The colour of domestication and the designer chicken

Colour is an important feature of most living organisms. In the wild, colour has great significance affecting the survival and reproductive success of the species. The environmental constraints which lead to the specific colours of birds and animals are very strong and individuals of novel colours tend not to survive. Under domestication, mankind has transformed all the species involved which have thus been freed from environmental pressures to a large extent. Early colour variants were mostly selected for utility reasons or religious practices. In more recent centuries colour varieties have been created purely for ornament and pleasure, fashion playing a surprisingly large part in their development. A bewildering array of colours and patterns can now be found in all our commensal species, especially the Domestic Fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus).     

Investigation of Chinese skin colour and appearance for skin colour reproduction

A Chinese skin colour database is established based on measurements taken from nine bodies areas of 202 Chinese individuals to move towards accurate skin colour reproduction. The colour appearance of each skin point is predicted, and a comprehensive colour gamut for Chinese skin is determined. A consistent colour shift between facial and arm colours is identified, in which facial colour tends to be more reddish, more colourful, and darker than arm colour. Moreover, Chinese females are found to have lighter, paler, and more yellowish skin than Chinese males. Variations in Chinese skin colour are quantified, and body area differences and gender differences are shown to have significant effects on Chinese skin colour.     

Complex scaling and residual flavour symmetry in the neutrino mass matrix

We present an instance from nonequilibrium statistical mechanics which combines increase in entropy and finite Poincaré recurrence time. The model we consider is a variation of the well-known Kac’s ring where we consider balls of four colours. As is known, Kac introduced this model where balls arranged between lattice sites, in each time step, move one step clockwise. The colour of the balls change as they cross marked sites. This very simple example rationalize the increase in entropy and recurrence. In our variation, the interesting quantity which counts the difference in the number of balls of different colours is shown to reduce to a set of linear equations if the probability of change of colour is symmetric among a pair of colours. The transfer matrix turns out to be non-Hermitian with real eigenvalues, leading to all colours being equally likely for long times, and a monotonically varying entropy. The new features appearing due to four colours is very instructive.     

RGB method in immunofluorescence investigations on stem cells

Colour is not related to a particular discipline, but it is transversely present in many circles and in almost all the aspects of life. It has a special value in art, but also as far as other disciplines are concerned, like the sciences, the colour is at the basis of some of their intrinsic significances and it often needed to allow the interpretation of some of their phenomena as well. As regards the development of cell biology knowledge, colour acquired more and more importance in revealing the observations of the researchers. A field in which the methods based on the colours are particularly employed is the immunofluorescence, used to identify specific proteins in cells and tissues. These techniques combine the fluorochrome properties with specific molecules, i.e. antibodies, directed against particular substances to investigate, for example a specific protein. In single immunofluorescence analysis, the signal from an excited fluorochrome corresponds to a particular protein. In multiple immunofluorescence analysis, two or more signals are simultaneously detected to show the localization of different proteins on the same sample. The three primary colours red, green and blue were currently assigned to the signals from immunofluorescence-processed samples and visualized by the RGB method. In the present work, different examples of RGB applications in immunocytochemical investigations are showed: the first concerns the multiple analysis of three markers, localized in different loci of the cell plasma membrane; the second is related to the co-localization of two signals in the same site of specific subcellular structures. In this case the secondary colours, obtained by overlapping the primary ones, demonstrate the specific co-presence of two proteins in the same site. With the present paper, the authors wish to underline the relevant role of colours also in those areas in which colours are the means not the end.     

Cadmium colours: composition and properties

The composition and the properties of cadmium aquarelle colours are discussed. The examined colours were 24 different aquarelle cadmium colours from six different manufacturers. The colours ranged from light, bright yellows to dark, deep-red tones. The aim of this research was to find out if the pigments contain cadmium salts: sulphides and/or selenides. This information will help in choosing watercolours in conservation processes. Today, aquarelle colours not containing cadmium pigments are being sold as cadmium colours; thus their properties might be different from actual cadmium colours. The aim of the research was to verify that the colour samples contained cadmium pigments and to estimate their compositions and ageing properties. Element analyses were performed from colour samples using micro-chemical tests and X-ray fluorescence measurements. Thin-layer chromatography was used for analysing gum Arabic as a possible binding medium in the chosen colour samples. Through ageing tests, the resistance of the colour samples to the exposure to light, heat and humidity was studied. Visible-light spectroscopy was used in determining the hues and hue changes of the aquarelle colour samples. The spectrophotometer used the CIE L^*a^*b^* tone colour measuring system. From the colour measurements the changes in the lightness/darkness, the redness, the yellowness and the saturation of the samples were examined. PACS 32.30.Rj; 32.30.Jc; 33.20.Kf     

Plants and colour: Flowers and pollination

While there is a range of colours found in plants the predominant colour is green. Pigments in plants have several roles e.g. photosynthesis and signalling. If colour is to be used as a signal then it must stand out from green. However, one should be aware that there are also coloured compounds where we have not yet fully investigated the role of colour in their functions—they may have roles in, for example, defence or heat exchange.In this paper, we will describe the basic chemistry of the major pigments found in plants and especially floral pigments. We will then discuss their locations in parts of the flower (such as sepals, petals, pollen and nectar), the cells in which they are found and their sub-cellular locations.Floral pigments have a large role to play in pollination of flowers by animals. They can and are modified in many ways during the development of flowers in nature, for example, at emergence and post-pollination. There are a range of biochemical mechanisms of colour change both within flowers and in isolated pigments. Some of the factors influencing colour are temperature, co-pigments, pH, metals, sugars, anthocyanin stacking and cell shape.There is a renewed interest in analysing floral pigments and how they are modified partly because of advances in recombinant DNA technologies, but also because of pollinators and their significance to biodiversity and for evolutionary studies. There is continued strong interest from the horticultural industry for the introduction of new colours e.g. the blue rose and for the exploitation of natural dyes. Funding in this area may impact future research in a potentially beneficial way but it must not deflect us from science-based conservation.     

Detection of coloured tracks of heavy ion particles using photographic colour film

A photographic colour film, which was exposed to heavy ions, reveals a coloured dye image of the ion tracks. Since the colour film consists of several layers and different colours appear on each layer, three-dimensional information on the tracks in the layers can be obtained by the colour image. Previously, we have reported the method for which the tracks in different colours represented differences of track depth and we also discussed the disadvantages of using commercial colour films. Here we present the procedure for a self-made photographic coating and the development formula which can overcome the disadvantages.     

色偏振的理论及应用

本文就色偏振的理论作了详尽的分析。重点分析振幅Ａ１、Ａ２与角φ的关系，区别单色的干涉光与非干涉的白色背景光，得出在色偏振中光强、色纯度、互补色、变色位置和色调变化的规律。同时也对某些应用作了探讨。     

The colour wheels of art, perception, science and physiology

Colour is not the domain of any one discipline be it art, philosophy, psychology or science. Each discipline has its own colour wheel and this presentation examines the origins and philosophies behind the colour circles of Art, Perception, Science and Physiology (after image) with reference to Aristotle, Robert Boyle, Leonardo da Vinci, Goethe, Ewald Hering and Albert Munsell.The paper analyses and discusses the differences between the four colour wheels using the Natural Colour System® notation as the reference for hue (the position of colours within each of the colour wheels). Examination of the colour wheels shows the dominance of blue in the wheels of art, science and physiology particularly at the expense of green.This paper does not consider the three-dimensionality of colour space its goal was to review the hue of a colour with regard to its position on the respective colour wheels.     

基于物体表面色的人眼阈值水平微小色差评价

基于物体表面色样本的视觉评价,测试常用色差公式在人眼阈值水平的微小色差预测性能.由一组21名观察者采用感知法对100个颜色样本对进行视觉实验,获得视觉色差的评价数据,通过观察者精度分析并与BFD和Witt的视觉数据进行对比,验证了本实验数据的有效性.利用实验数据对CIELAB、CMC、BFD、CIE94、LCD和CIEDE2000等六个常用色差公式在人眼阈值水平的微小色差预测性能进行了详细的测试和比较,结果表明国际照明委员会(CIE)推荐的CIEDE2000表现最好,而CIELAB性能最差.     

Patterned mist deposition of tri-colour CdSe/ZnS quantum dot films toward RGB LED devices

In this experiment a technique of mist deposition was explored as a way to form patterned ultra-thin-films of CdSe/ZnS core/shell nanocrystalline quantum dots using colloidal solutions. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of mist deposition as a patterning method for creating multicolour quantum dot light emitting diodes. Mist deposition was used to create three rows of quantum dot light emitting diodes on a single device with each row having a separate colour. The colours chosen were red, green and yellow with corresponding peak wavelengths of 620 nm, 558 nm, and 587 nm. The results obtained from this experiment show that it is possible to create multicolour devices on a single substrate. The peak brightnesses obtained in this experiment for the red, green, and yellow were 508 cd/m, 507 cd/m, and 665 cd/m, respectively. The similar LED brightness is important in display technologies using colloidal quantum dots in a precursor solution to ensure one colour does not dominate the emitted spectrum. Results obtained in-terms of brightness were superior to those achieved with inkjet deposition. This study has shown that mist deposition is a viable method for patterned deposition applied to quantum dot light emitting diode display technologies.     

Do bees like Van Gogh's Sunflowers?

Flower colours have evolved over 100 million years to address the colour vision of their bee pollinators. In a much more rapid process, cultural (and horticultural) evolution has produced images of flowers that stimulate aesthetic responses in human observers. The colour vision and analysis of visual patterns differ in several respects between humans and bees. Here, a behavioural ecologist and an installation artist present bumblebees with reproductions of paintings highly appreciated in Western society, such as Van Gogh's Sunflowers. We use this unconventional approach in the hope to raise awareness for between-species differences in visual perception, and to provoke thinking about the implications of biology in human aesthetics and the relationship between object representation and its biological connotations.     

Colour symbolism in the folk literature and textile tradition of the Caucasus

Colour associations have been analysed indirectly by a study of oral traditions and legends, using methods developed in structural anthropology. Colours were considered, not in isolation, but mainly in contrasting pairs or in sequences. It was found that a specific colour could have different associations in different conditions, and that generally the associations were more abstract than concrete. In surviving woollen rugs and felts and silk embroideries, colours appear to be linked with availability of dyes rather than symbolism.     

光照与彩陶俑表面色变关系的实验研究

本文以秦彩俑表面色彩为研究对象,通过光照实验与色彩变化的色度测量,分析了光照引起彩俑颜料色变的规律,为秦彩俑这一大型重点文物的色彩保护提供了科学理论依据.     

以伏安法测电阻为例谈大学中学物理实验教学的衔接

大学中学物理实验教学衔接是实验教学的重要问题,本文在分析了当前物理实验教学现状的基础上,以伏安法测电阻为例,指出了解决该问题的具体办法,为大学中学物理实验教学衔接探索了一条可行的途径。     

Baroque glass mosaics from the Capela de São João Baptista (Chapel of Saint John the Baptist,Lisbon): unveiling the glassmaking records

For the first time, 18th‐century glass mosaics from the Capela de São João Baptista (Chapel of St. John the Baptist, Lisbon) were analysed by Raman microscopy (RM). This masterpiece in baroque mosaic art had one of its major contributors the most famous glassmaker in Rome, Alessio Mattioli. Mattioli was celebrated because of the opacity of his mosaics and the astonishing number of hues he was able to produce for mosaic decorating Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. This study had two goals in mind: (1) characterising the materials involved in the manufacture of these glass mosaics and (2) lengthening the understanding of what was left of Mattioli's glassmaking records. As expected the mosaics presented a high ratio of crystalline phases, making RM the ideal technique for non‐destructive analysis. The mosaics contained a white ‘background’ or opacifier added identified as Ca₂Sb₂O₇. The yellow tesserae are opacified with lead antimonate (Pb₂Sb₂O₇) and ternary oxides, structures related to lead antimonate but with other ions entering the position of Sb⁴⁺ (namely Sn⁴⁺). Those ternary oxides are pervasive in most colours, admixed with other colorants. The red, orange, pink and brown colours were accomplished with cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) and admixed with a ternary oxide to create the latter three colours. The red copper‐based colours were made according to the procedure to make a ruby copper glass and with the exception of the red colour; all mosaics exhibited a dark layer on each side of the mosaic, named scorzetta. This layer is the outcome of an oxidation reaction because of a quick cooling process and is composed of CuO. Finally the blue and green colours are accomplished with cobalt oxide and copper oxide, respectively, and the purple/black colour with manganese oxide. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Functional differences between vowel onsets and offsets in temporal perception of speech: local-change detection and speaking-rate discrimination

To provide a perceptual framework for the objective evaluation of durational rules in speech synthesis, two experiments were conducted to investigate the differences between vowel (V) onsets and V-offsets in their functions of marking the perceived temporal structure of speech. The first experiment measured the detectability of temporal modifications given in four-mora (CVCVCVCV) Japanese words. In the V-onset condition, the inter-onset intervals of vowels were uniformly changed (either expanded or reduced) while their inter-offset intervals were preserved. In the V-offset condition, this was reversed. These manipulations did not change the duration of the entire word. Each of the modified words was paired with its unmodified counterpart, and the pair was given to listeners, who were asked to rate the difference between the paired words. The results show that there were no significant differences in the listeners' abilities to detect the temporal modification between the V-onset and V-offset conditions. In the second experiment, the listeners were asked to estimate the differences they perceived in speaking rates for the same stimulus set as that of the first experiment. Interestingly, the results show a clear difference in the listeners' performance between the V-onset and V-offset conditions. Specifically, changing the V-onset intervals changed the perceived speaking rates, which showed a linear relation (r = -0.9) despite the fact that the duration of the entire word remained unchanged. In contrast, modifying the V-offset intervals produced no clear relation with the perceived speaking rates. The second experiment also showed that the listeners performed well in speaking rate discrimination (3.5%-5% in the change ratio). These results are discussed in relation to the differences in the listeners' temporal processing range (local or global) between the two experiments.     

Using coloured structured light in 3-D surface measurement

The widest used algorithms for 3-D surface measurement using structured fringe patterns are phase stepping and Fourier fringe analysis. The techniques currently employed use mostly monochrome fringe patterns as a tool for phase information measurement and further surface reconstruction. However, the information contained in colour images is much more than that of monochrome, in this case, a new colour technique can be employed to analyse a measured scene with colour fringe patterns.This paper presents a new method for improving the measurement of 3-D shapes by using colour information of the measured scene as an additional parameter. The new method is based on primary colours (red, green and blue) to increase the number of the illuminated fringe patterns, which will remove or significantly reduce the common drawbacks of existing methods. The proposed technique produces a number of coloured structured lighting patterns, which are projected from different angles onto the scene. These patterns are analysed using masking algorithms, a specially adapted multi-colour version of the standard Fourier fringe analysis method and calibration routines. In this way a number of the standard difficulties are overcome.     

彩色照片制作技术

彩色照片由于色彩鲜艳．形象逼真，在工农业生产、科研和日常生活中得到广泛应用。本文就校正偏色与曝光谈一下自己的看法。     

On a predictive scheme for colour image quantization

In this paper we proposed an improved colour image quantization scheme based on predictive coding. Since the neighbouring colour pixels are quite similar in most colour images, the similarity among the encoded pixels is exploited. In the proposed scheme the encoded distinct neighbouring colours are collected to form a smaller state-palette. If the closest colour in the state-palette is quite similar to the current encoding colour pixel, the index of the closest colour in the state-palette is recorded. Otherwise, the closest colour in original colour palette for the current encoding colour pixel is searched and the corresponding index is recorded. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieves good image qualities while requiring much lower bit rates for colour image compression.