The conformational characteristics of Congo red, Evans blue and Trypan blue

The structures of the closely related bis-azo dyes Evans blue, Trypan blue and Congo red, which appeared to have different self-assembly properties and correspondingly different abilities to form complexes with amyloids and some other proteins, were compared in this work. Ab initio and semi-empirical methods were used to find the optimal structures and partial charge distributions of the dyes. The optimal structures were searched using different widely used programs. The structures of Congo red and evans blue were found to be planar, except for the torsion on the central diphenyl bond connecting the two halves of the dye. Both symmetrical parts of the molecules appeared very close to planarity. However, Trypan blue exhibits non planarity on the di-azo bonds, as well as on the central bond between the symmetrical parts of the dye. In a consequence, the non planarity of this molecule is higher than in the case of its isomer, Evans blue and Congo red as well. The extra rotation around the azo bonds extorted by the close proximity of the sulfonic groups may be the direct cause of its poor self-assembling and complexation properties versus Evans blue.     

Flow map layout via spiral trees

Flow maps are thematic maps that visualize the movement of objects, such as people or goods, between geographic regions. One or more sources are connected to several targets by lines whose thickness corresponds to the amount of flow between a source and a target. Good flow maps reduce visual clutter by merging (bundling) lines smoothly and by avoiding self-intersections. Most flow maps are still drawn by hand and only few automated methods exist. Some of the known algorithms do not support edge-bundling and those that do, cannot guarantee crossing-free flows. We present a new algorithmic method that uses edge-bundling and computes crossing-free flows of high visual quality. Our method is based on so-called spiral trees, a novel type of Steiner tree which uses logarithmic spirals. Spiral trees naturally induce a clustering on the targets and smoothly bundle lines. Our flows can also avoid obstacles, such as map features, region outlines, or even the targets. We demonstrate our approach with extensive experiments.     

Designing low-complexity electrical consumer products for ecological use

This study examined the environmental impact of low-complexity electrical consumer products during their use in a domestic context. In the experimental scenario, 48 users were asked to use a kettle under different conditions. On-product information (OPI), task instruction, and kettle design were employed as independent variables in a mixed multi-factorial design to examine their effects on different parameters of ecological performance (e.g., water and electricity consumption). Measures of user variables (environmental concern, knowledge, domestic habits, environmental control beliefs) were also taken to examine their relationship with performance parameters. The results revealed main effects of ecological task instruction, OPI and (partly) kettle design on ecological user behaviour. Habits, environmental concern and control beliefs were found to be related to performance parameters whereas knowledge was not. The implications of the results for product design are discussed against the background of a strong prevalence of habits and low ecological user motivation.     

The dynamic neural filter: a binary model of spatiotemporal coding

We describe and discuss the properties of a binary neural network that can serve as a dynamic neural filter (DNF), which maps regions of input space into spatiotemporal sequences of neuronal activity. Both deterministic and stochastic dynamics are studied, allowing the investigation of the stability of spatiotemporal sequences under noisy conditions. We define a measure of the coding capacity of a DNF and develop an algorithm for constructing a DNF that can serve as a source of given codes. On the basis of this algorithm, we suggest using a minimal DNF capable of generating observed sequences as a measure of complexity of spatiotemporal data. This measure is applied to experimental observations in the locust olfactory system, whose reverberating local field potential provides a natural temporal scale allowing the use of a binary DNF. For random synaptic matrices, a DNF can generate very large cycles, thus becoming an efficient tool for producing spatiotemporal codes. The latter can be stabilized by applying to the parameters of the DNF a learning algorithm with suitable margins.     

Evaluation of performance and load in simulated rescue tasks for a novel design SCBA: effect of weight,volume and weight distribution

A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with an innovative rucksack shape that provides a better distribution of its weight over the middle and lower parts of the back (device C: 6l, 13.7 kg) was compared with two conventional SCBA which differed from each other in volume and weight (A: 6l, 15 kg, B: 6.8l, 11.7 kg). Twelve fire-fighters (27-49 yr) performed three exercises while using the three SCBA in a systematically permuted sequence. The exercises consisted of simulated rescue work under natural climatic conditions in a dwelling on the second floor and several typical elements of severe fire-fighting actions. Duration, heart rate, breathing frequency, rectal temperature, and sweat loss were recorded. Perceived exertion was rated and the carrying features of the SCBA were subjectively evaluated. The exercise was executed faster with the rucksack device, heart rates were then lower and the carrying features were evaluated as better. Thus, the weight of the SCBA was shown to be less important than its distribution.     

Isotropic sequence order learning

In this article, we present an isotropic unsupervised algorithm for temporal sequence learning. No special reward signal is used such that all inputs are completely isotropic. All input signals are bandpass filtered before converging onto a linear output neuron. All synaptic weights change according to the correlation of bandpass-filtered inputs with the derivative of the output. We investigate the algorithm in an open- and a closed-loop condition, the latter being defined by embedding the learning system into a behavioral feedback loop. In the open-loop condition, we find that the linear structure of the algorithm allows analytically calculating the shape of the weight change, which is strictly heterosynaptic and follows the shape of the weight change curves found in spike-time-dependent plasticity. Furthermore, we show that synaptic weights stabilize automatically when no more temporal differences exist between the inputs without additional normalizing measures. In the second part of this study, the algorithm is is placed in an environment that leads to closed sensor-motor loop. To this end, a robot is programmed with a prewired retraction reflex reaction in response to collisions. Through isotropic sequence order (ISO) learning, the robot achieves collision avoidance by learning the correlation between his early range-finder signals and the later occurring collision signal. Synaptic weights stabilize at the end of learning as theoretically predicted. Finally, we discuss the relation of ISO learning with other drive reinforcement models and with the commonly used temporal difference learning algorithm. This study is followed up by a mathematical analysis of the closed-loop situation in the companion article in this issue, "ISO Learning Approximates a Solution to the Inverse-Controller Problem in an Unsupervised Behavioral Paradigm" (pp. 865-884).     

Identification of nasopharyngeal carcinoma antigens that induce humoral immune response by proteomic analysis

A proteomics-based approach has been used to identify proteins that commonly elicit a humoral immune response in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Sera from 19 newly diagnosed NPC patients and 19 healthy individuals were analyzed for IgG autoantibodies against NPC proteins resolved by 2-DE. Protein spots that exhibited selective reactivity with sera from NPC patients were identified by MS. Among nine identified proteins, cytokeratin 19 (CK19), Erb3 binding protein (EBP1), and Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor-beta (Rho-GDI-2) induced autoantibodies in more than 36.8% of NPC patients but not in healthy individuals. Furthermore, Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining were performed to determine the expression and localization of CK19, EBP1, and Rho-GDI-2 in NPC and normal nasopharyngeal mucosal tissues. Up-regulated CK19 and EBP1, but not Rho-GDI-2, were observed in NPC vs. normal tissue. Subcellular localization of the three proteins in NPC tissue was same as that in the normal tissue. Thus, overexpression of CK19 and EBP1 may be one of the mechanisms for their autoantibody development in NPC. To validate the findings of a proteomic analysis, occurrence of autoantibodies against these three proteins was detected by immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis in additional 30 NPC patients, 23 other types of cancer patients and 20 healthy individuals. Results showed that frequency of autoantibodies against CK19, EBP1 and Rho-GDI-2 in NPC patients was significantly higher than that in other types of cancer patients and healthy individuals. We conclude that CK19, EBP1 and Rho-GDI-2 may have utility in NPC screening and diagnosis.     

管理者，做领导还是做公仆？！——关于精简敏捷和项目经理的探讨（上）

Jim:我们今天的主题将是“精简敏捷和项目经理”这一话题的前半部分。众多公司利用项目经理来协助公司对开发流程进行管理,保证项目能够不超过预算按时完成。我不知道听众是怎么认为的,我曾经遭遇过一些项     

Contrasting REE Signatures on Manganese Ores of Iron Ore Group in North Orissa, India

The distribution pattern of Rare Earth Elements （REE） in three categories of manganese ores viz. stratiform, stratabound-replacement, and detrital of Precambrian Iron Ore Group from north Orissa, India was reported. These categories of Mn-ore differed in their major and trace chemistry and exhibited contrasting REE signature. The stratiform ores were relatively enriched in ∑REE content （697 μg·g^-1） and their normalized pattern showed both positive Ce and Eu anomalies, whereas the stratabound-replacement types were comparatively depleted in ∑REE content （211 μg·g^-1） and showed negative Ce and flat Eu signatures. The detrital categories showed mixed REE pattern. The data plotted in different discrimination diagrams revealed a mixed volcaniclastic and chemogenic source of material for stratiform categories, and LREE （Light Rare Earth Elements） and HREE （Heavy Rare Earth Elements） are contributed by such sources, respectively. In contrast, the stratabound ore bodies were developed during the remobilization of stratiform ores, and associated Mncontaining rocks under supergene condition followed by the redeposition of circulating mineralized colloidal solutions in structurally favorable zones. During this process, some of the constituents were found only in very low concentration within stratabound ores, and this is attributed to their poor leachability/mobility. The detrital ores did not exhibit any significant characteristic in respect of REE as their development was via a complex combination of processes involving weathering, fragmentation, recementation, and burial under soil cover.