基于OBB层次结构碰撞检测的改进算法

方向包围盒（Oriented bounding box：OBB）的构造以及包围盒的相交测试的计算量都比较大，严重影响了在模拟、仿真的应用，尤其是有变形物体的场景。引入近似凸包的思想提出一种快速构造方向包围盒算法，很大程度上减少了构造方向包围盒（0BB）层次结构的顶点数，改进后的算法在降低构造层次结构时间的同时，对方向包围盒的紧密性代价几乎没有影响，在有些时候还提高了包围盒的紧密性。在包围盒相交测试方面，提留了一种基于筒单羽以爱的相交须刿方击，该算法在检测过程中省去了大量包围盒的相交测试计算，提高了相交测试的速度。最后将两种改进算法联合的碰撞检测框架与常用的基于均值和协方差矩阵的包围盒构造和基于分裂轴的算法进行比较，证明了算法具有高效性。     

Spin-orbit-coupled Bose-Einstein condensates

Spin-orbit (SO) coupling--the interaction between a quantum particle's spin and its momentum--is ubiquitous in physical systems. In condensed matter systems, SO coupling is crucial for the spin-Hall effect and topological insulators; it contributes to the electronic properties of materials such as GaAs, and is important for spintronic devices. Quantum many-body systems of ultracold atoms can be precisely controlled experimentally, and would therefore seem to provide an ideal platform on which to study SO coupling. Although an atom's intrinsic SO coupling affects its electronic structure, it does not lead to coupling between the spin and the centre-of-mass motion of the atom. Here, we engineer SO coupling (with equal Rashba and Dresselhaus strengths) in a neutral atomic Bose-Einstein condensate by dressing two atomic spin states with a pair of lasers. Such coupling has not been realized previously for ultracold atomic gases, or indeed any bosonic system. Furthermore, in the presence of the laser coupling, the interactions between the two dressed atomic spin states are modified, driving a quantum phase transition from a spatially spin-mixed state (lasers off) to a phase-separated state (above a critical laser intensity). We develop a many-body theory that provides quantitative agreement with the observed location of the transition. The engineered SO coupling--equally applicable for bosons and fermions--sets the stage for the realization of topological insulators in fermionic neutral atom systems.     

Comparative life history for populations of the Sceloporus grammicus complex (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae)

A Teotihuacán population of the Sceloporus grammicus complex was compared with other previously studied populations (Parque Nacional Zoquiapan [PNZ], Monte Alegre Ajusco [MAA], Pedregal San Angel [PSA], Cantimplora [CA], Capulín, Laguna, Paredon, Michilia, and south Texas) for variations in several life history characteristics (SVL at sexual maturity, reproductive period, ovulation and gestation time, and litter size). Mean body size at sexual maturity of females from Teotihuacán was larger than PNZ, MAA, CA, and Capulín. Reproductive period (vitellogenesis, ovulation, gestation, and birth) for the Teotihuacán population was the shortest of all populations. In the Teotihuacán population, gestation time was similar to the Capulínand MAA populations but was shorter than all other populations except the Michilia population. Embryonic development at ovulation varied among populations, with Teotihuacán and Capulín showing earlier stages (stages 1) at ovulation than all other populations. Teotihuacán, PSA, PNZ, and Texas all showed similar litter size, which were larger than Laguna, Paredon, MAA, Capulín, and CA populations. Differences in reproductive characteristics of these populations could indicate phylogenetically constrained, reproductively isolated populations, or they may be explained as merely responses to different environments.     

The cytotoxicity of eosinophil cationic protein/ribonuclease 3 on eukaryotic cell lines takes place through its aggregation on the cell membrane

Human eosinophil cationic protein (ECP)/ ribonuclease 3 (RNase 3) is a protein secreted from the secondary granules of activated eosinophils. Specific properties of ECP contribute to its cytotoxic activities associated with defense mechanisms. In this work the ECP cytotoxic activity on eukaryotic cell lines is analyzed. The ECP effects begin with its binding and aggregation to the cell surface, altering the cell membrane permeability and modifying the cell ionic equilibrium. No internalization of the protein is observed. These signals induce cell-specific morphological and biochemical changes such as chromatin condensation, reversion of membrane asymmetry, reactive oxygen species production and activation of caspase-3-like activity and, eventually, cell death. However, the ribonuclease activity component of ECP is not involved in this process as no RNA degradation is observed. In summary, the cytotoxic effect of ECP is attained through a mechanism different from that of other cytotoxic RNases and may be related with the ECP accumulation associated with the inflammatory processes, in which eosinophils are present. Received 26 October 2007; accepted 23 November 2007     

极可能存在的基因外遗传

众所周知,人类的各种性状来自基因,而基因则来自双亲。但是,现有可望不可及的强烈暗示：人类还遗传一些来自基因外的性状──请想象,地球上的太空人声称,他们已给人类作了技术处理,人类将一代接着一代地变小、变弱、变得更易控制。当然,人群的反抗是强烈的。技术人员们日以继夜地工作,几百万接着几百万的人类基因组被筛检,企图剔除有被疑为太空人做了手脚的基因的人。秘密很快被揭开,人类基因似乎未被触及。但是,个儿愈来愈小的婴儿不断增加。正当我们似乎要绝望的时刻,太空人动了怜悯之心,决定公开他们的生物技术诀窍：“有D…     

基于神经网络的道路季节分类

为了合理确定路面结构设计时的输入参数,引入自组织特征映射神经网络,结合Matlab软件对神经网络进行权值训练,将网络训练是否收敛来作为分类的依据,根据温度、交通量和降雨量等几个重要参数对道路进行季节分类,最后按照分类结果进行路面结构分析与材料设计.实践证明,该方法分类效果良好,能很好地解决路面设计参数的合理确定问题,从而大大延长路面的使用寿命,提高道路投资的经济效益.     

镜神经元：解读他人心理的脑细胞

神经生理学家已鉴定出一种被称作镜神经元的、能解读他人心理的新型人脑细胞 ,这可能是解开人类语言、同情、甚至社会形成之谜的钥匙     

太空残骸——日益增长的危险

太空观察者正在竭尽全力地记录10,000个有害飞行物的轨迹太空浮悬物就象恬静的池塘里的钓鱼浮标,苏联“宇宙1276”号在最近一次短暂的出现时,从广柔的太空中平稳地疾驰而过。     

进化发生生物学:进化研究新视野

进化生物学家与发生生物学家已合力开创新领域，藉对控制胚胎发育之基困的研究，以解生物进化之谜。