Existence and learning of oscillations in recurrent neural networks

We study a particular class of n-node recurrent neural networks (RNNs). In the 3-node case we use monotone dynamical systems theory to show, for a well-defined set of parameters, that, generically, every orbit of the RNN is asymptotic to a periodic orbit. We then investigate whether RNNs of this class can adapt their internal parameters so as to "learn" and then replicate autonomously (in feedback) certain external periodic signals. Our learning algorithm is similar to the identification algorithms in adaptive control theory. The main feature of the algorithm is that global exponential convergence of parameters is guaranteed. We also obtain partial convergence results in the n-node case.     

Modelling of non-minimum phase effects in discrete-time norm optimal iterative learning control

The subject of this article is the modelling of the influence of non-minimum phase discrete-time system dynamics on the performance of norm optimal iterative learning control (NOILC) algorithms with the intent of explaining the observed phenomenon and predicting its primary characteristics. It is established that performance in the presence of one or more non-minimum phase plant zeros typically has two phases. These consist of an initial fast monotonic reduction of the L ₂ error norm (mean square error) followed by a very slow asymptotic convergence. Although the norm of the tracking error does eventually converge to zero, the practical implications over a finite number of trials is apparent convergence to a non-zero error. The source of this slow convergence is identified using the singular value distribution of the system's all pass component. A predictive model of the onset of slow convergence behaviour is developed as a set of linear constraints and shown to be valid when the iteration time interval is sufficiently long. The results provide a good prediction of the magnitude of error norm where slow convergence begins. Formulae for this norm and associated error time series are obtained for single-input single-output systems with several non-minimum phase zeros outside the unit circle using Lagrangian techniques. Numerical simulations are given to confirm the validity of the analysis.     

Multivariable norm optimal and parameter optimal iterative learning control: a unified formulation

This article investigates the two paradigms of norm optimal iterative learning control (NOILC) and parameter optimal iterative learning control (POILC) for multivariable (MIMO) ?-input, m-output linear discrete-time systems. The main result is a proof that, despite their algebraic and conceptual differences, they can be unified using linear quadratic multi-parameter optimisation techniques. In particular, whilst POILC has been naturally regarded as an approximation to NOILC, it is shown that the NOILC control law can be generated from a suitable choice of control law parameterisation and objective function in a multi-parameter MIMO POILC problem. The form of this equivalence is used to propose a new general approach to the construction of POILC problems for MIMO systems that approximates the solution of a given NOILC problem. An infinite number of such approximations exist. This great diversity is illustrated by the derivation of new convergent algorithms based on time interval and gradient partition that extend previously published work.     

Effects of hostility on ambulatory blood pressure and mood during daily living in healthy adults.

This study (a) tested the effects of hostile attributes on ambulatory blood pressure (BP), heart rate, and mood monitored repeatedly over 3 days in 100 healthy men and women and (b) determined whether the cardiovascular effects of trait hostility were moderated by mood. Multilevel random-coefficients regression analyses showed that hostile individuals exhibited higher systolic and diastolic BP and rated their current moods as more negative and less positive throughout the monitoring. Individuals low in hostility exhibited high BP only during the few occasions when they experienced negative mood. However, these patterns were true only when participants were classified by Potential for Hostility ratings from the Structured Interview (R. H. Rosenman, 1978), not by the Cynical Hostile Attitudes score derived from the Cook-Medley scale. Results provide convergent and ecological validity of interview rating of hostility and illuminate one possible dynamic mechanism by which overt hostile behaviors might contribute to the rates of increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

超前思维与社会教育

本文论述了教育心理学中超前思维与社会教育相互关系的几个重要问题。首先 ,超前思维是一种特殊的心理活动 ,这种心理活动的特征突出地表现为人类思维对于时间、空间和具体事物的超越性。其次 ,超前思维的形成会受到社会教育的制约 ,主要是家庭教育、学校教育和职业教育的制约。第三 ,超前思维对社会教育的发展具有重要的促进作用 ,这种作用对社会教育目标的选择具有三个方面的效应     

Classification of malnutrition by statistical analysis of quantitative two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of plasma proteins

An attempt to use the relative concentrations of major plasma proteins for clinical assessment of severe malnutrition is described. Quantitative two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used to measure the concentrations of 24 major proteins in small aliquots of plasma obtained from children, aged 0 to 3 years, who were patients and outpatients in Liberian hospitals. Fifteen had a clinical diagnosis of kwashiorkor, 36 were diagnosed with marasmus, and 18 were controls. There were also 5 controls from the United States. The individuals were placed in six groups; kwashiorkor, kwashiorkor who died during treatment, marasmus, marasmus who died, Liberian controls, and U.S. controls. The amount of protein in each spot in the two-dimensional gels was estimated by measuring bound stain using a laser scanner and computerized image analysis. We found very low serum transferrin levels in malnourishment, in agreement with reports from other investigators. All of the data for 24 protein variables were pooled for factor analysis; the mean factor scores for each group differed, with the kwashiorkor groups furthest from the controls. Results of discriminant analysis using the amounts of different numbers of protein variables (3 to 24) were compared for posterior assignment of individuals to groups. The validity of the method was tested by analysis of plasma aliquots obtained from patients following initiation of therapy and which were not a part of the training set. Predictive performance (prognosis of patient survival) depended upon the number of protein variables used. Although artifactual fitting of the data is expected to contribute to performance as the number of variables is increased, use of as many as 7 variables may be justified, even with our small patient groups. Possible use of these results for development of a practical clinical test is discussed.     

Correction of empty-field myopia on the basis of the dark-focus of accommodation.

The influence of negative spherical corrections on the detection of a small increment flash presented in a uniform field or Ganzfeld were determined. The range investigated included each observer's normal correction as well as values based on the focus assumed by each observer in total darkness (dark-focus of accomodation). A correction equivalent to the dark-focus resulted in maximum sensitivity. The results suggest a convenient technique for the determination of optimal correction for empty-field viewing conditions.     

Chromophore‐Linked Substrate (CLS405): Probing Metallo‐β‐Lactamase Activity and Inhibition

Serine‐ and metallo‐β‐lactamases present a threat to the clinical use of nearly all β‐lactam antibiotics, including penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems. Efforts to develop metallo‐β‐lactamase (MBL) inhibitors require suitable screening platforms to allow the rapid determination of β‐lactamase activity and efficient inhibition. Unfortunately, the platforms currently available are not ideal for this purpose. Further progress in MBL inhibitor identification requires inexpensive and widely applicable assays. Herein the identification of an inexpensive and stable chromogenic substrate suitable for use in assays of clinically relevant MBLs is described. (6R,7R)‐3‐((4‐Nitrophenoxy)methyl)‐8‐oxo‐7‐(2‐phenylacetamido)‐5‐thia‐1‐azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct‐2‐ene‐2‐carboxylic acid 5,5‐dioxide (CLS405) was synthesised in a three‐step protocol. CLS405 was then characterised spectroscopically, and its stability and kinetic properties evaluated. With a Δλ_max value of 100 nm between the parent and hydrolysis product, a higher analytical accuracy is possible with CLS405 than with commonly used chromogenic substrates. The use of CLS405 in assays was validated by MBL activity measurements and inhibitor screening that resulted in the identification of N‐hydroxythiazoles as new inhibitor scaffolds for MBLs. Further evaluation of the identified N‐hydroxythiazoles against a panel of clinically relevant MBLs showed that they possess inhibitory activities in the mid‐ to low‐micromolar range. The findings of this study provide both a useful tool compound for further inhibitor identification, and novel scaffolds for the design of improved MBL inhibitors with potential as antibiotics against resistant strains of bacteria.