Effect of allopurinol treatment on the development of rust diseases of kidney-bean, broad-bean and wheat plants

SynopsisThe effect of a xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor, allopurinol, was studied in three host-rust interactions. Application of allopurinol in an incompatible interaction (wheat–Puccinia reconditaf. sp.tritici) did not significantly alter symptom expression nor result in an increase in lipid peroxidation (LP) and electrolyte leakage as compared to non-treated control plants. On the other hand, application of allopurinol in three compatible host–rust interactions suppressed, in a concentration-dependent manner, the formation of uredospores which was accompanied by a transient increase in electrolyte leakage and LP during the biotrophic fungal growth (5–6 days after infection). These results suggest that (i) allopurinol can inhibit fungal growth in later developmental stage (s) developing only in compatible hosts and (ii) XO is not the primary source of the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in incompatible rust combinations.</jats:p

Robotic clicker training (draft)

In this paper we want to propose the idea that some techniques used for animal training might be helpful for solving human robot interaction problems in the context of entertainment robotics. We present a model for teaching complex actions to an animal-like autonomous robot based on ”clicker training”, a method used efficiently by professional trainers for animals of different species. After describing our implementation of clicker training on an enhanced version of AIBO, Sony’s four-legged robot, we argue that this new method can be a promising technique for teaching unusual behavior and sequences of actions to a pet robot. Key words: Robot training, dog training techniques, pet robots.

National character does not reflect mean personality trait levels in 49 cultures

Most people hold beliefs about psychological characteristics typical of members of their own and others' cultures. These perceptions of national character may be generalizations from personal experience, or stereotypes with or without a “ kernel of truth." We obtained national character ratings from 49 cultures and compared them to average personality scores of culture members as assessed by observer ratings and self-reports. National character ratings appeared to be reliable and valid measures, but they did not converge with assessed personality traits. Perceptions of national character thus appear to be unfounded stereotypes that may serve the function of maintaining a national identity