Bootstrapping Probabilistic Models of Qualitative Spatial Relations for Active Visual Object Search

In many real world applications, autonomous mobile robots are required to observe or retrieve objects in their environment, despite not having accurate estimates of the objects ’ locations. Finding objects in real-world settings is a non-trivial task, given the complexity and the dynamics of human environments. However, by understanding and exploiting the structure of such environments, e.g. where objects are commonly placed as part of everyday activities, robots can perform search tasks more efficiently and effectively than without such knowledge. In this paper we investigate how probabilistic models of qualitative spatial relations can improve the performance in object search tasks. Specifically, we learn Gaussian Mixture Models of spatial relations between object classes from descriptive statistics of real office environments. Experimental results with a range of sensor models suggest that our model improves overall performance in object search tasks.

Labeling the ER for Light and Fluorescence Microscopy

The ER is a highly dynamic network of tubules and membrane sheets. Hence imaging this organelle in its native and mobile state is of great importance. Here we describe methods of labeling the native ER using fluorescent proteins and lipid dyes as well as methods for immunolabeling on plant tissue

Supramolecular aggregation properties of 4-(N-morpholino)-1,8-naphthalimide based fluorescent materials

Here we report the synthesis of two morpholino-substituted naphthalimide ligands, N-(3-picolyl)-4-(N-morpholino)-1,8-naphthalimide L1 and N-benzyl-4-(N-morpholino)-1,8-naphthalimide L2, and study their supramolecular properties in the crystalline, solution and gel phases. These ligands were designed through incorporation of the morpholino group to enhance their photophysical and pH-responsive properties following recently reported N-(3-picolyl) naphthalimide metallogels. L1 was found to form metallogels on reaction with either Mn2+ or Co2+. The gels were found to be thermally and chemically responsive to various stimuli including pH. Conversely, L2 showed no reaction or coordination with transition metals, and did not gel under analogous conditions to L1 . In the solution state, the fluorescence of both L1 and L2 exhibited pH responsiveness and counterion-influenced aggregation. The microparticle formation over the pH range was further investigated through Dynamic Light Scattering and Scanning Electron Microscopy. These two ligands illustrate how a modular ligand family can derive structure-function relationships and allow for systematic tuning, thus allowing for the future development of luminescent pH responsive soft materials

Infiltration of tobacco leaf tissue

Method for transient expression in tobacco (N. tobacum and N. benthamiana) leaf lower epidermal cell

The endoplasmic reticulum: a dynamic and well-connected organelle

The endoplasmic reticulum forms the first compartment in a series of organelles which comprise the secretory pathway. It takes the form of an extremely dynamic and pleomorphic membrane bounded network of tubules and cisternae which have numerous different cellular functions. In this review we discuss the nature of endoplasmic reticulum structure and dynamics, its relationship with closely associated organelles, and its possible function as a highway for the distribution and delivery of a diverse range of structures from metabolic complexes to viral particles

Localization and interactions between Arabidopsis auxin biosynthetic enzymes in the TAA/YUC-dependent pathway

The growth regulator auxin is involved in all key developmental processes in plants. A complex network of a multiplicity of potential auxin biosynthetic pathways as well as transport, signalling plus conjugation and deconjugation lead to a complicated system of auxin function. This raises the question how such a complex and multifaceted system producing such a powerful and important molecule as auxin can be effectively organised and controlled. Here we report that a subset of auxin biosynthetic enzymes in the TAA/YUC route of auxin biosynthesis is localised to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). ER microsomal fractions also contain a significant percentage of auxin biosynthetic activity. This could point toward a model of auxin function using ER membrane location and subcellular compartmentation for supplementary layers of regulation. Additionally we show specific protein-protein interactions between some of the enzymes in the TAA/YUC route of auxin biosynthesis

Using anthropometric and performance characteristics to predict selection in junior UK Rugby League players.

Research examining the factors influencing selection within talented junior Rugby League players is limited. The aims of this study were firstly to determine whether differences existed for anthropometric and performance characteristics between regional and national selection in high performance UK junior Rugby League players, and secondly to identify variables that discriminated between these selection levels. Regional representative (n=1172) selected junior players (aged 13-16 years) undertook an anthropometric and fitness testing battery with players split according to selection level (i.e., national, regional). MANCOVA analyses, with age and maturation controlled, identified national players as having lower sum of 4 skinfolds scores compared to regional players, and also performed significantly better on all physical tests. Stepwise discriminant analysis identified that estimated maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), chronological age, body mass, 20 m sprint, height, sum of 4 skinfolds and sitting height discriminated between selection levels, accounting for 28.7% of the variance. This discriminant analysis corresponded to an overall predictive accuracy of 63.3% for all players. These results indicate that performance characteristics differed between selection levels in junior Rugby League players. However, the small magnitude of difference between selection levels suggests that physical qualities only partially explain higher representative selection. The monitoring and evaluation of such variables, alongside game related performance characteristics, provides greater knowledge and understanding about the processes and consequences of selection, training and performance in youth sport