Random replicators with high-order interactions

We use tools of the equilibrium statistical mechanics of disordered systems to study analytically the statistical properties of an ecosystem composed of N species interacting via random mutual interactions, as well as via deterministic self-interactions of order p>/=2. We show that the main effect of increasing the order of the interactions among the species is to make the system less competitive, in the sense that the fraction of extinct species is greatly reduced. In addition, we find that for p>2 there is a threshold value which gives a lower bound to the concentration of the surviving species, preventing then the existence of rare species and, consequently, increasing the robustness of the ecosystem to external perturbations.     

Model for Elastic Modulus of Multi-Constituent Particulate Composites

In this paper, a methodology has been developed to accurately predict the elastic properties of multi-constituent particulate composites by accounting for irreversible effects, such as energy loss that arises due to internal friction. The complex dependence on loading density and particle properties (i.e., size, shape, morphology, etc.) is investigated in terms of their effects on the effective elastic modulus of the composite. Confirmed by experimental data from the compression loading of individual Ni and Al particles dispersed in an epoxy matrix, it is believed that this approach captures the effects of internal friction, consequently providing a more accurate and comprehensive representation for predicting and understanding the material behavior of multi-constituent particulate reinforced composites. The present methodology provides a model to directly compare the elastic modulus from an uncomplicated test, such as dual-cantilever beam loading in dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), to the modulus obtained by other more complex experimental methods such as quasi-static compression. The model illustrates an efficient method to incorporate input data from DMA to represent realistic elastic moduli, hence promising for the characterization and design of particulate composites.     

Maturation of auditory temporal integration and inhibition assessed with event-related potentials (ERPs)

Background

We examined development of auditory temporal integration and inhibition by assessing electrophysiological responses to tone pairs separated by interstimulus intervals (ISIs) of 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 ms in 28 children aged 7 to 9 years, and 15 adults.

Results

In adults a distinct neural response was elicited to tones presented at ISIs of 25 ms or longer, whereas in children this was only seen in response to tones presented at ISIs above 100 ms. In adults, late N1 amplitude was larger for the second tone of the tone pair when separated by ISIs as short as 100 ms, consistent with the perceptual integration of successive stimuli within the temporal window of integration. In contrast, children showed enhanced negativity only when tone pairs were separated by ISIs of 200 ms. In children, the amplitude of the P1 component was attenuated at ISIs below 200 ms, consistent with a refractory process.

Conclusions

These results indicate that adults integrate sequential auditory information into smaller temporal segments than children. These results suggest that there are marked maturational changes from childhood to adulthood in the perceptual processes underpinning the grouping of incoming auditory sensory information, and that electrophysiological measures provide a sensitive, non-invasive method allowing further examination of these changes.     

Antioxidant activity of some lichen metabolites

Antioxidant activity of several classes of lichen metabolites were assessed in the in vitro superoxide radical (SOR), nitric oxide radical and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil radical scavenging assays. The despsides sekikaic acid and lecanoric acid showed promising antioxidant activity in SOR assay with IC?? values of 82.0?±?0.3?μmol and 91.5?±?2.1?μmol, respectively, while the depsidone lobaric acid exhibited an IC?? value of 97.9?±?1.6?μmol, all relative to the standard, propyl gallate (IC???=?106.0?±?1.7?μmol). One of the most abundant mononuclear phenolic compounds, methyl-β-orcinol carboxylate was found to be a potent NO scavenger (IC???=?84.7?± 0.1?μmol), compared to the standard rutin (IC???=?86.8?±?1.9?μmol).