It is almost end of the 2008. We are counting down now.
It was very hot this afternoon, about 35 °C. We went to shopping mall to get away from the heat. It is 24.6 °C outside. Our landlords and their friends are talking in their patio. We are watching the TV for midnight fireworks.
(ps. I posted this at 11:40pm)
This year is very specific for me.
People in my country elected a pro-China president in March. I know that I don't like this result, but I have to respect their decision because this is what democracy is.
I worked very hard to submit my dissertation in the last day and got my degree in May.
I came back to my country with my husband in May. An unexpected incident happened to me in International Airport upon arrival. I was handcuffed and arrested due to a political persecution. It was a terrible and terrifying shock for me. I have been fighting very hard for my basic human rights and freedom of speech since then.
I withdrew myself from society and all my ideals and dreams since then. Closing up myself was the only way I knew to heal up myself. I came to Australia to be with my husband together in early July.
The dishonor councilwoman withdraw her nonsense accusation in mid-July. Thanks to the support and trust of all my family members during the whole process. Without them, I won't be here now. Thanks to the help from friends in Green Party Taiwan.
Read more!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Traffic rules in QLD
We couldn't find traffic rules in the QLD Transport Department when we got our driver licenses, but it is important to know it because it maybe different to US and Taiwan. We certainly don't want to violate any traffic rule. I think that many Australia drivers are very aggressive especially to pedestrian, but maybe because the rules are different to the ones in US.
Here they are.
1. Queensland road rules
All drivers need to know our road rules. They are actively enforced to avoid safety risks.
These basic road rules always apply:
You must give way to the right at unsigned cross intersections.
You must abide by traffic signs, lights and road markings.
You must obey the speed limit.
A STOP sign means that all wheels of your vehicle must come to a complete halt.
You cannot make a U-turn at a set of traffic lights, unless a sign states you can.
2. Your Keys to Driving in Queensland book: It contains essential information about the Queensland driver licensing system, and road rules. (pdf file)
3. The road rules legislation contains a full list of road rules in Queensland. (pdf file)
Read more!
Here they are.
1. Queensland road rules
All drivers need to know our road rules. They are actively enforced to avoid safety risks.
These basic road rules always apply:
You must give way to the right at unsigned cross intersections.
You must abide by traffic signs, lights and road markings.
You must obey the speed limit.
A STOP sign means that all wheels of your vehicle must come to a complete halt.
You cannot make a U-turn at a set of traffic lights, unless a sign states you can.
2. Your Keys to Driving in Queensland book: It contains essential information about the Queensland driver licensing system, and road rules. (pdf file)
3. The road rules legislation contains a full list of road rules in Queensland. (pdf file)
Read more!
Silent Night
I read an article on newspapers about the origin of "Silent Night". Wa! It was written by Austrian priest Father Josef Mohr and composed by Austria headmaster Franz Xaver. Here is wiki information.
Silent Night (wiki) (German: Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht) is a popular Christmas carol. The original lyrics of the song Stille Nacht were written in German by the Austrian priest Father Josef Mohr and the melody was composed by the Austrian headmaster Franz Xaver Gruber. In 1863, John Freeman Young translated the song into the English version sung today. The version of the melody that is generally sung today differs slightly (particularly in the final strain) from Gruber's original. Today, the lyrics and melody are in the public domain.
History
The carol was first performed in the Nikolaus-Kirche (Church of St. Nicholas) in Oberndorf, Austria on December 24, 1818. Mohr had composed the words much earlier, in 1816, but on Christmas Eve brought them to Gruber and asked him to compose a melody and guitar accompaniment for the church service.
In his written account regarding the composition of the carol, Gruber gives no mention of the specific inspiration for creating the song. According to the song's history provided by Austria's Silent Night Society, one supposition is that the church organ was no longer working so that Mohr and Gruber therefore created a song for accompaniment by guitar. Silent Night historian, Renate Ebeling-Winkler says that the first mention of a broken organ was in a book published in the U.S. in 1909.
Read more!
Silent Night (wiki) (German: Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht) is a popular Christmas carol. The original lyrics of the song Stille Nacht were written in German by the Austrian priest Father Josef Mohr and the melody was composed by the Austrian headmaster Franz Xaver Gruber. In 1863, John Freeman Young translated the song into the English version sung today. The version of the melody that is generally sung today differs slightly (particularly in the final strain) from Gruber's original. Today, the lyrics and melody are in the public domain.
History
The carol was first performed in the Nikolaus-Kirche (Church of St. Nicholas) in Oberndorf, Austria on December 24, 1818. Mohr had composed the words much earlier, in 1816, but on Christmas Eve brought them to Gruber and asked him to compose a melody and guitar accompaniment for the church service.
In his written account regarding the composition of the carol, Gruber gives no mention of the specific inspiration for creating the song. According to the song's history provided by Austria's Silent Night Society, one supposition is that the church organ was no longer working so that Mohr and Gruber therefore created a song for accompaniment by guitar. Silent Night historian, Renate Ebeling-Winkler says that the first mention of a broken organ was in a book published in the U.S. in 1909.
| Music: Franz Xaver Gruber, 1818 Words: Josef Mohr, 1816 | Translation: John Freeman Young |
|---|---|
| Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht! Alles schläft; einsam wacht Nur das traute hochheilige Paar. Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar, Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh! Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh! Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht! Gottes Sohn! O wie lacht Lieb' aus deinem göttlichen Mund, Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund’. Jesus in deiner Geburt! Jesus in deiner Geburt! Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht! Die der Welt Heil gebracht, Aus des Himmels goldenen Höhn Uns der Gnaden Fülle läßt seh'n Jesum in Menschengestalt. Jesum in Menschengestalt. Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht! Wo sich heut alle Macht Väterlicher Liebe ergoß Und als Bruder huldvoll umschloß Jesus die Völker der Welt. Jesus die Völker der Welt. Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht! Lange schon uns bedacht, Als der Herr vom Grimme befreit, In der Väter urgrauer Zeit Aller Welt Schonung verhieß. Aller Welt Schonung verhieß. Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht! Hirten erst kundgemacht Durch der Engel Alleluja, Tönt es laut bei Ferne und Nah: Jesus der Retter ist da! Jesus der Retter ist da! | Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright 'Round yon virgin mother and Child Holy infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace Silent night, holy night, Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar, Heav'nly hosts sing Alleluia; Christ the Saviour is born Christ the Saviour is born Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love's pure light. Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord at Thy birth Jesus, Lord at Thy birth |
Read more!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Sweet Sorghum
People have focused on several plants for bio-fuel. Sweet sorghum is one of them.
Sorghum (wiki information) is a genus of numerous species of grasses, some of which are raised for grain and many of which are used as fodder plants either cultivated or as part of pasture. The plants are cultivated in warmer climates worldwide. Species are native to tropical and subtropical regions of all continents in addition to the South West Pacific and Australasia. Sorghum is in the subfamily Panicoideae and the tribe Andropogoneae (the tribe of big bluestem and sugar cane).
Sweet Sorghum : A New "Smart Biofuel Crop": In these days of soaring food prices around the world, a smart crop that provides food and fodder, grows in dry, salty or soggy conditions, tolerates heat, provides steady income for poor farmers, and can be used to produce ethanol. Sweet sorghum, a plant that grows to a height of 12 feet and looks like corn without the ears, has all these qualities.
Sorghum production in Queensland
Sorghum information
World-wide focus on reverse genetics sorghum trial, Queensland Country Life - FarmOnline 22/12/2008 4:00:00 AM
The quest for commercially productive grain sorghum traits are literally "in the bag" for sorghum researchers who have initiated the world's biggest sorghum reverse genetics project.
Identification of QTL for sugar-related traits in a sweet × grain sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) recombinant inbred population, Kimberley B. Ritter, David R. Jordan, Scott C. Chapman, Ian D. Godwin, Emma S. Mace and C. Lynne McIntyre, Molecular Breeding 22(3):367-384 (October, 2008).
An assessment of the genetic relationship between sweet and grain sorghums, within Sorghum bicolor ssp. bicolor (L.) Moench, using AFLP markers, Kimberley B. Ritter, C. Lynne McIntyre, Ian D. Godwin, David R. Jordan and Scott C. Chapman, Euphytica 157(1-2):161-176 (September, 2007).
Read more!
Sorghum (wiki information) is a genus of numerous species of grasses, some of which are raised for grain and many of which are used as fodder plants either cultivated or as part of pasture. The plants are cultivated in warmer climates worldwide. Species are native to tropical and subtropical regions of all continents in addition to the South West Pacific and Australasia. Sorghum is in the subfamily Panicoideae and the tribe Andropogoneae (the tribe of big bluestem and sugar cane).
Sweet Sorghum : A New "Smart Biofuel Crop": In these days of soaring food prices around the world, a smart crop that provides food and fodder, grows in dry, salty or soggy conditions, tolerates heat, provides steady income for poor farmers, and can be used to produce ethanol. Sweet sorghum, a plant that grows to a height of 12 feet and looks like corn without the ears, has all these qualities.
Sorghum production in Queensland
Sorghum information
World-wide focus on reverse genetics sorghum trial, Queensland Country Life - FarmOnline 22/12/2008 4:00:00 AM
The quest for commercially productive grain sorghum traits are literally "in the bag" for sorghum researchers who have initiated the world's biggest sorghum reverse genetics project.
Identification of QTL for sugar-related traits in a sweet × grain sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) recombinant inbred population, Kimberley B. Ritter, David R. Jordan, Scott C. Chapman, Ian D. Godwin, Emma S. Mace and C. Lynne McIntyre, Molecular Breeding 22(3):367-384 (October, 2008).
An assessment of the genetic relationship between sweet and grain sorghums, within Sorghum bicolor ssp. bicolor (L.) Moench, using AFLP markers, Kimberley B. Ritter, C. Lynne McIntyre, Ian D. Godwin, David R. Jordan and Scott C. Chapman, Euphytica 157(1-2):161-176 (September, 2007).
Read more!
Monday, December 22, 2008
TV shows
Here are some TV shows.
Bones: Monday 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm on channel 7
CSI: Monday 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm on channel 9
NCIS: Tuesday 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm on channel 10
Ghost Whisper: Tuesday 9:30 pm - 10:30 pm on channel 7
Air Crash Investigation: Wednesday 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm on channel 7
(Criminal Mind: Wednesday 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm on channel 7?, not now)
House: Wednesday 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm on channel 10
The Unit: Wednesday 9:30 pm - 10:30 pm channel 7
Inspector Rex: Thursday 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm on channel SBS
Mythbusters: Saturday 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm on channel SBS
Seven Wonders of the Industrial World: Sunday 7:30 pm -8:30 pm on channel 7
Read more!
Bones: Monday 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm on channel 7
CSI: Monday 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm on channel 9
NCIS: Tuesday 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm on channel 10
Ghost Whisper: Tuesday 9:30 pm - 10:30 pm on channel 7
Air Crash Investigation: Wednesday 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm on channel 7
(Criminal Mind: Wednesday 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm on channel 7?, not now)
House: Wednesday 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm on channel 10
The Unit: Wednesday 9:30 pm - 10:30 pm channel 7
Inspector Rex: Thursday 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm on channel SBS
Mythbusters: Saturday 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm on channel SBS
Seven Wonders of the Industrial World: Sunday 7:30 pm -8:30 pm on channel 7
Read more!
Mid-Dec 2008 papers
Here are some interested papers in mid-Dec., 2008.
Europe lags, US leads 2nd-generation biofuels, Cormac Sheridan, Nature Biotech 26(12):1319 - 1321 (December 2008).
Biomarkers' double edge, Jeffrey L Fox, Nature Biotech 26(12):1322 (December 2008).
Automated de novo protein sequencing of monoclonal antibodies, Nuno Bandeira, Victoria Pham, Pavel Pevzner, David Arnott and Jennie R Lill, Nature Biotech 26(12):1336 - 1338 (December 2008).
Antibody patenting without antibodies: a global trend, Kazunori Hashimoto & Tomomi Aida, Nature Biotech 26(12):1341 - 1343 (December 2008).
Granting human gene patents that include broad antibody claims without any experimental antibody production makes the gene patent issue more complex.
Design and analysis of ChIP-seq experiments for DNA-binding proteins, Peter V Kharchenko, Michael Y Tolstorukov & Peter J Park, Nature Biotech 26(12):1351 - 1359 (December 2008).
Critical considerations in the design and analysis of ChIP-seq experiments include how to align sequenced tags to the genome, how to detect binding sites and how to estimate the number of tags needed to confidently determine where a protein binds DNA. ....
TRANSCRIPTION: Gene Expression--Where to Start? , Stephen Buratowski, , Science 322(5909):1804 (19 December 2008).
Transcription just got noisier with the discovery of short RNAs that are synthesized at or near DNA regions that also initiate full-length RNAs.
The Circadian Clock in Arabidopsis Roots Is a Simplified Slave Version of the Clock in Shoots, A. B. James et al., Science 322(5909):1832 - 1835 (19 December 2008).
A simpler plant circadian clock, which normally has three interlocking feedback loops, is used in the roots, with one feedback loop regulating only a few genes.
A Conserved Molecular Framework for Compound Leaf Development, T. Blein et al., Science 322(5909):1835 - 1839 (19 December 2008).
A family of transcription factors controls the formation of leaflets and lobes in complex leaves in distantly related plants by controlling outgrowth from leaf margins.
Increasing corn for biofuel production reduces biocontrol services in agricultural landscapes, Douglas A. Landis, Mary M. Gardiner, Wopke van der Werf, and Scott M. Swinton, PNAS 105(51):20552-20557 (December 23, 2008).
Quantitative genetics, Nature Insight 456(7223):719–744 (December 2008).
Recent revolutions in genomic technologies have led to a renewed interest in quantitative genetics.
Next-generation genetics in plants, Magnus Nordborg & Detlef Weigel, Nature Insight 456(7223):720 - 723 (December 2008).
Reverse engineering the genotype–phenotype map with natural genetic variation, Matthew V. Rockman, Nature Insight 456(7223):738 (December 2008).
Plant hormone study pulled: Canadian lab retracts work on abscisic acid, Emma Marris, Nature 456(7223):683 (10 December 2008).
Two years ago, three papers made a splash in the plant biology world by identifying protein receptors for abscisic acid (ABA), a key hormone in plant physiology. This week, Nature is retracting one of those papers1 after reports that the work could not be replicated.
FCA does not bind abscisic acid, Joanna M. Risk, Richard C. Macknight and Catherine L. Day, Nature 456(7223):E5-E6 (11 December 2008).
Read more!
Europe lags, US leads 2nd-generation biofuels, Cormac Sheridan, Nature Biotech 26(12):1319 - 1321 (December 2008).
Biomarkers' double edge, Jeffrey L Fox, Nature Biotech 26(12):1322 (December 2008).
Automated de novo protein sequencing of monoclonal antibodies, Nuno Bandeira, Victoria Pham, Pavel Pevzner, David Arnott and Jennie R Lill, Nature Biotech 26(12):1336 - 1338 (December 2008).
Antibody patenting without antibodies: a global trend, Kazunori Hashimoto & Tomomi Aida, Nature Biotech 26(12):1341 - 1343 (December 2008).
Granting human gene patents that include broad antibody claims without any experimental antibody production makes the gene patent issue more complex.
Design and analysis of ChIP-seq experiments for DNA-binding proteins, Peter V Kharchenko, Michael Y Tolstorukov & Peter J Park, Nature Biotech 26(12):1351 - 1359 (December 2008).
Critical considerations in the design and analysis of ChIP-seq experiments include how to align sequenced tags to the genome, how to detect binding sites and how to estimate the number of tags needed to confidently determine where a protein binds DNA. ....
TRANSCRIPTION: Gene Expression--Where to Start? , Stephen Buratowski, , Science 322(5909):1804 (19 December 2008).
Transcription just got noisier with the discovery of short RNAs that are synthesized at or near DNA regions that also initiate full-length RNAs.
The Circadian Clock in Arabidopsis Roots Is a Simplified Slave Version of the Clock in Shoots, A. B. James et al., Science 322(5909):1832 - 1835 (19 December 2008).
A simpler plant circadian clock, which normally has three interlocking feedback loops, is used in the roots, with one feedback loop regulating only a few genes.
A Conserved Molecular Framework for Compound Leaf Development, T. Blein et al., Science 322(5909):1835 - 1839 (19 December 2008).
A family of transcription factors controls the formation of leaflets and lobes in complex leaves in distantly related plants by controlling outgrowth from leaf margins.
Increasing corn for biofuel production reduces biocontrol services in agricultural landscapes, Douglas A. Landis, Mary M. Gardiner, Wopke van der Werf, and Scott M. Swinton, PNAS 105(51):20552-20557 (December 23, 2008).
Quantitative genetics, Nature Insight 456(7223):719–744 (December 2008).
Recent revolutions in genomic technologies have led to a renewed interest in quantitative genetics.
Next-generation genetics in plants, Magnus Nordborg & Detlef Weigel, Nature Insight 456(7223):720 - 723 (December 2008).
Reverse engineering the genotype–phenotype map with natural genetic variation, Matthew V. Rockman, Nature Insight 456(7223):738 (December 2008).
Plant hormone study pulled: Canadian lab retracts work on abscisic acid, Emma Marris, Nature 456(7223):683 (10 December 2008).
Two years ago, three papers made a splash in the plant biology world by identifying protein receptors for abscisic acid (ABA), a key hormone in plant physiology. This week, Nature is retracting one of those papers1 after reports that the work could not be replicated.
FCA does not bind abscisic acid, Joanna M. Risk, Richard C. Macknight and Catherine L. Day, Nature 456(7223):E5-E6 (11 December 2008).
Read more!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Early Dec papers
Here are some interest papers in early Dec., 2008.
An H+ P-ATPase on the tonoplast determines vacuolar pH and flower colour, Walter Verweij, Cornelis Spelt, Gian-Pietro Di Sansebastiano, Joop Vermeer, Lara Reale, Francesco Ferranti, Ronald Koes and Francesca Quattrocchio, Nature Cell Biology 10, 1456 - 1462 (2008).
P-ATPases in plants are typically thought to act at the plasma membrane. In contrast, PH5, a P-type H+ ATPase functions within the vacuolar membrane to control acidification during flower coloration.
Activation of TGF-b/activin signalling resets the circadian clock through rapid induction of Dec1 transcripts, Naohiro Kon, Tsuyoshi Hirota, Takeshi Kawamoto, Yukio Kato, Tadashi Tsubota and Yoshitaka Fukada, Nature Cell Biology 10, 1463 - 1469 (2008).
The circadian clock is synchronized with the environment. In mammals, besides light input mediated by Per genes, little is known about resetting mechanisms. TGF-beta and activin reset the clock by acting on the circadian gene Dec1.
Agronomy: Five crop researchers who could change the world, Emma Marris, Nature 456, 563-568 (3 December 2008).
The current crisis in worldwide food prices reinforces the need for more productive agriculture. Emma Marris meets five ambitious scientists determined to stop the world from going hungry.
Role of Plant alpha Importin Proteins in Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation, Nancy A. Eckardt (News and Reviews Editor), The Plant Cell 20(10):2541 (Dec 2008).
Transcriptome-Wide Analysis of Uncapped mRNAs in Arabidopsis Reveals Regulation of mRNA Degradation, Yuling Jiao, José Luis Riechmann, and Elliot M. Meyerowitz, The Plant Cell 20(10):2571-2585 (Dec 2008).
Histone H2B Monoubiquitination in the Chromatin of FLOWERING LOCUS C Regulates Flowering Time in Arabidopsis, Ying Cao, Yan Dai, Sujuan Cui and Ligeng Ma, The Plant Cell 20(10):2586-2602 (Dec 2008).
OCEANS: Elements and Evolution, Ariel D. Anbar, Science 322(5907):1481 - 1483 (5 December 2008).
Changes in elemental abundances in Earth's oceans on geological time scales are intimately linked to evolutionary processes.
CELL SIGNALING: Fat Stress and Liver Resistance, Wataru Ogawa and Masato Kasuga, Science 322(5907):1483 - 1484 (5 December 2008).
Communication among immune and fat cells in adipose tissue and liver hepatocytes underlies the pathogenesis of obesity-related insulin resistance.
Photoexcited CRY2 Interacts with CIB1 to Regulate Transcription and Floral Initiation in Arabidopsis, Hongtao Liu, Xuhong Yu, Kunwu Li, John Klejnot, Hongyun Yang, Dominique Lisiero, Chentao Lin, Science 322(5907):1535 - 1539 (5 December 2008).
Cryptochromes (CRY) are photolyase-like blue-light receptors that mediate light responses in plants and animals. How plant cryptochromes act in response to blue light is not well understood.
AGAMOUS-LIKE24 and SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE determine floral meristem identity in Arabidopsis, Veronica Gregis, Alice Sessa, Lucia Colombo, Martin M. Kater, The Plant Journal 56(6):891 - 902 (2008).
AGAMOUS-LIKE24 and SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE determine floral meristem identity in Arabidopsis, Veronica Gregis, Alice Sessa, Lucia Colombo, Martin M. Kater, The Plant Journal 56(6):891 - 902.
Read more!
An H+ P-ATPase on the tonoplast determines vacuolar pH and flower colour, Walter Verweij, Cornelis Spelt, Gian-Pietro Di Sansebastiano, Joop Vermeer, Lara Reale, Francesco Ferranti, Ronald Koes and Francesca Quattrocchio, Nature Cell Biology 10, 1456 - 1462 (2008).
P-ATPases in plants are typically thought to act at the plasma membrane. In contrast, PH5, a P-type H+ ATPase functions within the vacuolar membrane to control acidification during flower coloration.
Activation of TGF-b/activin signalling resets the circadian clock through rapid induction of Dec1 transcripts, Naohiro Kon, Tsuyoshi Hirota, Takeshi Kawamoto, Yukio Kato, Tadashi Tsubota and Yoshitaka Fukada, Nature Cell Biology 10, 1463 - 1469 (2008).
The circadian clock is synchronized with the environment. In mammals, besides light input mediated by Per genes, little is known about resetting mechanisms. TGF-beta and activin reset the clock by acting on the circadian gene Dec1.
Agronomy: Five crop researchers who could change the world, Emma Marris, Nature 456, 563-568 (3 December 2008).
The current crisis in worldwide food prices reinforces the need for more productive agriculture. Emma Marris meets five ambitious scientists determined to stop the world from going hungry.
Role of Plant alpha Importin Proteins in Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation, Nancy A. Eckardt (News and Reviews Editor), The Plant Cell 20(10):2541 (Dec 2008).
Transcriptome-Wide Analysis of Uncapped mRNAs in Arabidopsis Reveals Regulation of mRNA Degradation, Yuling Jiao, José Luis Riechmann, and Elliot M. Meyerowitz, The Plant Cell 20(10):2571-2585 (Dec 2008).
Histone H2B Monoubiquitination in the Chromatin of FLOWERING LOCUS C Regulates Flowering Time in Arabidopsis, Ying Cao, Yan Dai, Sujuan Cui and Ligeng Ma, The Plant Cell 20(10):2586-2602 (Dec 2008).
OCEANS: Elements and Evolution, Ariel D. Anbar, Science 322(5907):1481 - 1483 (5 December 2008).
Changes in elemental abundances in Earth's oceans on geological time scales are intimately linked to evolutionary processes.
CELL SIGNALING: Fat Stress and Liver Resistance, Wataru Ogawa and Masato Kasuga, Science 322(5907):1483 - 1484 (5 December 2008).
Communication among immune and fat cells in adipose tissue and liver hepatocytes underlies the pathogenesis of obesity-related insulin resistance.
Photoexcited CRY2 Interacts with CIB1 to Regulate Transcription and Floral Initiation in Arabidopsis, Hongtao Liu, Xuhong Yu, Kunwu Li, John Klejnot, Hongyun Yang, Dominique Lisiero, Chentao Lin, Science 322(5907):1535 - 1539 (5 December 2008).
Cryptochromes (CRY) are photolyase-like blue-light receptors that mediate light responses in plants and animals. How plant cryptochromes act in response to blue light is not well understood.
AGAMOUS-LIKE24 and SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE determine floral meristem identity in Arabidopsis, Veronica Gregis, Alice Sessa, Lucia Colombo, Martin M. Kater, The Plant Journal 56(6):891 - 902 (2008).
AGAMOUS-LIKE24 and SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE determine floral meristem identity in Arabidopsis, Veronica Gregis, Alice Sessa, Lucia Colombo, Martin M. Kater, The Plant Journal 56(6):891 - 902.
Read more!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Mitsubishi Colt
We have taken bus to work and shopping and walked to shopping and doing laundry for 6 months. It is a little bit tired to do this.
We have been searching on internet for several small/light car, such as Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris first, then Mazda 2, and finally Mitsubishi Colt, to compare their price, performance, environmental friendly, and safety.
It is getting close to Christmas holiday and we thought that we should have a car for the vacation. We called the Mitsubishi Toowong dealer yesterday to book a test drive today.
Hmmm, we bought a Mitsubishi Colt. Yeah! A new car. This is the biggest spending we have made in our life together. We will make it worth.
This is what it looks like. Our car is white color because all the other colors cost ~300 AUD extra.
Read more!
We have been searching on internet for several small/light car, such as Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris first, then Mazda 2, and finally Mitsubishi Colt, to compare their price, performance, environmental friendly, and safety.
It is getting close to Christmas holiday and we thought that we should have a car for the vacation. We called the Mitsubishi Toowong dealer yesterday to book a test drive today.
Hmmm, we bought a Mitsubishi Colt. Yeah! A new car. This is the biggest spending we have made in our life together. We will make it worth.
This is what it looks like. Our car is white color because all the other colors cost ~300 AUD extra.
Read more!
Hygrometer - Psychrometer
It is so humid in here. We would like to use air conditioner to reduce the humidity, but we don't want to waste energy, so a hygrometer will be useful. We checked its price in last weekend and decided to make our own.
We have a thermometer which can measure 2 temperatures. Here are some information about hygrometer and psychrometer and the psychrometric chart from wiki.
Hygrometers are instruments used for measuring humidity. A simple form of a hygrometer is specifically known as a "psychrometer" and consists of two thermometers, one of which includes a dry bulb and the other of which includes a bulb that is kept wet to measure wet-bulb temperature.
Psychrometrics or psychrometry are terms used to describe the field of engineering concerned with the determination of physical and thermodynamic properties of gas-vapor mixtures. The term derives from the Greek psuchron (ψυχρόν) (cold) and metron (μέτρον) (means of measurement).
Read more!
We have a thermometer which can measure 2 temperatures. Here are some information about hygrometer and psychrometer and the psychrometric chart from wiki.
Hygrometers are instruments used for measuring humidity. A simple form of a hygrometer is specifically known as a "psychrometer" and consists of two thermometers, one of which includes a dry bulb and the other of which includes a bulb that is kept wet to measure wet-bulb temperature.
Psychrometrics or psychrometry are terms used to describe the field of engineering concerned with the determination of physical and thermodynamic properties of gas-vapor mixtures. The term derives from the Greek psuchron (ψυχρόν) (cold) and metron (μέτρον) (means of measurement).
Read more!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Ban Red Pen??
This is one of the most ... policy I have heard. I am just wondering why not just ban all the colors based on this AMAZING logic. Please read some news about this "red pen ban" policy.
Qld Govt slams 'tasteless' red pen debate (ABC, Wed Dec 3, 2008 6:22pm AEDT)
The Queensland Government says a parliamentary debate about banning red pens is tasteless and trivial.
A Queensland Health document advises teachers that students with mental illness can perceive red pen as "aggressive", and suggests using a different colour.
Red pen tip 'came from teachers, not health experts' (ABC, Thu Dec 4, 2008 6:30pm)
Queensland Health Minister Stephen Robertson says the warning against using red pens in classrooms came from teachers, not mental health experts.
About 1,000 Queensland Health leaflets have been printed, containing ideas for teachers to address mental wellbeing in their classrooms.
Red pen too aggressive, Queensland teachers told (By Gabrielle Dunlevy, December 03, 2008 12:54pm)
* Teachers told to "reconsider pen colour"
* Children might be offended by red
TEACHERS have been told to stop marking schoolchildren's work with red pen because it is an "aggressive" colour.
Teachers told not to use 'aggressive' red pen, 3/12/2008 6:18:00 PM. | AAP
Teachers have been advised that marking students' work in red pen could harm their mental health.
A kit to help teachers address mental health wellbeing in the classroom offers a list of tips devised by experts.
One tip says: "Don't mark in a red pen (which can be seen as aggressive) - use a different colour."
Question: In many states, teachers are banned from using red pen to grade tests, are you afraid of red ink? By sleidman Asked Jun 6 2007 5:05PM
Read more!
Qld Govt slams 'tasteless' red pen debate (ABC, Wed Dec 3, 2008 6:22pm AEDT)
The Queensland Government says a parliamentary debate about banning red pens is tasteless and trivial.
A Queensland Health document advises teachers that students with mental illness can perceive red pen as "aggressive", and suggests using a different colour.
Red pen tip 'came from teachers, not health experts' (ABC, Thu Dec 4, 2008 6:30pm)
Queensland Health Minister Stephen Robertson says the warning against using red pens in classrooms came from teachers, not mental health experts.
About 1,000 Queensland Health leaflets have been printed, containing ideas for teachers to address mental wellbeing in their classrooms.
Red pen too aggressive, Queensland teachers told (By Gabrielle Dunlevy, December 03, 2008 12:54pm)
* Teachers told to "reconsider pen colour"
* Children might be offended by red
TEACHERS have been told to stop marking schoolchildren's work with red pen because it is an "aggressive" colour.
Teachers told not to use 'aggressive' red pen, 3/12/2008 6:18:00 PM. | AAP
Teachers have been advised that marking students' work in red pen could harm their mental health.
A kit to help teachers address mental health wellbeing in the classroom offers a list of tips devised by experts.
One tip says: "Don't mark in a red pen (which can be seen as aggressive) - use a different colour."
Question: In many states, teachers are banned from using red pen to grade tests, are you afraid of red ink? By sleidman Asked Jun 6 2007 5:05PM
Read more!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Did Britain Just Sell Tibet?
I do believe that those politician only consider so-called national benefits as their priority. Justice and human rights are not their concern if they do not fit into their benefits. Here is an article published on New York Times recently.
Did Britain Just Sell Tibet?
By ROBERT BARNETT (November 24, 2008) at New York Times
(from NY Times)
THE financial crisis is going to do more than increase unemployment, bankruptcy and homelessness. It is also likely to reshape international alignments, sometimes in ways that we would not expect.
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Britain’s concession could be China’s most significant achievement on Tibet since American support for Tibetan guerillas was ended before Nixon’s visit to Beijing. Including China in global decision-making is welcome, but Western powers should not rewrite history to get support in the financial crisis. It may be more than banks and failed mortgages that are sold off cheap in the rush to shore up ailing economies.
Robert Barnett, the director of the Modern Tibetan Studies Program at Columbia, is the author of “Lhasa: Streets With Memories.”
Read more!
Did Britain Just Sell Tibet?
By ROBERT BARNETT (November 24, 2008) at New York Times
(from NY Times)THE financial crisis is going to do more than increase unemployment, bankruptcy and homelessness. It is also likely to reshape international alignments, sometimes in ways that we would not expect.
.
.
.
.
Britain’s concession could be China’s most significant achievement on Tibet since American support for Tibetan guerillas was ended before Nixon’s visit to Beijing. Including China in global decision-making is welcome, but Western powers should not rewrite history to get support in the financial crisis. It may be more than banks and failed mortgages that are sold off cheap in the rush to shore up ailing economies.
Robert Barnett, the director of the Modern Tibetan Studies Program at Columbia, is the author of “Lhasa: Streets With Memories.”
Read more!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Some links
Some useful links in Australia
Australia-QLD_TransLink: a very useful website which provide the transportation information around Brisbane region. We have used it for 6 months when we need to go to any place, including from airport to home.
Australian travel maps, street directory, driving directions & aerial photographs - Whereis.com: it is very slow. I still prefer to use maps.google.com
Product Review Australia - your reviews on products and services on the Australian marketplace
RateCity.com.au: a lot of comparisons
TV guide Brisbane
Weather.com.au - Brisbane Weather: good information
FloraBase - the Western Australian Flora
Food/Vegie Prices: only for Sydney?
WHAT CAN'T I TAKE INTO AUSTRALIA?
Virgin Broadband: our internet connection
housing_Domain.com.au: website I saw on TV. It might be useful when we start looking for buying a house.
Read more!
Australia-QLD_TransLink: a very useful website which provide the transportation information around Brisbane region. We have used it for 6 months when we need to go to any place, including from airport to home.
Australian travel maps, street directory, driving directions & aerial photographs - Whereis.com: it is very slow. I still prefer to use maps.google.com
Product Review Australia - your reviews on products and services on the Australian marketplace
RateCity.com.au: a lot of comparisons
TV guide Brisbane
Weather.com.au - Brisbane Weather: good information
FloraBase - the Western Australian Flora
Food/Vegie Prices: only for Sydney?
WHAT CAN'T I TAKE INTO AUSTRALIA?
Virgin Broadband: our internet connection
housing_Domain.com.au: website I saw on TV. It might be useful when we start looking for buying a house.
Read more!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Late-Nov papers
Some interested papers.
Flowering-time genes modulate meristem determinacy and growth form in Arabidopsis thaliana, Siegbert Melzer, Frederic Lens, Jerôme Gennen, Steffen Vanneste, Antje Rohde and Tom Beeckman, Nature Genetics 40(12):1489 - 1492 (December 2008).
Siegbert Melzer and colleagues report that in Arabidopsis the absence of MADS box proteins SOC1 and FUL leads to phenotypes of perennial woody plants, with indeterminate meristems, secondary growth with wood formation, and recurrent growth cycles.
Metagenomic analysis indicates that stressors induce production of herpes-like viruses in the coral Porites compressa, Rebecca L. Vega Thurber, Katie L. Barott, Dana Hall, Hong Liu, Beltran Rodriguez-Mueller, Christelle Desnues, Robert A. Edwards, Matthew Haynes, Florent E. Angly, Linda Wegley, and Forest L. Rohwer, PNAS 105(47):18413-18418 (November 25, 2008).
Plant Biology: Gibberellins close the lid, Nature 456(7221):455, Peter Hedden.
Gibberellins regulate many aspects of plant growth and development. Crystal structures of their receptors provide a view in unprecedented detail of how these hormones operate at the molecular level.
Gibberellin-induced DELLA recognition by the gibberellin receptor GID1, Nature 456(7221):459, Kohji Murase, Yoshinori Hirano, Tai-ping Sun and Toshio Hakoshima.
Structural basis for gibberellin recognition by its receptor GID1, Nature 456(7221):520, Asako Shimada, Miyako Ueguchi-Tanaka, Toru Nakatsu, Masatoshi Nakajima, Youichi Naoe, Hiroko Ohmiya, Hiroaki Kato & Makoto Matsuoka.
A Genetic Framework for the Control of Cell Division and Differentiation in the Root Meristem, R. D. Ioio et al., Science 322(5906):380 - 1384 (28 November 2008).
The number of stem cells in plant roots is controlled by an auxin-cytokine feedback loop in which a particular gene integrates signals from both hormones.
Read more!
Flowering-time genes modulate meristem determinacy and growth form in Arabidopsis thaliana, Siegbert Melzer, Frederic Lens, Jerôme Gennen, Steffen Vanneste, Antje Rohde and Tom Beeckman, Nature Genetics 40(12):1489 - 1492 (December 2008).
Siegbert Melzer and colleagues report that in Arabidopsis the absence of MADS box proteins SOC1 and FUL leads to phenotypes of perennial woody plants, with indeterminate meristems, secondary growth with wood formation, and recurrent growth cycles.
Metagenomic analysis indicates that stressors induce production of herpes-like viruses in the coral Porites compressa, Rebecca L. Vega Thurber, Katie L. Barott, Dana Hall, Hong Liu, Beltran Rodriguez-Mueller, Christelle Desnues, Robert A. Edwards, Matthew Haynes, Florent E. Angly, Linda Wegley, and Forest L. Rohwer, PNAS 105(47):18413-18418 (November 25, 2008).
Plant Biology: Gibberellins close the lid, Nature 456(7221):455, Peter Hedden.
Gibberellins regulate many aspects of plant growth and development. Crystal structures of their receptors provide a view in unprecedented detail of how these hormones operate at the molecular level.
Gibberellin-induced DELLA recognition by the gibberellin receptor GID1, Nature 456(7221):459, Kohji Murase, Yoshinori Hirano, Tai-ping Sun and Toshio Hakoshima.
Structural basis for gibberellin recognition by its receptor GID1, Nature 456(7221):520, Asako Shimada, Miyako Ueguchi-Tanaka, Toru Nakatsu, Masatoshi Nakajima, Youichi Naoe, Hiroko Ohmiya, Hiroaki Kato & Makoto Matsuoka.
A Genetic Framework for the Control of Cell Division and Differentiation in the Root Meristem, R. D. Ioio et al., Science 322(5906):380 - 1384 (28 November 2008).
The number of stem cells in plant roots is controlled by an auxin-cytokine feedback loop in which a particular gene integrates signals from both hormones.
Read more!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Homologous Recombination
wiki Def of HR: Homologous recombination is a type of genetic recombination, a process of physical rearrangement occurring between two strands of DNA. Homologous recombination involves the alignment of similar sequences, formation of a Holliday junction, and breaking and repair, known as resolution, of the DNA to produce an exchange of material between the strands. The process of homologous recombination naturally occurs in organisms and is also utilized as a molecular biology technique for introducing genetic changes into an organism.
Cloning by HR
Homologous Recombination from a Molecular Perspective
Positive-negative selection is used to enrich for ES cells containing a targeted disruption of a gene.
Transgene silencing
Site-specific gene insertion
Single copy
Homologous recombination: a basis for targeted genome optimization in crop species such as maize, Kathleen D'Halluin, Chantal Vanderstraeten, Ellen Stals, Marc Cornelissen and Rene Ruiter, Plant Biotechnology Journal 6(1):93-102 (12 Nov 2007).
Enhancing gene targeting with designed zinc finger nucleases, Bibikova, M., Beumer, K., Trautman, J.K. and Carroll, D., Science 300:764 (2003).
Lloyd, A., Plaisier, C.L., Carroll, D. and Drews, G.N. (2005) Targeted mutagenesis using zinc-finger nucleases in Arabidopsis. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 102, 2232–2237.
Nahon, E. and Raveh, D. (1998) Targeting a truncated Ho-endonuclease of yeast to novel DNA sites with foreign zinc fingers. Nucleic Acids Res. 26, 1233–1239.
Urnov, F., Miller, J., Lee, Y.-L., Beausejour, C., Rock, J., Augustus, S., Jamieson, A., Porteus, M., Gregory, P. and Holmes, M. (2005) Highly efficient endogenous human gene correction using designed zinc-finger nucleases. Nature, 435, 646–651.
Wright, D., Townsend, J., Winfrey, R., Irwin, P., Rajagopal, J., Lonosky, P., Hall, B., Jondle, M. and Voytas, D. (2005) High-frequency homologous recombination in plants mediated by zinc-finger nucleases. Plant J. 44, 693–705.
Read more!
Cloning by HR
Homologous Recombination from a Molecular Perspective
Positive-negative selection is used to enrich for ES cells containing a targeted disruption of a gene.
Transgene silencing
Site-specific gene insertion
Single copy
Homologous recombination: a basis for targeted genome optimization in crop species such as maize, Kathleen D'Halluin, Chantal Vanderstraeten, Ellen Stals, Marc Cornelissen and Rene Ruiter, Plant Biotechnology Journal 6(1):93-102 (12 Nov 2007).
Enhancing gene targeting with designed zinc finger nucleases, Bibikova, M., Beumer, K., Trautman, J.K. and Carroll, D., Science 300:764 (2003).
Lloyd, A., Plaisier, C.L., Carroll, D. and Drews, G.N. (2005) Targeted mutagenesis using zinc-finger nucleases in Arabidopsis. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 102, 2232–2237.
Nahon, E. and Raveh, D. (1998) Targeting a truncated Ho-endonuclease of yeast to novel DNA sites with foreign zinc fingers. Nucleic Acids Res. 26, 1233–1239.
Urnov, F., Miller, J., Lee, Y.-L., Beausejour, C., Rock, J., Augustus, S., Jamieson, A., Porteus, M., Gregory, P. and Holmes, M. (2005) Highly efficient endogenous human gene correction using designed zinc-finger nucleases. Nature, 435, 646–651.
Wright, D., Townsend, J., Winfrey, R., Irwin, P., Rajagopal, J., Lonosky, P., Hall, B., Jondle, M. and Voytas, D. (2005) High-frequency homologous recombination in plants mediated by zinc-finger nucleases. Plant J. 44, 693–705.
Read more!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Dams level
We can view current dams level
Dams level in Oct., 2008
Dams level on April 16, 2009
This web site also list current information (Last Updated: 20th November 2008 9:38am). Well, there was thunderstorm last night, so this is not the most updated one.
Water Storage Status Table:
Read more!
Dams level in Oct., 2008
Dams level on April 16, 2009
This web site also list current information (Last Updated: 20th November 2008 9:38am). Well, there was thunderstorm last night, so this is not the most updated one.
Water Storage Status Table:
| Item (20th November 2008 9:38am) | Wivenhoe | Somerset | North Pine | SEQWater Totals | |
| Full Supply Level (m) AHD | 67.00 | 99.00 | 39.63 | - | |
| Storage Volume @FSL (ML) | 1,165,240 | 379,850 | 214,960 | 1,760,050 | |
| Lake Level (m) AHD | 55.06 | 98.38 | 31.98 | - | |
| Volume Stored (ML) | 321,555 | 354,466 | 88,839 | 764,860 | |
| Percentage in Storage | 27.60% | 93.32% | 41.33% | 43.46% | |
| Change since yesterday | +1.248% | +1.466% | +1.820% | +1.365% | |
| Rainfall at dam site 24 hours to 9am (mm) | 75 | 23 | 12 | 45 average |
| Item (24th November 2008 9:06am) | Wivenhoe | Somerset | North Pine | SEQWater Totals | |
| Full Supply Level (m) AHD | 67.00 | 99.00 | 39.63 | - | |
| Storage Volume @FSL (ML) | 1,165,240 | 379,850 | 214,960 | 1,760,050 | |
| Lake Level (m) AHD | 55.88 | 98.10 | 32.34 | - | |
| Volume Stored (ML) | 362,698 | 343,444 | 93,141 | 799,283 | |
| Percentage in Storage | 31.13% | 90.42% | 43.33% | 45.41% | |
| Change since Friday | +1.360% | -0.205% | +0.507% | +0.918% | |
| Rainfall at dam site 72 hours to 9am (mm) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 average |
| Item (17th April 2009 8:57am) | Wivenhoe | Somerset | North Pine | SEQWater Totals | |
| Full Supply Level (m) AHD | 67.00 | 99.00 | 39.63 | - | |
| Storage Volume @FSL (ML) | 1,165,240 | 379,850 | 214,960 | 1,760,050 | |
| Lake Level (m) AHD | 59.18 | 98.20 | 36.57 | - | |
| Volume Stored (ML) | 536,724 | 347,340 | 155,198 | 1,039,262 | |
| Percentage in Storage | 46.06% | 91.44% | 72.20% | 59.05% | |
| Change since Friday | +2.102% | -5.709% | +0.321% | +0.199% | |
| Rainfall at dam site 24 hours to 9am (mm) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 average |
Read more!
Mid-Nov 2008 papers
Here are some interesting papers.
Modified genes spread to local maize: Findings reignite debate over genetically modified crops, Rex Dalton, Nature 456:149 (12 November 2008).
Transgenes from genetically modified (GM) maize (corn) crops have been found in traditional 'landrace' maize in the Mexican heartland, a study says. The work largely confirms a similar, controversial result published in Nature in 20011 and may reignite the debate in Mexico over GM crops.
PLANT GENOMICS: A Bunch of Trouble, David Grimm, Science 322(5904):1046 - 1047 (14 November 2008).
The banana is endangered and largely ignored by funding agencies, researchers, and breeders. But things might finally be going its way.
RENEWABLE ENERGY: Minnesota Ecologist Pushes Prairie Biofuels, Eli Kintisch, Science 322(5904):1044 - 1045 (14 November 2008).
David Tilman wants to mix it up by growing native grasses for energy. Many agronomists disagree.
Read more!
Modified genes spread to local maize: Findings reignite debate over genetically modified crops, Rex Dalton, Nature 456:149 (12 November 2008).
Transgenes from genetically modified (GM) maize (corn) crops have been found in traditional 'landrace' maize in the Mexican heartland, a study says. The work largely confirms a similar, controversial result published in Nature in 20011 and may reignite the debate in Mexico over GM crops.
PLANT GENOMICS: A Bunch of Trouble, David Grimm, Science 322(5904):1046 - 1047 (14 November 2008).
The banana is endangered and largely ignored by funding agencies, researchers, and breeders. But things might finally be going its way.
RENEWABLE ENERGY: Minnesota Ecologist Pushes Prairie Biofuels, Eli Kintisch, Science 322(5904):1044 - 1045 (14 November 2008).
David Tilman wants to mix it up by growing native grasses for energy. Many agronomists disagree.
Read more!
Direct PCR
I know that I shouldn't do any advertisement in here, but I just think this is a useful technique when I saw its ad on Nature.
Direct PCR – makes DNA purification irrelevant (Finnzymes)
Direct PCR eliminates the need for DNA extraction or sample preparation prior to PCR.
Would you like to amplify your target DNA fragment from the source material without prior DNA purification? Finnzymes’ robust PCR enzymes allow direct PCR from various starting materials saving time and costs and increasing sample throughput.
Finnzymes' Phusion and Phire DNA Polymerases, due to their unique structure, are highly robust and tolerant of many PCR inhibitors. This resilience provides efficient amplification from many difficult samples. Note that PCR from an unpurified starting material often requires more optimization than standard PCR reactions from purified DNA and may not always be suitable for all applications. So, please read these protocols carefully when planning your direct PCR experiments and contact us or your distributor with questions. We wish you the best of luck with this novel approach to PCR.
Bird feather Muscle tissues
Read more!
Direct PCR – makes DNA purification irrelevant (Finnzymes)
Direct PCR eliminates the need for DNA extraction or sample preparation prior to PCR.
Would you like to amplify your target DNA fragment from the source material without prior DNA purification? Finnzymes’ robust PCR enzymes allow direct PCR from various starting materials saving time and costs and increasing sample throughput.
Finnzymes' Phusion and Phire DNA Polymerases, due to their unique structure, are highly robust and tolerant of many PCR inhibitors. This resilience provides efficient amplification from many difficult samples. Note that PCR from an unpurified starting material often requires more optimization than standard PCR reactions from purified DNA and may not always be suitable for all applications. So, please read these protocols carefully when planning your direct PCR experiments and contact us or your distributor with questions. We wish you the best of luck with this novel approach to PCR.
Bird feather Muscle tissuesRead more!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Precipitation
Here is the rainfall information from Climate statistics for Australian locations
LONG POCKET CSIRO LAB is close to Brisbane. Here is its monthly rainfall with millimetres (mm) as units.
Read more!
LONG POCKET CSIRO LAB is close to Brisbane. Here is its monthly rainfall with millimetres (mm) as units.
| Statistic | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 1968 - Dec. 2008 | |||||||||||||
| Mean | 132.2 | 141.0 | 100.3 | 87.5 | 92.4 | 49.7 | 46.1 | 37.5 | 32.3 | 81.2 | 122.1 | 121.7 | 1043.9 |
| Lowest | 12.2 | 21.2 | 3.8 | 4.6 | 3.3 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 5.0 | 3.2 | 25.2 | 574.0 |
| 5th percentile | 22.4 | 29.3 | 15.1 | 7.2 | 8.0 | 1.7 | 3.9 | 2.5 | 2.0 | 17.9 | 29.3 | 53.9 | 644.8 |
| 10th percentile | 26.4 | 48.6 | 27.8 | 10.6 | 13.0 | 9.8 | 6.1 | 5.1 | 2.5 | 22.4 | 36.9 | 57.4 | 718.0 |
| Median | 102.6 | 95.9 | 79.0 | 50.7 | 53.0 | 35.0 | 31.4 | 26.9 | 23.2 | 79.1 | 113.4 | 97.2 | 1020.2 |
| 90th percentile | 250.4 | 312.1 | 190.6 | 195.4 | 188.4 | 105.8 | 103.8 | 95.8 | 73.8 | 138.8 | 238.5 | 217.9 | 1444.2 |
| 95th percentile | 331.1 | 347.0 | 229.4 | 242.2 | 266.8 | 139.4 | 145.8 | 98.8 | 79.0 | 143.0 | 298.9 | 236.8 | 1730.6 |
| Highest | 710.9 | 438.5 | 420.2 | 470.7 | 649.4 | 257.0 | 299.5 | 135.1 | 111.0 | 374.8 | 366.0 | 403.6 | 1866.0 |
| Yearly | |||||||||||||
| 2001 | 24.0 | 184.8 | 163.8 | 34.6 | 35.5 | 10.3 | 31.4 | 10.6 | 17.8 | 71.7 | 157.4 | ||
| 2002 | 26.7 | 72.9 | 113.3 | 33.5 | 28.9 | 63.9 | 0.2 | 98.4 | 23.2 | 43.9 | 65.4 | 113.7 | 684.0 |
| 2003 | 12.2 | 195.6 | 81.8 | 108.5 | 50.8 | 49.3 | 19.6 | 21.1 | 13.3 | 79.1 | 15.4 | 94.4 | 741.1 |
| 2004 | 350.4 | 112.4 | 102.0 | 35.4 | 20.2 | 11.0 | 8.2 | 28.6 | 81.0 | 233.0 | 215.8 | ||
| 2005 | 80.4 | 29.4 | 13.8 | 44.2 | 64.2 | 99.4 | 17.4 | 20.2 | 20.4 | 124.8 | 59.6 | ||
| 2006 | 163.6 | 75.2 | 84.4 | 52.4 | 13.4 | 47.4 | 34.0 | 50.2 | 54.8 | 13.6 | 57.2 | 75.6 | 721.8 |
| 2007 | 72.0 | 55.4 | 24.6 | 4.6 | 44.6 | 104.2 | 4.0 | 102.2 | 36.4 | 86.2 | 88.6 | 94.2 | 717.0 |
| 2008 | 180.0 | 149.6 | 46.8 | 7.2 | 53.0 | 120.0 | 96.2 | 17.5 | 55.2 | 68.1 | 320.7 | 77.3 | 1191.6 |
| 2009 | 61.2 | 125.4 | 45.3 | ||||||||||
Read more!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Mid-November papers
Here are some interest papers.
Enrichment of tomato fruit with health-promoting anthocyanins by expression of select transcription factors, Eugenio Butelli, Lucilla Titta, Marco Giorgio, Hans-Peter Mock, Andrea Matros, Silke Peterek, Elio G W M Schijlen, Robert D Hall, Arnaud G Bovy, Jie Luo & Cathie Martin, Nature Biotechnology 26, 1301 - 1308 (2008).
Glutamic acid residues in the C-terminal extension of small heat shock protein 25 are critical for structural and functional integrity, Amie M. Morris, Teresa M. Treweek, J. A. Aquilina, John A. Carver and Mark J. Walker, FEBS Journal 275(23):5885 - 5898 (2008).
Modified genes spread to local maize: Findings reignite debate over genetically modified crops, Rex Dalton, Nature 456:149 (12 November 2008).
Transgenes from genetically modified (GM) maize (corn) crops have been found in traditional 'landrace' maize in the Mexican heartland, a study says. The work largely confirms a similar, controversial result published in Nature in 20011 and may reignite the debate in Mexico over GM crops.
PLANT GENOMICS: A Bunch of Trouble, David Grimm, Science 322(5904):1046 - 1047 (14 November 2008).
The banana is endangered and largely ignored by funding agencies, researchers, and breeders. But things might finally be going its way.
RENEWABLE ENERGY: Minnesota Ecologist Pushes Prairie Biofuels, Eli Kintisch, Science 322(5904):1044 - 1045 (14 November 2008).
David Tilman wants to mix it up by growing native grasses for energy. Many agronomists disagree.
Read more!
Enrichment of tomato fruit with health-promoting anthocyanins by expression of select transcription factors, Eugenio Butelli, Lucilla Titta, Marco Giorgio, Hans-Peter Mock, Andrea Matros, Silke Peterek, Elio G W M Schijlen, Robert D Hall, Arnaud G Bovy, Jie Luo & Cathie Martin, Nature Biotechnology 26, 1301 - 1308 (2008).
Glutamic acid residues in the C-terminal extension of small heat shock protein 25 are critical for structural and functional integrity, Amie M. Morris, Teresa M. Treweek, J. A. Aquilina, John A. Carver and Mark J. Walker, FEBS Journal 275(23):5885 - 5898 (2008).
Modified genes spread to local maize: Findings reignite debate over genetically modified crops, Rex Dalton, Nature 456:149 (12 November 2008).
Transgenes from genetically modified (GM) maize (corn) crops have been found in traditional 'landrace' maize in the Mexican heartland, a study says. The work largely confirms a similar, controversial result published in Nature in 20011 and may reignite the debate in Mexico over GM crops.
PLANT GENOMICS: A Bunch of Trouble, David Grimm, Science 322(5904):1046 - 1047 (14 November 2008).
The banana is endangered and largely ignored by funding agencies, researchers, and breeders. But things might finally be going its way.
RENEWABLE ENERGY: Minnesota Ecologist Pushes Prairie Biofuels, Eli Kintisch, Science 322(5904):1044 - 1045 (14 November 2008).
David Tilman wants to mix it up by growing native grasses for energy. Many agronomists disagree.
Read more!
Thunderstorm
I felt bad when I saw the weather prediction from Nov 16 - 22 in last Saturday night.
It said that it will rain whole week. Sigh! We were thinking to do our laundry on Sunday. What should we do if it rained? It looked OK yesterday morning, so we went to do our laundry and put our clothes outside to dry them in the sun. We took the clothes in around 4:00pm when it became cloudy and dark.
It started thunder, lightening, and raining around 4:30 pm. We were hungry and decided to make lunch-dinner and prepared for today's lunch. The thunder and lightening got stronger and sounded like angry roaming. It was a big thunderstorm.
Our electrical power went off around 5 pm. Hmmm, our rice was half cooked, water and vegetables in pot were warm only, not to mention the noodle. Our landlord brought 2 candles to us in case the power did not come back. We waited and waited, but the power did not come back.
Around 8 pm, our landlord came to ask us if we wanted to use their camping stove to cook our dinner. It was still raining, but we were starving, so we took our pot, water and vegetables, noodle, and sauces and cook with landlord's camping stove. Then we ate our first candle dinner in Australia last night.
We could do nothing without power at night, so we just went to sleep after dinner. Finally, the power came back this morning around 5 am.
It is raining whole day. Sigh! So humid and so wet in here.
Read more!
It said that it will rain whole week. Sigh! We were thinking to do our laundry on Sunday. What should we do if it rained? It looked OK yesterday morning, so we went to do our laundry and put our clothes outside to dry them in the sun. We took the clothes in around 4:00pm when it became cloudy and dark.
It started thunder, lightening, and raining around 4:30 pm. We were hungry and decided to make lunch-dinner and prepared for today's lunch. The thunder and lightening got stronger and sounded like angry roaming. It was a big thunderstorm.
Our electrical power went off around 5 pm. Hmmm, our rice was half cooked, water and vegetables in pot were warm only, not to mention the noodle. Our landlord brought 2 candles to us in case the power did not come back. We waited and waited, but the power did not come back.
Around 8 pm, our landlord came to ask us if we wanted to use their camping stove to cook our dinner. It was still raining, but we were starving, so we took our pot, water and vegetables, noodle, and sauces and cook with landlord's camping stove. Then we ate our first candle dinner in Australia last night.
We could do nothing without power at night, so we just went to sleep after dinner. Finally, the power came back this morning around 5 am.
It is raining whole day. Sigh! So humid and so wet in here.
Read more!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Reef-building Corals
I read the first paper and found it is quite interest. Here are some interesting papers about corals.
Host pigments: potential facilitators of photosynthesis in coral symbioses, SOPHIE G. DOVE, CARLI LOVELL , MAOZ FINE, JEFFRY DECKENBACK, OVE HOEGH-GULDBERG, ROBERTO IGLESIAS-PRIETO & KENNETH R.N. ANTHONY, Plant, Cell & Environment 31(11):1523 - 1533 (2008).
Gene Expression of a Green Fluorescent Protein Homolog as a Host-Specific Biomarker of Heat Stress Within a Reef-Building Coral, C. Smith-Keune and S. Dove, Marine Biotechnology 10(2):166 (2008).
Bleaching, energetics and coral mortality risk: effects of temperature, light and sediment regime, KRN Anthony, SR Connolly & O Hoegh-Guldberg, Limnology and Oceanography 52(2): 716-726 (2007).
Coral mortality following extreme low tides and high solar radiation, KRN Anthony, A Kerswell, Marine Biology 151: 1623-1631 (2007).
The impact of coral bleaching on the pigment profile of the symbiotic alga, Symbiodinium, ALEXANDER A. VENN, MICHAEL A. WILSON, HENRY G. TRAPIDO-ROSENTHAL, BRENDAN J. KEELY & ANGELA E. DOUGLAS, Plant, Cell & Environment 29(12):2133 - 2142 (2006).
Response of holosymbiont pigments from the scleractinian coral Montipora monasteriata to short-term heat stress, Sophie Dove, Juan Carlos Ortiz, Susana Enríquez, Maoz Fine, Paul Fisher, Roberto Iglesias-Prieto, Dan Thornhill, and Ove Hoegh-Guldberg
Limnol. Oceanogr., 51(2):1149–1158 (2006).
Environmental limits to growth: physiological niche boundaries of corals along turbidity-light gradients, KRN Anthony & SR Connolly, Oecologia 141: 373-384 (2004).
Coral Reefs in a Century of Rapid Environmental Change, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, Symbiosis 37(1-3):1-31 (2004).
Scleractinian corals with photoprotective host pigments are hypersensitive to thermal bleaching, Sophie Dove, Marine Ecology Progress Series 272:99-116 (2004).
Experience shapes the susceptibility of a reef coral to bleaching, B. Brown, R. Dunne, M. Goodson, A. Douglas, Coral Reefs 21(2):119-126 (July, 2002).
Kinetics of photoacclimation in corals, KRN Anthony & O Hoegh-Guldberg, Oecologia 134: 23-31 (2003).
Comparative analysis of energy allocation to tissue and skeletal growth in corals, Kenneth R. N. Anthony, Sean R. Connolly, and Bette L. Willis, Limnol. Oceanogr., 47(5), 2002, 1417–1429 (2002).
Major colour patterns of reef-building corals are due to a family of GFP-like proteins, S.G. Dove, O. Hoegh-Guldberg, and S. Ranganathan, Coral Reefs 19(3):197-204 (January, 2001).
Shifting roles of heterotrophy and autotrophy in coral energy budgets at varying turbidity, KRN Anthony & KE Fabricius, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 252: 221-253 (2000).
Biochemistry, mutagenesis, and oligomerization of DsRed, a red fluorescent protein from coral, Geoffrey S. Baird, David A. Zacharias, and Roger Y. Tsien, PNAS 97(22):11984-11989 (October 24, 2000).
Climate change, coral bleaching and the future of the world's coral reefs, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, CSIRO Marine Freshwater Research 50:839-866 (1999).
Read more!
Host pigments: potential facilitators of photosynthesis in coral symbioses, SOPHIE G. DOVE, CARLI LOVELL , MAOZ FINE, JEFFRY DECKENBACK, OVE HOEGH-GULDBERG, ROBERTO IGLESIAS-PRIETO & KENNETH R.N. ANTHONY, Plant, Cell & Environment 31(11):1523 - 1533 (2008).
Gene Expression of a Green Fluorescent Protein Homolog as a Host-Specific Biomarker of Heat Stress Within a Reef-Building Coral, C. Smith-Keune and S. Dove, Marine Biotechnology 10(2):166 (2008).
Bleaching, energetics and coral mortality risk: effects of temperature, light and sediment regime, KRN Anthony, SR Connolly & O Hoegh-Guldberg, Limnology and Oceanography 52(2): 716-726 (2007).
Coral mortality following extreme low tides and high solar radiation, KRN Anthony, A Kerswell, Marine Biology 151: 1623-1631 (2007).
The impact of coral bleaching on the pigment profile of the symbiotic alga, Symbiodinium, ALEXANDER A. VENN, MICHAEL A. WILSON, HENRY G. TRAPIDO-ROSENTHAL, BRENDAN J. KEELY & ANGELA E. DOUGLAS, Plant, Cell & Environment 29(12):2133 - 2142 (2006).
Response of holosymbiont pigments from the scleractinian coral Montipora monasteriata to short-term heat stress, Sophie Dove, Juan Carlos Ortiz, Susana Enríquez, Maoz Fine, Paul Fisher, Roberto Iglesias-Prieto, Dan Thornhill, and Ove Hoegh-Guldberg
Limnol. Oceanogr., 51(2):1149–1158 (2006).
Environmental limits to growth: physiological niche boundaries of corals along turbidity-light gradients, KRN Anthony & SR Connolly, Oecologia 141: 373-384 (2004).
Coral Reefs in a Century of Rapid Environmental Change, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, Symbiosis 37(1-3):1-31 (2004).
Scleractinian corals with photoprotective host pigments are hypersensitive to thermal bleaching, Sophie Dove, Marine Ecology Progress Series 272:99-116 (2004).
Experience shapes the susceptibility of a reef coral to bleaching, B. Brown, R. Dunne, M. Goodson, A. Douglas, Coral Reefs 21(2):119-126 (July, 2002).
Kinetics of photoacclimation in corals, KRN Anthony & O Hoegh-Guldberg, Oecologia 134: 23-31 (2003).
Comparative analysis of energy allocation to tissue and skeletal growth in corals, Kenneth R. N. Anthony, Sean R. Connolly, and Bette L. Willis, Limnol. Oceanogr., 47(5), 2002, 1417–1429 (2002).
Major colour patterns of reef-building corals are due to a family of GFP-like proteins, S.G. Dove, O. Hoegh-Guldberg, and S. Ranganathan, Coral Reefs 19(3):197-204 (January, 2001).
Shifting roles of heterotrophy and autotrophy in coral energy budgets at varying turbidity, KRN Anthony & KE Fabricius, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 252: 221-253 (2000).
Biochemistry, mutagenesis, and oligomerization of DsRed, a red fluorescent protein from coral, Geoffrey S. Baird, David A. Zacharias, and Roger Y. Tsien, PNAS 97(22):11984-11989 (October 24, 2000).
Climate change, coral bleaching and the future of the world's coral reefs, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, CSIRO Marine Freshwater Research 50:839-866 (1999).
Read more!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Car-9-5-8
I guess nobody will understand this title except us.
There is only 2 buses near the place we rent. 415 is to Toowong and Brisbane city and 414 is to UQ. The schedule for 414 is hourly from 7:20 am to 5:30 pm during weekdays and no service in weekend. 415 has a little bit more service than 414, and there is 8 buses on Saturday and 4 on Sunday.
Well, we tend to stay home in weekend due to this inconvenient bus schedule. We have thought about to buy car because we don't want to be trapped at home all the time. We decided to count the number of small white Japanese car on our way to shopping center or coming back and pick the number 10 as our consideration.
Here is the number:
Last Saturday from home to shopping center: 9
Last Saturday from shopping center to home: 5
Today from UQ to home: 8
We did not count to 10 yet. Does this mean that we should not buy a car?
Read more!
There is only 2 buses near the place we rent. 415 is to Toowong and Brisbane city and 414 is to UQ. The schedule for 414 is hourly from 7:20 am to 5:30 pm during weekdays and no service in weekend. 415 has a little bit more service than 414, and there is 8 buses on Saturday and 4 on Sunday.
Well, we tend to stay home in weekend due to this inconvenient bus schedule. We have thought about to buy car because we don't want to be trapped at home all the time. We decided to count the number of small white Japanese car on our way to shopping center or coming back and pick the number 10 as our consideration.
Here is the number:
Last Saturday from home to shopping center: 9
Last Saturday from shopping center to home: 5
Today from UQ to home: 8
We did not count to 10 yet. Does this mean that we should not buy a car?
Read more!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Expired Ticket
We use Go card when we take bus/ferry/train in Brisbane area all the time. It is convenient, saves money due to 20% discount of regular price, and help environment because there is no need to print ticket every time.
I like this system even it does not work well all the time, but they will refund the money if the card reader makes mistake and you call the service center to complain it.
I always wonder why there are still many people prefer to buy ticket every time or using other kind of ticket. I know why some people don't use Go card. When we took bus yesterday evening, we overheard one person from country Cxxxx told her friend proudly about how she could use expired ticket to take bus for several days. She said that bus driver has no time to read the print-out ticket carefully and won't be able to tell if she is holding an expired ticket. Of course they used their country language in their conversation. We could understand that language unfortunately even we don't come from that country.
This reminds me one conversation on school shuttle when I studied in US. Two people from that same country Cxxxx talked about how they made fake car accidence to get insurance company to pay big money to them. They were proud of what they were doing and one person was trying to teach the other one how to do it.
Sigh! I certainly don't like this kind of behavior. I am sorry that I did not stand up to explore her bad behavior.
Read more!
I like this system even it does not work well all the time, but they will refund the money if the card reader makes mistake and you call the service center to complain it.
I always wonder why there are still many people prefer to buy ticket every time or using other kind of ticket. I know why some people don't use Go card. When we took bus yesterday evening, we overheard one person from country Cxxxx told her friend proudly about how she could use expired ticket to take bus for several days. She said that bus driver has no time to read the print-out ticket carefully and won't be able to tell if she is holding an expired ticket. Of course they used their country language in their conversation. We could understand that language unfortunately even we don't come from that country.
This reminds me one conversation on school shuttle when I studied in US. Two people from that same country Cxxxx talked about how they made fake car accidence to get insurance company to pay big money to them. They were proud of what they were doing and one person was trying to teach the other one how to do it.
Sigh! I certainly don't like this kind of behavior. I am sorry that I did not stand up to explore her bad behavior.
Read more!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Bioactives
This is some basic information about Bioactives from CSIRO. Just for my own information.
1. Bioactives are molecules that possess a biological activity in addition to their nutritional value.
2. Flagship researchers are developing technology to separate bioactives.
3. The researchers are identifying sources of bioactives and what different bioactives do.
4. Extracting bioactives could lead to new food additives to improve the nutritional and health-giving properties of foods.
ABOUT BIOACTIVES
Bioactive molecules are components of food that possess biological activity in addition to their nutritional value. For example, omega-3 oils are fats which not only provide energy but are also believed to benefit human brain development and inflammatory response.
Bioactive molecules can play roles in: growth and development, reducing the risks of disease, healing injuries.
Bioactive molecules occur naturally in plant and animal products, normally at very low concentrations. Processing food, for example by cooking, packaging and storage, often reduces the level of bioactive molecules.
Many waste products from the food industry contain bioactives. For example, whey is a waste product of the cheese industry. It contains valuable bioactive proteins such as lactoferrin, which is reported to have anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Read more!
1. Bioactives are molecules that possess a biological activity in addition to their nutritional value.
2. Flagship researchers are developing technology to separate bioactives.
3. The researchers are identifying sources of bioactives and what different bioactives do.
4. Extracting bioactives could lead to new food additives to improve the nutritional and health-giving properties of foods.
ABOUT BIOACTIVES
Bioactive molecules are components of food that possess biological activity in addition to their nutritional value. For example, omega-3 oils are fats which not only provide energy but are also believed to benefit human brain development and inflammatory response.
Bioactive molecules can play roles in: growth and development, reducing the risks of disease, healing injuries.
Bioactive molecules occur naturally in plant and animal products, normally at very low concentrations. Processing food, for example by cooking, packaging and storage, often reduces the level of bioactive molecules.
Many waste products from the food industry contain bioactives. For example, whey is a waste product of the cheese industry. It contains valuable bioactive proteins such as lactoferrin, which is reported to have anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Read more!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
National Flag
Definition of "National Flag" in wiki: A national flag is a flag that symbolises a country. The flag is flown by the government, but usually can be flown by citizens of that country as well. Both public and private buildings such as schools and courthouses often fly the national flag. In some countries, the national flags are only flown from non-military buildings on certain flag days.
The president of my home country said that our people have no right and no freedom to show our national flag in our own country because it would upset the politician from other country which swears to take over my country. It is really sad.
I don't watch international game, sport, or competition because my national flag is not allowed to appear in public. I drop my tears when I see every other medal winner raises his/her national flag proudly to honor and share his/her happiness to his/her home people, because I know that my home people are not allowed to do this. I feel that the whole world is forced me to erase my origin.
Read more!
The president of my home country said that our people have no right and no freedom to show our national flag in our own country because it would upset the politician from other country which swears to take over my country. It is really sad.
I don't watch international game, sport, or competition because my national flag is not allowed to appear in public. I drop my tears when I see every other medal winner raises his/her national flag proudly to honor and share his/her happiness to his/her home people, because I know that my home people are not allowed to do this. I feel that the whole world is forced me to erase my origin.
Read more!
Labmate
Some labmates in our lab are quite amazing. They tend to leave their mess or dirty stuffs in public area for other to clean up.
For example, some people will leave their used eppendorf tubes next to the centrifuge after they use them. Some people will leave dirty gel rack, holder, and comb in the sink for other people to wash them. Some people will leave their used gel inside the gel rack forever without taking them out. Some people will pour or split running buffer on the bench and without cleaning it up. Some people will pile up used stuffs in public area after others cleaning that area.
I hope I could live up in messy working environment, but I couldn't. It ends up that I have become cleaning lady in the lab. Sigh!
Read more!
For example, some people will leave their used eppendorf tubes next to the centrifuge after they use them. Some people will leave dirty gel rack, holder, and comb in the sink for other people to wash them. Some people will leave their used gel inside the gel rack forever without taking them out. Some people will pour or split running buffer on the bench and without cleaning it up. Some people will pile up used stuffs in public area after others cleaning that area.
I hope I could live up in messy working environment, but I couldn't. It ends up that I have become cleaning lady in the lab. Sigh!
Read more!
Lab Air Condition
It is spring now and the summer is close. It will be hard to wear lab coat if the lab air conditions do not turn on. Unfortunately there is one above my head and it keeps dropping water onto my head.
Hmmm, I don't want to wear umbrella in lab, but I have no space to go. I used to have 2 blocks of bench as most people have in the lab. I was asked to give away one block to another new labmate. I only have one block while everyone has 1.5-2 blocks to use. Sigh!
Read more!
Hmmm, I don't want to wear umbrella in lab, but I have no space to go. I used to have 2 blocks of bench as most people have in the lab. I was asked to give away one block to another new labmate. I only have one block while everyone has 1.5-2 blocks to use. Sigh!
Read more!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Early-Nov 2008 papers
There are many interesting papers about many things.
Colouring in cells, Nature Cell Biology 10(11):1233 (November 2008).
This year's Nobel Prizes mark the most significant technological advance in cell biology, GFP et al., as well as two discoveries in virology with major health implications.
DNA damage and ageing: new-age ideas for an age-old problem, George A. Garinis, Gijsbertus T.J. van der Horst1, Jan Vijg & Jan H.J. Hoeijmakers, Nature Cell Biology 10:1241 - 1247 (November 2008).
Loss of genome maintenance may causally contribute to ageing, as exemplified by the premature appearance of multiple symptoms of ageing in a growing family of human syndromes and in mice with genetic defects in genome maintenance pathways.
A model for transmission of the H3K27me3 epigenetic mark, Klaus H. Hansen1, Adrian P. Bracken, Diego Pasini, Nikolaj Dietrich, Simmi S. Gehani, Astrid Monrad, Juri Rappsilber, Mads Lerdrup & Kristian Helin, Nature Cell Biology 10:1291 - 1300 (2008).
Organization of chromatin by epigenetic mechanisms is essential for establishing and maintaining cellular identity in developing and adult organisms.
Epigenetic restriction of embryonic cell lineage fate by methylation of Elf5, Ray Kit Ng, Wendy Dean, Claire Dawson, Diana Lucifero, Zofia Madeja, Wolf Reik & Myriam Hemberger, Nature Cell Biology 10:1280 - 1290 (2008).
Here we show that ES cells deficient in DNA methylation can differentiate efficiently into trophoblast derivatives.
Ubiquitylation of the COMPASS component Swd2 links H2B ubiquitylation to H3K4 trimethylation, Adeline Vitaliano-Prunier, Alexandra Menant, Maria Hobeika, Vincent Géli, Carole Gwizdek & Catherine Dargemont, Nature Cell Biology 10:1365 - 1371 (2008).
Here we show that mono-ubiquitylation of histone H2B promotes ubiquitylation at Lys 68 and Lys 69 of Swd2, the essential component of SET1/COMPASS in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
SELF-EXPERIMENTATION: Eat, Drink, and Be Wary: A Sugar's Sour Side, Jon Cohen, Science 322(5902):659 - 661 (31 October 2008).
A new study being reported online this week strongly ties a sialic acid called Neu5Gc, made by chimpanzees and many other mammals but not humans, to a human disease and ingestion of red meat.
Structural Insights into a Circadian Oscillator, Carl Hirschie Johnson, Martin Egli, Phoebe L. Stewart, Science 322(5902):697 - 701 (31 October 2008).
An endogenous circadian system in cyanobacteria exerts pervasive control over cellular processes, including global gene expression.
Evolving a better-expressing GPCR, Allison Doerr, Nature Methods 5, 918 - 919 (2008).
Researchers describe a method for evolving G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) with greater stability and enhanced expression.
Native mass spectrometry: a bridge between interactomics and structural biology, Albert J R Heck1, Nature Methods 5, 927 - 933 (2008).
Native mass spectrometry is an emerging technology that allows the topological investigation of intact protein complexes with high sensitivity and a theoretically unrestricted mass range.
Inaugural Article: A PHD-Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 triggers the epigenetic silencing of FLC during vernalization, Filomena De Lucia, Pedro Crevillen, Alexandra M. E. Jones, Thomas Greb, and Caroline Dean, PNAS 105(44):16831-16836 (November 4, 2008).
Human genes are multitaskers: Up to 94% of human genes can generate different products, Heidi Ledford, Nature 456(7218):9 (2 November 2008).
Although people often struggle to master more than one discipline, our genes are accomplished polymaths. Genome-wide surveys of gene expression in 15 different tissues and cell lines have revealed that up to 94% of human genes generate more than one product.
How to get the most from a gene test: New tools squeeze more research out of personal genomics, Erika Check Hayden, Nature 456(7218):11 (2 November 2008).
According to two commercial gene-testing services — 23andMe and deCODEme — US Army medic Timothy Richard Gall of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, has a higher-than-average risk of basal cell carcinoma, type 2 diabetes and psoriasis. But much more enlightening than these results, which cost Gall more than $1,400, was a free online program called Promethease that he used to further analyse the data.
Diversification of Photoperiodic Response Patterns in a Collection of Early-Flowering Mutants of Arabidopsis, Sylvie Pouteau, Isabelle Carré, Valérie Gaudin, Valérie Ferret, Delphine Lefebvre and Melanie Wilson, Plant Physiology 148:1465-1473 (2008).
Acceleration of Flowering during Shade Avoidance in Arabidopsis Alters the Balance between FLOWERING LOCUS C-Mediated Repression and Photoperiodic Induction of Flowering, Amanda C. Wollenberg, Bárbara Strasser, Pablo D. Cerdán and Richard M. Amasino, Plant Physiology 148:1681-1694 (2008).
Read more!
Colouring in cells, Nature Cell Biology 10(11):1233 (November 2008).
This year's Nobel Prizes mark the most significant technological advance in cell biology, GFP et al., as well as two discoveries in virology with major health implications.
DNA damage and ageing: new-age ideas for an age-old problem, George A. Garinis, Gijsbertus T.J. van der Horst1, Jan Vijg & Jan H.J. Hoeijmakers, Nature Cell Biology 10:1241 - 1247 (November 2008).
Loss of genome maintenance may causally contribute to ageing, as exemplified by the premature appearance of multiple symptoms of ageing in a growing family of human syndromes and in mice with genetic defects in genome maintenance pathways.
A model for transmission of the H3K27me3 epigenetic mark, Klaus H. Hansen1, Adrian P. Bracken, Diego Pasini, Nikolaj Dietrich, Simmi S. Gehani, Astrid Monrad, Juri Rappsilber, Mads Lerdrup & Kristian Helin, Nature Cell Biology 10:1291 - 1300 (2008).
Organization of chromatin by epigenetic mechanisms is essential for establishing and maintaining cellular identity in developing and adult organisms.
Epigenetic restriction of embryonic cell lineage fate by methylation of Elf5, Ray Kit Ng, Wendy Dean, Claire Dawson, Diana Lucifero, Zofia Madeja, Wolf Reik & Myriam Hemberger, Nature Cell Biology 10:1280 - 1290 (2008).
Here we show that ES cells deficient in DNA methylation can differentiate efficiently into trophoblast derivatives.
Ubiquitylation of the COMPASS component Swd2 links H2B ubiquitylation to H3K4 trimethylation, Adeline Vitaliano-Prunier, Alexandra Menant, Maria Hobeika, Vincent Géli, Carole Gwizdek & Catherine Dargemont, Nature Cell Biology 10:1365 - 1371 (2008).
Here we show that mono-ubiquitylation of histone H2B promotes ubiquitylation at Lys 68 and Lys 69 of Swd2, the essential component of SET1/COMPASS in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
SELF-EXPERIMENTATION: Eat, Drink, and Be Wary: A Sugar's Sour Side, Jon Cohen, Science 322(5902):659 - 661 (31 October 2008).
A new study being reported online this week strongly ties a sialic acid called Neu5Gc, made by chimpanzees and many other mammals but not humans, to a human disease and ingestion of red meat.
Structural Insights into a Circadian Oscillator, Carl Hirschie Johnson, Martin Egli, Phoebe L. Stewart, Science 322(5902):697 - 701 (31 October 2008).
An endogenous circadian system in cyanobacteria exerts pervasive control over cellular processes, including global gene expression.
Evolving a better-expressing GPCR, Allison Doerr, Nature Methods 5, 918 - 919 (2008).
Researchers describe a method for evolving G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) with greater stability and enhanced expression.
Native mass spectrometry: a bridge between interactomics and structural biology, Albert J R Heck1, Nature Methods 5, 927 - 933 (2008).
Native mass spectrometry is an emerging technology that allows the topological investigation of intact protein complexes with high sensitivity and a theoretically unrestricted mass range.
Inaugural Article: A PHD-Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 triggers the epigenetic silencing of FLC during vernalization, Filomena De Lucia, Pedro Crevillen, Alexandra M. E. Jones, Thomas Greb, and Caroline Dean, PNAS 105(44):16831-16836 (November 4, 2008).
Human genes are multitaskers: Up to 94% of human genes can generate different products, Heidi Ledford, Nature 456(7218):9 (2 November 2008).
Although people often struggle to master more than one discipline, our genes are accomplished polymaths. Genome-wide surveys of gene expression in 15 different tissues and cell lines have revealed that up to 94% of human genes generate more than one product.
How to get the most from a gene test: New tools squeeze more research out of personal genomics, Erika Check Hayden, Nature 456(7218):11 (2 November 2008).
According to two commercial gene-testing services — 23andMe and deCODEme — US Army medic Timothy Richard Gall of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, has a higher-than-average risk of basal cell carcinoma, type 2 diabetes and psoriasis. But much more enlightening than these results, which cost Gall more than $1,400, was a free online program called Promethease that he used to further analyse the data.
Diversification of Photoperiodic Response Patterns in a Collection of Early-Flowering Mutants of Arabidopsis, Sylvie Pouteau, Isabelle Carré, Valérie Gaudin, Valérie Ferret, Delphine Lefebvre and Melanie Wilson, Plant Physiology 148:1465-1473 (2008).
Acceleration of Flowering during Shade Avoidance in Arabidopsis Alters the Balance between FLOWERING LOCUS C-Mediated Repression and Photoperiodic Induction of Flowering, Amanda C. Wollenberg, Bárbara Strasser, Pablo D. Cerdán and Richard M. Amasino, Plant Physiology 148:1681-1694 (2008).
Read more!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
22 degree C?
I saw a tv ad about air condition. The temperature on that air condition is set to 22 degree C and they are proud about it. What's wrong with the person(s) who designed this ad? Did they have any environmental conscience?
I think that people should think more carefully before they put up any ad on public.
Read more!
I think that people should think more carefully before they put up any ad on public.
Read more!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Egg-free Ice Cream
We are trying to make egg-free ice cream. Here are some experiments and the results.
1. Too much fat because we tasted fat and oil, not good
Heat up 250 mL water by microwave
-> add 80 mL milk powder + 60 mL sugar, stir to dissolve them
-> cool down half hour in fridge
-> add 250 mL heavy cream (40% fat), beat well
-> pour into pre-cold ice cream maker and stir for 20 minutes
-> scoop into microwave-safe container and put into freezer
2. Tea Ice Cream: it still became too hard after frozen (note1)
Heat up 350 mL water by microwave, put 2 tea bags to make tea
-> add 50 mL milk powder + 40 mL sugar, stir to dissolve them
-> add 150 mL heavy cream (40% fat) + 100 mL whole milk, stir well
-> heat up with microwave 1 min
-> cool in fridge
-> pour into pre-cold ice cream maker and stir for 20 minutes
-> scoop into microwave-safe container and put into freezer
3. Custard base
(Test 1) We added Thick Custard bought in supermarket into ice cream maker and stirred about 20 minutes. It tasted good if we added some sugar into. The texture is still too firm but not rock-hard like the previous ones. Maybe we should mix with some sugar and water/milk and try to beat it up before we add it into ice cream maker.
(Test 2)
2 TBSP sugar + 3 TBSP milk powder + 200 mL water + 150 mL thick custard
-> mix well
-> pour into pre-cold ice cream maker and stir for 20 minutes
-> scoop into microwave-safe container and put into freezer
It tastes good right after scoop from ice cream maker. Microwave 15 sec first if it has been frozen because it becomes hard. Microwave can make it a little bit softer but still with firm texture.
-----------------
(note1) This is reference from Oolong Tea Ice Cream using an Egg-Free Base
makes approximately 2 pounds / 900 grams
4 3/4 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup nonfat powdered milk
10 grams stabilizer (optional)
a handful of oolong tea (1 to 2 cups loosely packed tea leaves)
The stabilizer improves the texture of the ice cream but don’t worry about it if you don’t have it. Examples of stabilizers include guar flour, carob flour, pectin, and gelatin.
Combine the milk, cream, and oolong tea leaves in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from the heat and let the tea leaves steep in the milk and cream mixture for a few minutes.
Strain the milk and cream mixture and discard the tea leaves. Add the sugar, nonfat powdered milk, and stabilizer. Heat over medium-low heat until barely simmering (185ºF). Cool the ice cream mixture to room temperature.
Refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight.
Stir the cold ice cream mix briefly before pouring into your actively churning ice cream machine. Churn until the desired consistency is reached. Pack the ice cream into the chilled container of your choice and freeze until firm.
Read more!
1. Too much fat because we tasted fat and oil, not good
Heat up 250 mL water by microwave
-> add 80 mL milk powder + 60 mL sugar, stir to dissolve them
-> cool down half hour in fridge
-> add 250 mL heavy cream (40% fat), beat well
-> pour into pre-cold ice cream maker and stir for 20 minutes
-> scoop into microwave-safe container and put into freezer
2. Tea Ice Cream: it still became too hard after frozen (note1)
Heat up 350 mL water by microwave, put 2 tea bags to make tea
-> add 50 mL milk powder + 40 mL sugar, stir to dissolve them
-> add 150 mL heavy cream (40% fat) + 100 mL whole milk, stir well
-> heat up with microwave 1 min
-> cool in fridge
-> pour into pre-cold ice cream maker and stir for 20 minutes
-> scoop into microwave-safe container and put into freezer
3. Custard base
(Test 1) We added Thick Custard bought in supermarket into ice cream maker and stirred about 20 minutes. It tasted good if we added some sugar into. The texture is still too firm but not rock-hard like the previous ones. Maybe we should mix with some sugar and water/milk and try to beat it up before we add it into ice cream maker.
(Test 2)
2 TBSP sugar + 3 TBSP milk powder + 200 mL water + 150 mL thick custard
-> mix well
-> pour into pre-cold ice cream maker and stir for 20 minutes
-> scoop into microwave-safe container and put into freezer
It tastes good right after scoop from ice cream maker. Microwave 15 sec first if it has been frozen because it becomes hard. Microwave can make it a little bit softer but still with firm texture.
-----------------
(note1) This is reference from Oolong Tea Ice Cream using an Egg-Free Base
makes approximately 2 pounds / 900 grams
4 3/4 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup nonfat powdered milk
10 grams stabilizer (optional)
a handful of oolong tea (1 to 2 cups loosely packed tea leaves)
The stabilizer improves the texture of the ice cream but don’t worry about it if you don’t have it. Examples of stabilizers include guar flour, carob flour, pectin, and gelatin.
Combine the milk, cream, and oolong tea leaves in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from the heat and let the tea leaves steep in the milk and cream mixture for a few minutes.
Strain the milk and cream mixture and discard the tea leaves. Add the sugar, nonfat powdered milk, and stabilizer. Heat over medium-low heat until barely simmering (185ºF). Cool the ice cream mixture to room temperature.
Refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight.
Stir the cold ice cream mix briefly before pouring into your actively churning ice cream machine. Churn until the desired consistency is reached. Pack the ice cream into the chilled container of your choice and freeze until firm.
Read more!
Pro-China leaders
Nov. 24, 2007, Australian elected pro-China prime minister, Kevin Rudd of Labor Party, ALP.
March 20, 2008, Taiwanese elected pro-China president, Ying-Jeou Ma of KMT party.
The 56th consecutive quadrennial United States presidential election is scheduled on Tuesday November 4, 2008. What will happen? I do not hold too much hope on John McCain of the Republican Party, it looks like Barack Obama of the Democratic Party might win it according to the global trend. Hmmm, another pro-China leader.
I hope that Australian, Taiwanese, and American will enjoy their decision.
Read more!
March 20, 2008, Taiwanese elected pro-China president, Ying-Jeou Ma of KMT party.
The 56th consecutive quadrennial United States presidential election is scheduled on Tuesday November 4, 2008. What will happen? I do not hold too much hope on John McCain of the Republican Party, it looks like Barack Obama of the Democratic Party might win it according to the global trend. Hmmm, another pro-China leader.
I hope that Australian, Taiwanese, and American will enjoy their decision.
Read more!
Rubber Platelets for Pipe
It looks like an interest and useful technology. I hope this can be successful applied on most pipe repairing for water leak.
============
They could spell the end of roadworks... magic rubber plugs that seal burst pipes
By FIONA MACRAE (Last updated at 12:36 AM on 30th October 2008)
(image from Daily Mail)
They could be mistaken for miniature squash balls or cubes of chalk for snooker cues.
But these small pieces of rubber could make digging up the road to repair water leaks a thing of the past.
Named Platelets after the compounds that make blood clot and form a scab when we cut ourselves, they seek out leaks in pipes and plug them from the inside.
.... (ps. Please go to original report to see the whole article.)
Read more!
============
They could spell the end of roadworks... magic rubber plugs that seal burst pipes
By FIONA MACRAE (Last updated at 12:36 AM on 30th October 2008)
(image from Daily Mail)They could be mistaken for miniature squash balls or cubes of chalk for snooker cues.
But these small pieces of rubber could make digging up the road to repair water leaks a thing of the past.
Named Platelets after the compounds that make blood clot and form a scab when we cut ourselves, they seek out leaks in pipes and plug them from the inside.
.... (ps. Please go to original report to see the whole article.)
Read more!
Glory the Lord 2
Believe in God. That's all it matters.
=====================
桂格麥粉公司是怎麼來的？ ──克勞威爾的一生 作者：張文亮(台灣大學教授)
許多人看過「桂格麥粉」的包裝 ─ ─一個白髮老人，穿著十八世紀的服裝，戴著帽子在對著你微笑。有些人還記得早期的「桂格麥粉」─ 打開盒子的時候，裡面的麥粉多到會噴出來。 但是，很少人知道「桂格麥粉」的背後，是一個已被醫生宣判危在旦夕的年輕人，向上帝的一個禱告：
「主啊！我將我的生命放在你的手中，教導我做生意，讓我為你做大事，我將我所賺的百分之六十五都奉獻於你。」
十一年後，他成立了桂格麥粉公司，他履行了他的諾言：
●支持了芝加哥「慕迪聖經神學院」（Moody Bible Institute）
●幫助成立「太平洋花園佈道團」（Pacific Garden Mission）
●他是大佈道家陶雷（R. A. Torrey）福音大復興的主要經費奉獻者
●聯合一批有抱負的人，首先通過美聯邦「曼恩法案」（Mann Act）
●打擊色情人口買賣「強制令發佈與撤銷法案」（Injunction and Abatement Law）給色情行業斷水斷電並使「桂格麥粉」公司成為廿世紀初期對抗 犯罪集團的主力。
他在晚年，公司仍處巔峰的時期，把經營權完全交給別人，使「桂格麥粉」 公司成為世界歷史上第一個，非家族企業化的國際大公司。 何等的典範，因為他說：「桂格麥粉公司，是為上帝的榮耀設立的，因此我 不用留名。」
他每天中午，會邀請一個商業鉅子一起共餐，然後把福音傳給對方， 一生帶領許多有錢的人，進入駱駝的針孔。 他說：
「我不祗是天國的生意人，更是基督見証者， 我雖然已成公司的總裁，但我仍向上帝支領薪水， 很多人誇我會做事，會賺錢， 但是我最會做的事就是禱告， 因為在禱告中，我看到上帝不斷做事， 那不是人所能做的事。」
§桂格麥粉的起源§
燕麥生長在低溫地區，產量豐富而且富含維生素與礦物質，但是在「桂格麥粉」推出 以前，世界上很少人以燕麥為主食。主要原因是燕麥穗的外殼非常剛硬，要把外殼 壓碎頗費工夫，壓碎後的燕麥，也不容易煮熟。所以燕麥一直是馬的飼料，很少人 吃，不過吃燕麥的馬倒長得很強壯。
「進入燕麥市場的時機已經到了。」巴森斯（Joel Parsons）對他的姪子說。那是 一八八一年的春天，美國在南北戰爭後到處蓬勃發展，市場上不斷傳出有人一夕致 富的故事。克勞威爾（Henry Parsons Crowell）不解的問道：「為什麼呢？」
巴森斯回答道：「時機是生意人最需要掌握的。時機由許多條件綜合產生，也許有些 條件看來彼此沒有什麼關係，有些條件看來稀鬆平凡，但是綜合起來看就是生意 的時機。」
克勞威爾繼續問：「那為什麼商機會是燕麥呢？」
巴森斯答道：「我無法解釋。那是一種綜合思考後的直覺。我認為你應該到燕麥廠看看。」
克勞威爾回答道：「我會去看，並且繼續在禱告中尋求上帝的旨意。生意的時機在別人看來，是投資，或是風險，或是賭注，在我卻是服事上帝的地方。」
§疾病陰影下的童年§
那是在俄亥俄州雷本那（Ravenna）鎮的一家小磨粉廠。克勞威爾當時廿五歲，他過去 二次經營農場都不成功，一次遇到龍捲風，一次遇到旱災，他知道從事農業生產的工 作，大自然變化是不可預料的。但是比起人生的變化，大自然變化算不得什麼。
克勞威爾出生在一個非常敬虔的長老會基督徒家庭，十七歲時，醫生宣佈他有肺結核。在自己與母親的眼淚中，他辦了休學，「再也進不了耶魯大學了，那是父親對他的最後期望」。克勞威爾的父親是個皮鞋製造商，但是在一八六四年冬天，克勞威爾八歲時病逝於肺結核。舅舅巴森斯前來繼續經營皮鞋匠。
一八六七年佈道家芬尼（CharlesG.Finney）在俄亥俄州燃起復興的火，在眾多決志人群中，克勞威爾也在其內。決志後，克勞威爾最喜愛讀的一本書是《天路歷程》（Pilgrim'sProgress），他沒想到將來他的天路歷程會在生意圈中。同年，克勞威爾進入「格雷洛克專科學校」（GreylockInstitute），在這裡遇到一個影響他一生的米勒斯（BenjaminFranklinMills）校長。
§一生中最重要的一句話§
專科學校有一千多個學生，米勒斯竟然能夠叫出每位學生的名字。美國的南北戰爭死了五十多萬人，學校裡有許多學生都是內戰後的孤兒，他們幾乎把米勒斯視為第二個父親。米勒斯每天都與不同的學生約談。一八七一年，有一天米勒斯校長約談克勞威爾，
米勒斯說：「你知道什麼是你一生中最重要的教育？」
克勞威爾搖搖頭。
米勒斯：「花時間認識上帝的旨意，是你一生中最重要的教育。」
米勒斯校長這句勸勉，成為克勞威爾一生行事的準則。
§曠野的日子§
一八七一年冬天，在克勞威爾強烈的咳嗽聲中，好像特別漫長。諾特醫生（Dr.Naught）檢查他的身體後說：「你如果不立刻休息，將會很快死亡。」
克勞威爾哭了：「但是我明年春天就要進耶魯大學。」
諾特醫生說：「你不瞭解肺結核，得肺結核的人，不用為未來規劃，因為他沒有未來。」
「難道就無藥可治？」
「是的，無藥可治。不過最近有醫學報告提出較好的氣候、較多的野外活動能夠改善一些。」
一個沒有明天的人，一個再也不能為未來作夢的人，還去談什麼？認識上帝的旨意為人生最好的教育。克勞威爾回到家裡，翻開聖經，仔細查考。
他後來寫道：
「當我誠心認真尋求答案時。聖經裡的約伯記五章19節彷彿跳出來『你六次遭難祂必救你，就是七次災禍也無法害你』，我忽然有一種信心，我生病六年，到第七年肺結核一定會好。我跪下來禱告，無論發生任何事，我相信祂的應許到底。」
一八七二年，克勞威爾辦了休學，並到各處旅行。數年之久他在美國加州當牛仔，又在克羅拉多的丹佛學爬山，以後他到處爬山，使自己的肺部更強健。
他寫道：
「在開往西部的火車上，大家都在談，那裡淘金可以發財。我卻在此等待康健，到了第七年，我會健康的回到我的故鄉。」
§病夫回城了§
其實旅遊是一種很好的教育，克勞威爾在外旅行七年，他的見聞變得非常廣博，閱歷豐富，他發現這段時間美國的工業化快速進步，汽油引擎取代了蒸氣引擎，電話電報取代了驛馬車送信，機械收割機取代了傳統勞力收穫，沙士飲料與罐頭食品取代了傳統飲食。他也曾在旅途中遇到騙子，被騙不少錢，但他寫道：「這是很好的一課。錢沒有被騙光。」
一八七八年秋天雷本那的鎮民有一陣騷動，因為有一個強壯的牛仔，披掛著手槍，精神飽滿的騎著一匹大馬進鎮來。隨著卡達、卡達的馬蹄聲，很多人都出來看，在這保守的東方小鎮，很少會看到一個西部強漢。大家仔細一看，騎在馬上，咧著嘴笑的人，正是以前在鎮上被稱為「病夫」的克勞威爾。他不僅身體強健，心靈更強健。
§取名為「桂格」的原因§
一八八一年，克勞威爾前往雷本那郊外的「桂格磨粉廠」（QuakerMill）。這間磨粉廠是在一八七五年，由一個貴格會的基督徒海斯頓（WilliamHeston）所建立的，所以海斯頓將磨粉廠取名為「桂格」。海斯頓是個發明家，他製造出一套機械撞擊設備，能夠迅速脫去燕麥的硬殼，但是他不善行銷，以致拍賣磨粉廠。
克勞威爾看了這間三層樓高的磨粉廠及其設備後，寫道：「這家磨粉廠的設備是一種創新，所磨出的麥粉是高品質，而且研磨的時間短，效率高，所差的祗是行銷。…未來的人口會往都市集中，人需要在很短時間內，獲得高度營養與容易煮熟的早餐，麥粉應該是未來人類食物的大改革。」
克勞威爾看了這家桂格磨粉廠好幾次，並且每次作筆記，再回去研究，隔年他才買下。一八八三年，克勞威爾正式向政府登記為「桂格麥粉公司」（QuakerOatsCompany），克勞威爾繼續沿用「桂格」為名的原因，是他在麥粉包裝上特別強調「純」（pure）
的特性。過去的麥粉常在裡面混有豆粉、雜草粉，甚至砂子。克勞威爾則認為「品質第一，貨真價實，值得信賴」是他賣出產品的保証，如同貴格會基督徒信仰一樣純正。
§第一個廣告人§
石油大王洛克菲勒（JohnD.Rockefeller）後來說道：
「一個克勞威爾，勝過三萬個推銷員」
克勞威爾改變了普世市場行銷觀念。當時大家都看不起廣告，認為祗有江湖郎中的東西才需要廣告，克勞威爾力排眾議：
「愈好的產品，愈需要廣告，好讓大眾知道高品質的東西。」
克勞威爾認為「廣告不祗是一種游說，而是一種理念的宣導。不祗是想做成一筆生意，而是一種永遠帶著創意、活力、衝動、異象、主動的與消費大眾溝通。在那看似不毛的荒漠，廣告人卻看到結實纍纍。」
§克勞威爾做了幾件開創之舉：§
1.所有「桂格麥粉」都是一樣大小的包裝，重量一樣。一改過去食品一堆、一堆的擺在店裡。
2.「桂格麥粉」絕對純淨，沒有摻雜其他物質。一改過去食品販售的骯髒形象。
3.「桂格麥粉」的包裹封面常印上食譜，指導人如何煮才會更有營養。一改過去食品業忽略消費者。
4.他讓各地的報紙、火車廂、公車等都出現「桂格麥粉」的海報，一改過去認為推銷員是行銷的第一線。克勞威爾反過來先用廣告教育大眾，再以大眾要求給售貨商壓力。克勞威爾認為推銷員不祗是賣東西的人，更是「市場調查」、「消費者對產品反應」的評估者。
克勞威爾認為行銷，不是孤芳自賞，更非守株待兔，而是一種「敏銳」的察覺群眾說不出來的共同所需。廣告行銷是一種可以調查的「邏輯思考」，而不盲目的相信賣好賣壞，不過是一時的好運歹運。廣告行銷是一種「機動」的溝通，如同一個有機體，不斷的在生產者與消費者之間建立交通的網絡。
Read more!
=====================
桂格麥粉公司是怎麼來的？ ──克勞威爾的一生 作者：張文亮(台灣大學教授)
許多人看過「桂格麥粉」的包裝 ─ ─一個白髮老人，穿著十八世紀的服裝，戴著帽子在對著你微笑。有些人還記得早期的「桂格麥粉」─ 打開盒子的時候，裡面的麥粉多到會噴出來。 但是，很少人知道「桂格麥粉」的背後，是一個已被醫生宣判危在旦夕的年輕人，向上帝的一個禱告：
「主啊！我將我的生命放在你的手中，教導我做生意，讓我為你做大事，我將我所賺的百分之六十五都奉獻於你。」
十一年後，他成立了桂格麥粉公司，他履行了他的諾言：
●支持了芝加哥「慕迪聖經神學院」（Moody Bible Institute）
●幫助成立「太平洋花園佈道團」（Pacific Garden Mission）
●他是大佈道家陶雷（R. A. Torrey）福音大復興的主要經費奉獻者
●聯合一批有抱負的人，首先通過美聯邦「曼恩法案」（Mann Act）
●打擊色情人口買賣「強制令發佈與撤銷法案」（Injunction and Abatement Law）給色情行業斷水斷電並使「桂格麥粉」公司成為廿世紀初期對抗 犯罪集團的主力。
他在晚年，公司仍處巔峰的時期，把經營權完全交給別人，使「桂格麥粉」 公司成為世界歷史上第一個，非家族企業化的國際大公司。 何等的典範，因為他說：「桂格麥粉公司，是為上帝的榮耀設立的，因此我 不用留名。」
他每天中午，會邀請一個商業鉅子一起共餐，然後把福音傳給對方， 一生帶領許多有錢的人，進入駱駝的針孔。 他說：
「我不祗是天國的生意人，更是基督見証者， 我雖然已成公司的總裁，但我仍向上帝支領薪水， 很多人誇我會做事，會賺錢， 但是我最會做的事就是禱告， 因為在禱告中，我看到上帝不斷做事， 那不是人所能做的事。」
§桂格麥粉的起源§
燕麥生長在低溫地區，產量豐富而且富含維生素與礦物質，但是在「桂格麥粉」推出 以前，世界上很少人以燕麥為主食。主要原因是燕麥穗的外殼非常剛硬，要把外殼 壓碎頗費工夫，壓碎後的燕麥，也不容易煮熟。所以燕麥一直是馬的飼料，很少人 吃，不過吃燕麥的馬倒長得很強壯。
「進入燕麥市場的時機已經到了。」巴森斯（Joel Parsons）對他的姪子說。那是 一八八一年的春天，美國在南北戰爭後到處蓬勃發展，市場上不斷傳出有人一夕致 富的故事。克勞威爾（Henry Parsons Crowell）不解的問道：「為什麼呢？」
巴森斯回答道：「時機是生意人最需要掌握的。時機由許多條件綜合產生，也許有些 條件看來彼此沒有什麼關係，有些條件看來稀鬆平凡，但是綜合起來看就是生意 的時機。」
克勞威爾繼續問：「那為什麼商機會是燕麥呢？」
巴森斯答道：「我無法解釋。那是一種綜合思考後的直覺。我認為你應該到燕麥廠看看。」
克勞威爾回答道：「我會去看，並且繼續在禱告中尋求上帝的旨意。生意的時機在別人看來，是投資，或是風險，或是賭注，在我卻是服事上帝的地方。」
§疾病陰影下的童年§
那是在俄亥俄州雷本那（Ravenna）鎮的一家小磨粉廠。克勞威爾當時廿五歲，他過去 二次經營農場都不成功，一次遇到龍捲風，一次遇到旱災，他知道從事農業生產的工 作，大自然變化是不可預料的。但是比起人生的變化，大自然變化算不得什麼。
克勞威爾出生在一個非常敬虔的長老會基督徒家庭，十七歲時，醫生宣佈他有肺結核。在自己與母親的眼淚中，他辦了休學，「再也進不了耶魯大學了，那是父親對他的最後期望」。克勞威爾的父親是個皮鞋製造商，但是在一八六四年冬天，克勞威爾八歲時病逝於肺結核。舅舅巴森斯前來繼續經營皮鞋匠。
一八六七年佈道家芬尼（CharlesG.Finney）在俄亥俄州燃起復興的火，在眾多決志人群中，克勞威爾也在其內。決志後，克勞威爾最喜愛讀的一本書是《天路歷程》（Pilgrim'sProgress），他沒想到將來他的天路歷程會在生意圈中。同年，克勞威爾進入「格雷洛克專科學校」（GreylockInstitute），在這裡遇到一個影響他一生的米勒斯（BenjaminFranklinMills）校長。
§一生中最重要的一句話§
專科學校有一千多個學生，米勒斯竟然能夠叫出每位學生的名字。美國的南北戰爭死了五十多萬人，學校裡有許多學生都是內戰後的孤兒，他們幾乎把米勒斯視為第二個父親。米勒斯每天都與不同的學生約談。一八七一年，有一天米勒斯校長約談克勞威爾，
米勒斯說：「你知道什麼是你一生中最重要的教育？」
克勞威爾搖搖頭。
米勒斯：「花時間認識上帝的旨意，是你一生中最重要的教育。」
米勒斯校長這句勸勉，成為克勞威爾一生行事的準則。
§曠野的日子§
一八七一年冬天，在克勞威爾強烈的咳嗽聲中，好像特別漫長。諾特醫生（Dr.Naught）檢查他的身體後說：「你如果不立刻休息，將會很快死亡。」
克勞威爾哭了：「但是我明年春天就要進耶魯大學。」
諾特醫生說：「你不瞭解肺結核，得肺結核的人，不用為未來規劃，因為他沒有未來。」
「難道就無藥可治？」
「是的，無藥可治。不過最近有醫學報告提出較好的氣候、較多的野外活動能夠改善一些。」
一個沒有明天的人，一個再也不能為未來作夢的人，還去談什麼？認識上帝的旨意為人生最好的教育。克勞威爾回到家裡，翻開聖經，仔細查考。
他後來寫道：
「當我誠心認真尋求答案時。聖經裡的約伯記五章19節彷彿跳出來『你六次遭難祂必救你，就是七次災禍也無法害你』，我忽然有一種信心，我生病六年，到第七年肺結核一定會好。我跪下來禱告，無論發生任何事，我相信祂的應許到底。」
一八七二年，克勞威爾辦了休學，並到各處旅行。數年之久他在美國加州當牛仔，又在克羅拉多的丹佛學爬山，以後他到處爬山，使自己的肺部更強健。
他寫道：
「在開往西部的火車上，大家都在談，那裡淘金可以發財。我卻在此等待康健，到了第七年，我會健康的回到我的故鄉。」
§病夫回城了§
其實旅遊是一種很好的教育，克勞威爾在外旅行七年，他的見聞變得非常廣博，閱歷豐富，他發現這段時間美國的工業化快速進步，汽油引擎取代了蒸氣引擎，電話電報取代了驛馬車送信，機械收割機取代了傳統勞力收穫，沙士飲料與罐頭食品取代了傳統飲食。他也曾在旅途中遇到騙子，被騙不少錢，但他寫道：「這是很好的一課。錢沒有被騙光。」
一八七八年秋天雷本那的鎮民有一陣騷動，因為有一個強壯的牛仔，披掛著手槍，精神飽滿的騎著一匹大馬進鎮來。隨著卡達、卡達的馬蹄聲，很多人都出來看，在這保守的東方小鎮，很少會看到一個西部強漢。大家仔細一看，騎在馬上，咧著嘴笑的人，正是以前在鎮上被稱為「病夫」的克勞威爾。他不僅身體強健，心靈更強健。
§取名為「桂格」的原因§
一八八一年，克勞威爾前往雷本那郊外的「桂格磨粉廠」（QuakerMill）。這間磨粉廠是在一八七五年，由一個貴格會的基督徒海斯頓（WilliamHeston）所建立的，所以海斯頓將磨粉廠取名為「桂格」。海斯頓是個發明家，他製造出一套機械撞擊設備，能夠迅速脫去燕麥的硬殼，但是他不善行銷，以致拍賣磨粉廠。
克勞威爾看了這間三層樓高的磨粉廠及其設備後，寫道：「這家磨粉廠的設備是一種創新，所磨出的麥粉是高品質，而且研磨的時間短，效率高，所差的祗是行銷。…未來的人口會往都市集中，人需要在很短時間內，獲得高度營養與容易煮熟的早餐，麥粉應該是未來人類食物的大改革。」
克勞威爾看了這家桂格磨粉廠好幾次，並且每次作筆記，再回去研究，隔年他才買下。一八八三年，克勞威爾正式向政府登記為「桂格麥粉公司」（QuakerOatsCompany），克勞威爾繼續沿用「桂格」為名的原因，是他在麥粉包裝上特別強調「純」（pure）
的特性。過去的麥粉常在裡面混有豆粉、雜草粉，甚至砂子。克勞威爾則認為「品質第一，貨真價實，值得信賴」是他賣出產品的保証，如同貴格會基督徒信仰一樣純正。
§第一個廣告人§
石油大王洛克菲勒（JohnD.Rockefeller）後來說道：
「一個克勞威爾，勝過三萬個推銷員」
克勞威爾改變了普世市場行銷觀念。當時大家都看不起廣告，認為祗有江湖郎中的東西才需要廣告，克勞威爾力排眾議：
「愈好的產品，愈需要廣告，好讓大眾知道高品質的東西。」
克勞威爾認為「廣告不祗是一種游說，而是一種理念的宣導。不祗是想做成一筆生意，而是一種永遠帶著創意、活力、衝動、異象、主動的與消費大眾溝通。在那看似不毛的荒漠，廣告人卻看到結實纍纍。」
§克勞威爾做了幾件開創之舉：§
1.所有「桂格麥粉」都是一樣大小的包裝，重量一樣。一改過去食品一堆、一堆的擺在店裡。
2.「桂格麥粉」絕對純淨，沒有摻雜其他物質。一改過去食品販售的骯髒形象。
3.「桂格麥粉」的包裹封面常印上食譜，指導人如何煮才會更有營養。一改過去食品業忽略消費者。
4.他讓各地的報紙、火車廂、公車等都出現「桂格麥粉」的海報，一改過去認為推銷員是行銷的第一線。克勞威爾反過來先用廣告教育大眾，再以大眾要求給售貨商壓力。克勞威爾認為推銷員不祗是賣東西的人，更是「市場調查」、「消費者對產品反應」的評估者。
克勞威爾認為行銷，不是孤芳自賞，更非守株待兔，而是一種「敏銳」的察覺群眾說不出來的共同所需。廣告行銷是一種可以調查的「邏輯思考」，而不盲目的相信賣好賣壞，不過是一時的好運歹運。廣告行銷是一種「機動」的溝通，如同一個有機體，不斷的在生產者與消費者之間建立交通的網絡。
Read more!
Rock and birds' dropping
Yesterday was a bad luck day. Twisting my ankle by rock and getting birds' droppings on my head all happened in the same day.
We will rush to bus stop every morning. The granny flat we rent is behind a house. We have to walk through a 45 degree slope to reach landlord's parking space, then followed by driveway with 30 degree angle to road side. When we walked down yesterday morning, I stepped onto a fist-size rock on the driveway and twisted my ankle right away. If my husband did not hold my hand, I think I would fall and roll down the driveway because it hurt so much and made me lose my balance when I stepped on it. We have thought about if we should go back to our flat and put ice on my ankle. We decided to go to our bus stop because we would miss the hourly bus schedule if we went back to our flat and I have many experiments need to do today.
I always go to my husband's office to eat lunch together. After lunch, we will take a walk a little bit. I felt something dropping on my head while we were walking. In the beginning, I thought it might be leaf because we were under a tree. I found it was birds' droppings when my hand tried to move the "stuff" away. Disgusted! Then I felt the arm part of my light jacket was wet. Well, there was birds' droppings, too. Sigh! Yesterday really sucks.
Read more!
We will rush to bus stop every morning. The granny flat we rent is behind a house. We have to walk through a 45 degree slope to reach landlord's parking space, then followed by driveway with 30 degree angle to road side. When we walked down yesterday morning, I stepped onto a fist-size rock on the driveway and twisted my ankle right away. If my husband did not hold my hand, I think I would fall and roll down the driveway because it hurt so much and made me lose my balance when I stepped on it. We have thought about if we should go back to our flat and put ice on my ankle. We decided to go to our bus stop because we would miss the hourly bus schedule if we went back to our flat and I have many experiments need to do today.
I always go to my husband's office to eat lunch together. After lunch, we will take a walk a little bit. I felt something dropping on my head while we were walking. In the beginning, I thought it might be leaf because we were under a tree. I found it was birds' droppings when my hand tried to move the "stuff" away. Disgusted! Then I felt the arm part of my light jacket was wet. Well, there was birds' droppings, too. Sigh! Yesterday really sucks.
Read more!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Shaun the Sheep
We watch "Shaun the Sheep" on ABC1 every morning before we go to work. It is quite humor.
Shaun the Sheep is a British stop-motion animated children's television series produced by Aardman Animations, first aired in the UK on CBBC in March 2007.
Shaun the Sheep image from wiki.
I think many people will agree that many animations for children are also suitable for adult, especially when you need to cheer up yourself.
Read more!
Shaun the Sheep is a British stop-motion animated children's television series produced by Aardman Animations, first aired in the UK on CBBC in March 2007.
Shaun the Sheep image from wiki.
I think many people will agree that many animations for children are also suitable for adult, especially when you need to cheer up yourself.
Read more!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Chocolate monster
We used to buy 10-20 bags after certain holidays such as Valentine Day, Halloween holiday, Christmas/New Year holidays in US because they are on sale after these certain holidays. This makes sure that we can eat several pieces of chocolate every day. We think that we are chocolate monster.
The chocolate is more expensive in Australia, then we won't be able to eat them like we did in US. We saw chocolate is on sale last night. Two packs (250 g/pack) 5 AUD. We bought them without any consideration. Only chocolates are taxed in all the goods we bought yesterday. Sigh! Why do they tax chocolate? I need chocolate to keep myself alive. I think that they discriminate people who need chocolate to survive. ^_^ Just joking.
I just asked my husband that can I....? I did not even finish my sentence, but my husband said that he knew that I mean "eating chocolate". I asked him how could he know I meant "eating chocolate". He said that my tone tell my secrete.
Read more!
The chocolate is more expensive in Australia, then we won't be able to eat them like we did in US. We saw chocolate is on sale last night. Two packs (250 g/pack) 5 AUD. We bought them without any consideration. Only chocolates are taxed in all the goods we bought yesterday. Sigh! Why do they tax chocolate? I need chocolate to keep myself alive. I think that they discriminate people who need chocolate to survive. ^_^ Just joking.
I just asked my husband that can I....? I did not even finish my sentence, but my husband said that he knew that I mean "eating chocolate". I asked him how could he know I meant "eating chocolate". He said that my tone tell my secrete.
Read more!
Electromagnetic Radiation Hazard
This is a book written by a friend. It reminds me that there are still tremendous amount of unknown stuffs we are using daily that might hurt our health.
Book name: The Strenuous Long Way— a Way to Resist Electromagnetic Radiation Hazard (漫長苦行—對抗電磁輻射公害之路)
Author: Chen Jiau-hua, president of the Taiwan Electromagnetic Radiation Hazard Protection and Control Association
Publisher: Taiwan Electromagnetic Radiation Hazard Protection and Control Association,
Oct. 1, 2008
Introduction
It's the first book that introduces the situations such as base stations densely-covered in Taiwan, records of hazards resulted from improperly-installed HV cables, etc., in order to represent the current situation of electromagnetic radiation hazard in Taiwan. As a part of global village, we welcome assistance from every country’s people who concerns about this, for the purpose of making legislation for a safer electromagnetic-radiation environment.
In Taiwan, numerous protests about transformer stations, HV cables and base stations have been held continuously. Although singular events are probably made by some small groups of people, the number of such events will be considerably large in sum. It may be the environmental issue with the greatest number of most-seriously victimized protesters in Taiwan history. However, due to scattered locations, these protests are not united, resulting in victimized protesters’ never-ending protest transmigration. The mistakenly loose standards and specifications make people have no choice. Because of the numb public departments as well as experts and scholars with conservative perspectives, many victims who suffer from symptom-complex of electromagnetic waves such as cancers have no way to ask for help; they have to die with grievances not clarified. Therefore, many people choose to move away and escape, which has made telecommunication companies and the power company more aggressive in strengthening their expansion. We seem to have no choice but to endure.
Since 1993, Ms. Chen Jiau-hua, a mother and the author of this book, has become an environmental-protection fighter leading this organization, engaging in environmental-protection matters with the mindset of providing a better environment for kids. Ten years later, as a victim and sensitive person to electromagnetic radiation, she begins to promote protective precautions against electromagnetic waves. Her own experiences are written down in this book, a sorrowful record kept step-by-step about the electromagnetic radiation hazard in Taiwan.
Three years ago, Ms. Chen got an Electromagnetic Waves Detector by chance. She used it to detect the surrounding environment, and shockingly found that she was a victim by double electromagnetic waves from HV cables of Ultra-low Frequency and Radio Frequency. After undergoing the painful process of surgical operation and fighting cancer, she has better understanding about the victims’ hardship of mental and physical prostration. Also, she has deeper understanding about the weakness and defects in the lack of protective precaution systems in Taiwan. Hence, she has begun to investigate the hazardous situations everywhere actively. At the same time, she has collected and introduced the systematizations of protective standards in every country around the world. Also, she has begun to connect the Self-help Associations everywhere, plan and establish TEPCA (Taiwan Electromagnetic Radiation Hazard Protection and Control Association), and unit power from all walks of life to endeavor to promote the legislation of electromagnetic waves protection. This book specifies a period of sorrowful Taiwanese history, but it is not an end. We hope that the experiences in this book can be spread in communities and schools, in order to strengthen the entire power of protective precaution and invite many more people to support the promotion of protection legislation, for creating a safer electromagnetic-wave environment jointly. Then, following the sorrow, a promising new era of safer electromagnetic-wave protection will come, which is also this book’s most-important intent.
PS. We welcome people in every country to assist in translating and publishing this book. Please contact with the author via e-mail: jiauhua@ms18.hinet.net
The Strenuous Long Way— a Way to Resist Electromagnetic Radiation Hazard
Read more!
Book name: The Strenuous Long Way— a Way to Resist Electromagnetic Radiation Hazard (漫長苦行—對抗電磁輻射公害之路)
Author: Chen Jiau-hua, president of the Taiwan Electromagnetic Radiation Hazard Protection and Control Association
Publisher: Taiwan Electromagnetic Radiation Hazard Protection and Control Association,
Oct. 1, 2008
Introduction
It's the first book that introduces the situations such as base stations densely-covered in Taiwan, records of hazards resulted from improperly-installed HV cables, etc., in order to represent the current situation of electromagnetic radiation hazard in Taiwan. As a part of global village, we welcome assistance from every country’s people who concerns about this, for the purpose of making legislation for a safer electromagnetic-radiation environment.
In Taiwan, numerous protests about transformer stations, HV cables and base stations have been held continuously. Although singular events are probably made by some small groups of people, the number of such events will be considerably large in sum. It may be the environmental issue with the greatest number of most-seriously victimized protesters in Taiwan history. However, due to scattered locations, these protests are not united, resulting in victimized protesters’ never-ending protest transmigration. The mistakenly loose standards and specifications make people have no choice. Because of the numb public departments as well as experts and scholars with conservative perspectives, many victims who suffer from symptom-complex of electromagnetic waves such as cancers have no way to ask for help; they have to die with grievances not clarified. Therefore, many people choose to move away and escape, which has made telecommunication companies and the power company more aggressive in strengthening their expansion. We seem to have no choice but to endure.
Since 1993, Ms. Chen Jiau-hua, a mother and the author of this book, has become an environmental-protection fighter leading this organization, engaging in environmental-protection matters with the mindset of providing a better environment for kids. Ten years later, as a victim and sensitive person to electromagnetic radiation, she begins to promote protective precautions against electromagnetic waves. Her own experiences are written down in this book, a sorrowful record kept step-by-step about the electromagnetic radiation hazard in Taiwan.
Three years ago, Ms. Chen got an Electromagnetic Waves Detector by chance. She used it to detect the surrounding environment, and shockingly found that she was a victim by double electromagnetic waves from HV cables of Ultra-low Frequency and Radio Frequency. After undergoing the painful process of surgical operation and fighting cancer, she has better understanding about the victims’ hardship of mental and physical prostration. Also, she has deeper understanding about the weakness and defects in the lack of protective precaution systems in Taiwan. Hence, she has begun to investigate the hazardous situations everywhere actively. At the same time, she has collected and introduced the systematizations of protective standards in every country around the world. Also, she has begun to connect the Self-help Associations everywhere, plan and establish TEPCA (Taiwan Electromagnetic Radiation Hazard Protection and Control Association), and unit power from all walks of life to endeavor to promote the legislation of electromagnetic waves protection. This book specifies a period of sorrowful Taiwanese history, but it is not an end. We hope that the experiences in this book can be spread in communities and schools, in order to strengthen the entire power of protective precaution and invite many more people to support the promotion of protection legislation, for creating a safer electromagnetic-wave environment jointly. Then, following the sorrow, a promising new era of safer electromagnetic-wave protection will come, which is also this book’s most-important intent.
PS. We welcome people in every country to assist in translating and publishing this book. Please contact with the author via e-mail: jiauhua@ms18.hinet.net
The Strenuous Long Way— a Way to Resist Electromagnetic Radiation Hazard
Read more!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Imported Ingredients
We have checked the place of manufacture every time when we buy anything. But we found that there are many foods labeled as "Made in Australia from local and/or imported ingredients" without addressing where and what are imported.
This is really driving me nuts. This kind of label does not give any useful information because there are so many possible additives in those food products. People in certain counties tend to add toxic stuffs in some additives to reduce the price. These people do not care if others will die and become sick after eating these contaminated food.
How does consumer know where the ingredient comes from and is it safe or not? I think the manufactures should take more responsibility.
Read more!
This is really driving me nuts. This kind of label does not give any useful information because there are so many possible additives in those food products. People in certain counties tend to add toxic stuffs in some additives to reduce the price. These people do not care if others will die and become sick after eating these contaminated food.
How does consumer know where the ingredient comes from and is it safe or not? I think the manufactures should take more responsibility.
Read more!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Bank Deposit Guarantee
Australia government is discussing about Bank Deposit Guarantee. Hmmm, it means that people need to pay fee to guarantee their bank deposit won't be robbed by ....
More detail information could be found by google.
Read more!
More detail information could be found by google.
Read more!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Late-Oct papers
There are so many interested papers in this period.
A cyclophilin links redox and light signals to cysteine biosynthesis and stress responses in chloroplasts, Jose R. Dominguez-Solis, Zengyong He, Amparo Lima, Julie Ting, Bob B. Buchanan, and Sheng Luan, PNAS 2008 105:16386-16391 (October 21, 2008).
KANADI1 regulates adaxial–abaxial polarity in Arabidopsis by directly repressing the transcription of ASYMMETRIC LEAVES2, Gang Wu, Wan-ching Lin, Tengbo Huang, R. Scott Poethig, Patricia S. Springer, and Randall A. Kerstetter, PNAS 2008 105:16392-16397 (October 21, 2008).
A membrane-tethered transcription factor defines a branch of the heat stress response in Arabidopsis thaliana, Hongbo Gao, Federica Brandizzi, Christoph Benning, and Robert M. Larkin, PNAS 2008 105:16398-16403 (October 21, 2008).
Gene regulation: A tiny missing link for regulatory networks, Nature Reviews Genetics 9(11):813 (NOVEMBER 2008).
Evolution: Cis dominates but trans is dominant, Nature Reviews Genetics 9(11):816 (NOVEMBER 2008).
Biological principles of microRNA-mediated regulation: shared themes amid diversity, Alex S. Flynt & Eric C. Lai, Nature Reviews Genetics 9(11):831 (NOVEMBER 2008).
MicroRNAs exert their regulatory effects by potently repressing some targets, fine-tuning other targets or coordinately regulating target batteries. MicroRNA-mediated control can also be reversible. These regulatory themes underlie the exploitation of microRNA control in diverse biological circuits.
Epigenome dynamics: a quantitative genetics perspective, Frank Johannes, Vincent Colot & Ritsert C. Jansen, Nature Reviews Genetics 9(11):883 (NOVEMBER 2008).
Current approaches for dissecting complex traits largely ignore epiallelic variation. To overcome this limitation the authors propose a quantitative approach to identifying the dynamic interplay between DNA sequence, chromatin and environmental contributions to the phenotype, across generations and developmental time points.
Botany: Growing flowers, Nature 455(7216):1010 (23 October 2008).
Plant chemistry: Banana blues, Nature 455(7216):1010 (23 October 2008).
A Look at Next-Generation Sequencing Technologies, Nature Reviews Genetics 9(11): (November 2008).
DNA sequencing is undergoing a revolution. Sanger sequencing has reached its limits and is being replaced by a new generation of technologies that promise faster and cheaper delivery of sequencing information. Nature Genetics and Nature Reviews Genetics present a Poster and Podcast that explore the conceptual basis of these next-generation sequencing technologies, their myriad applications and challenges for the future.
BIOFUELS: Eyeing Oil, Synthetic Biologists Mine Microbes for Black Gold, Robert F. Service, Science 322(5901):522 - 523 (24 October 2008).
Biotechnology researchers want to reengineer microorganisms to turn agricultural products into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.
Can We Nip Obesity in Its Vascular Bud? C. Ronald Kahn, Science 322(5901):542 - 543 (24 October 2008).
The origin of fat tissues and identity of factors that direct fat development in animals are becoming more clear.
Splicing Factors Facilitate RNAi-Directed Silencing in Fission Yeast, E. H. Bayne et al., Science 322(5901):602 - 606 (24 October 2008).
In fission yeast, RNA splicing factors unexpectedly participate in the silencing of centromeric DNA by RNA interference derived from centromeres.
Model-guided design of ligand-regulated RNAi for programmable control of gene expression, Chase L Beisel, Travis S Bayer, Kevin G Hoff & Christina D Smolke, Molecular Systems Biology 4:224 (28 October 2008).
A quantitative comparison of sRNA-based and protein-based gene regulation, Pankaj Mehta, Sidhartha Goyal & Ned S Wingreen, Molecular Systems Biology 4:221 (14 October 2008).
Transient transcriptional responses to stress are generated by opposing effects of mRNA production and degradation, Ophir Shalem, Orna Dahan, Michal Levo, Maria Rodriguez Martinez, Itay Furman, Eran Segal & Yitzhak Pilpel, Molecular Systems Biology 4:4 (14 October 2008).
Grains on the chessboard, Nature Genetics40(11):1261 (November 2008).
Recent progress in mapping quantitative growth traits (QTLs) in rice yields insights into mechanisms of plant growth, hints at genomic signatures of the domestication process and promotes the prospect of agricultural improvement via introgression of beneficial variants.
Single-copy insertion of transgenes in Caenorhabditis elegans, Christian Frøkjær-Jensen, M Wayne Davis, Christopher E Hopkins, Blake J Newman, Jason M Thummel, Søren-Peter Olesen, Morten Grunnet & Erik M Jorgensen, Nature Genetics40(11):pp1375 - 1383 (November 2008).
Erik Jorgensen and colleagues report a highly efficient method for generating single-copy transgene insertions in C. elegans. Notably, these single-copy transgenes are expressed at endogenous levels and can be expressed in the female and male germlines.
Read more!
A cyclophilin links redox and light signals to cysteine biosynthesis and stress responses in chloroplasts, Jose R. Dominguez-Solis, Zengyong He, Amparo Lima, Julie Ting, Bob B. Buchanan, and Sheng Luan, PNAS 2008 105:16386-16391 (October 21, 2008).
KANADI1 regulates adaxial–abaxial polarity in Arabidopsis by directly repressing the transcription of ASYMMETRIC LEAVES2, Gang Wu, Wan-ching Lin, Tengbo Huang, R. Scott Poethig, Patricia S. Springer, and Randall A. Kerstetter, PNAS 2008 105:16392-16397 (October 21, 2008).
A membrane-tethered transcription factor defines a branch of the heat stress response in Arabidopsis thaliana, Hongbo Gao, Federica Brandizzi, Christoph Benning, and Robert M. Larkin, PNAS 2008 105:16398-16403 (October 21, 2008).
Gene regulation: A tiny missing link for regulatory networks, Nature Reviews Genetics 9(11):813 (NOVEMBER 2008).
Evolution: Cis dominates but trans is dominant, Nature Reviews Genetics 9(11):816 (NOVEMBER 2008).
Biological principles of microRNA-mediated regulation: shared themes amid diversity, Alex S. Flynt & Eric C. Lai, Nature Reviews Genetics 9(11):831 (NOVEMBER 2008).
MicroRNAs exert their regulatory effects by potently repressing some targets, fine-tuning other targets or coordinately regulating target batteries. MicroRNA-mediated control can also be reversible. These regulatory themes underlie the exploitation of microRNA control in diverse biological circuits.
Epigenome dynamics: a quantitative genetics perspective, Frank Johannes, Vincent Colot & Ritsert C. Jansen, Nature Reviews Genetics 9(11):883 (NOVEMBER 2008).
Current approaches for dissecting complex traits largely ignore epiallelic variation. To overcome this limitation the authors propose a quantitative approach to identifying the dynamic interplay between DNA sequence, chromatin and environmental contributions to the phenotype, across generations and developmental time points.
Botany: Growing flowers, Nature 455(7216):1010 (23 October 2008).
Plant chemistry: Banana blues, Nature 455(7216):1010 (23 October 2008).
A Look at Next-Generation Sequencing Technologies, Nature Reviews Genetics 9(11): (November 2008).
DNA sequencing is undergoing a revolution. Sanger sequencing has reached its limits and is being replaced by a new generation of technologies that promise faster and cheaper delivery of sequencing information. Nature Genetics and Nature Reviews Genetics present a Poster and Podcast that explore the conceptual basis of these next-generation sequencing technologies, their myriad applications and challenges for the future.
BIOFUELS: Eyeing Oil, Synthetic Biologists Mine Microbes for Black Gold, Robert F. Service, Science 322(5901):522 - 523 (24 October 2008).
Biotechnology researchers want to reengineer microorganisms to turn agricultural products into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.
Can We Nip Obesity in Its Vascular Bud? C. Ronald Kahn, Science 322(5901):542 - 543 (24 October 2008).
The origin of fat tissues and identity of factors that direct fat development in animals are becoming more clear.
Splicing Factors Facilitate RNAi-Directed Silencing in Fission Yeast, E. H. Bayne et al., Science 322(5901):602 - 606 (24 October 2008).
In fission yeast, RNA splicing factors unexpectedly participate in the silencing of centromeric DNA by RNA interference derived from centromeres.
Model-guided design of ligand-regulated RNAi for programmable control of gene expression, Chase L Beisel, Travis S Bayer, Kevin G Hoff & Christina D Smolke, Molecular Systems Biology 4:224 (28 October 2008).
A quantitative comparison of sRNA-based and protein-based gene regulation, Pankaj Mehta, Sidhartha Goyal & Ned S Wingreen, Molecular Systems Biology 4:221 (14 October 2008).
Transient transcriptional responses to stress are generated by opposing effects of mRNA production and degradation, Ophir Shalem, Orna Dahan, Michal Levo, Maria Rodriguez Martinez, Itay Furman, Eran Segal & Yitzhak Pilpel, Molecular Systems Biology 4:4 (14 October 2008).
Grains on the chessboard, Nature Genetics40(11):1261 (November 2008).
Recent progress in mapping quantitative growth traits (QTLs) in rice yields insights into mechanisms of plant growth, hints at genomic signatures of the domestication process and promotes the prospect of agricultural improvement via introgression of beneficial variants.
Single-copy insertion of transgenes in Caenorhabditis elegans, Christian Frøkjær-Jensen, M Wayne Davis, Christopher E Hopkins, Blake J Newman, Jason M Thummel, Søren-Peter Olesen, Morten Grunnet & Erik M Jorgensen, Nature Genetics40(11):pp1375 - 1383 (November 2008).
Erik Jorgensen and colleagues report a highly efficient method for generating single-copy transgene insertions in C. elegans. Notably, these single-copy transgenes are expressed at endogenous levels and can be expressed in the female and male germlines.
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Eight Below
We watched this movie, Eight Below, this afternoon with tears. I love the dogs. I guess I love most movie with dog. They are pure, cute and loyal.
Here are some informations. There is the whole story in wiki website.
Eight Below is a Walt Disney Pictures film directed by Frank Marshall and written by David DiGilio, which was released on February 17, 2006 in the United States.
Eight Below: In the Antarctic, after an expedition with Dr. Davis McClaren (Bruce Greenwood), the sled dog trainer Jerry Shepherd (Paul Walker) has to leave the polar base with his colleagues due to the proximity of a heavy snow storm. He ties his dogs to be rescued after, but the mission is called-off and the dogs are left alone at their own fortune. For six months, Jerry tries to find a sponsor for a rescue mission while his dogs fight for survival. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Read more!
Here are some informations. There is the whole story in wiki website.
Eight Below is a Walt Disney Pictures film directed by Frank Marshall and written by David DiGilio, which was released on February 17, 2006 in the United States.
Eight Below: In the Antarctic, after an expedition with Dr. Davis McClaren (Bruce Greenwood), the sled dog trainer Jerry Shepherd (Paul Walker) has to leave the polar base with his colleagues due to the proximity of a heavy snow storm. He ties his dogs to be rescued after, but the mission is called-off and the dogs are left alone at their own fortune. For six months, Jerry tries to find a sponsor for a rescue mission while his dogs fight for survival. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Read more!
Salty Eggs
The other food we will try to make is salty egg.
salt : water = 1 : 4 (w/w) (ps. You can add some peppers.)
Put clean eggs into cool salty water. Remember the salty water has to cover all the eggs.
Seal and keep in room temperature for 20-30 days.
Steam or boil before use.
(ps. Some people suggest to try one first at 20 days to see if it is salty enough. If it is salty enough, then steam or boil them because the yolk will shrink if keeping them in salty water too long.)
We don't have big glass container to do it now. The only glass bottle we have can put 4 eggs only. Hmmm, 4 eggs is fine. We don't have balance, here it is:
400 mL water + 80 mL salt (i.e. 4 TBSP)
Microwave 2 minutes, then wait to cool down.
Pour the salty water into the bottle to cover those eggs.
We checked one egg after 3 weeks on Nov. 16, 2008, it tasted light salty only.
We checked the other egg after 4 weeks on Nov. 23, 2008, .....
We made another set of 4 eggs on Nov. 23, 2008 with 320 mL water + 3 TBSP salt.
Read more!
salt : water = 1 : 4 (w/w) (ps. You can add some peppers.)
Put clean eggs into cool salty water. Remember the salty water has to cover all the eggs.
Seal and keep in room temperature for 20-30 days.
Steam or boil before use.
(ps. Some people suggest to try one first at 20 days to see if it is salty enough. If it is salty enough, then steam or boil them because the yolk will shrink if keeping them in salty water too long.)
We don't have big glass container to do it now. The only glass bottle we have can put 4 eggs only. Hmmm, 4 eggs is fine. We don't have balance, here it is:
400 mL water + 80 mL salt (i.e. 4 TBSP)
Microwave 2 minutes, then wait to cool down.
Pour the salty water into the bottle to cover those eggs.
We checked one egg after 3 weeks on Nov. 16, 2008, it tasted light salty only.
We checked the other egg after 4 weeks on Nov. 23, 2008, .....
We made another set of 4 eggs on Nov. 23, 2008 with 320 mL water + 3 TBSP salt.
Read more!
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