varying the amount of charged groups in the polymer, we are able to control the hydrophilic behavior of the polymer and therefore are able to change the wetting on a surface. This was examined by measuring the contact angles. Using the technique of the surface plasmon spectroscopy, we are able to monitor the process of vesicle fusion on the polymer support.