cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calibration of camera parameters using vanishing points

Abstract A new technique for calibrating the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of a video imaging system, based on vanishing points is presented. The intrinsic parameters of the camera refers to the focal length of the lens, the physical dimensions of each pixel and the exact position of the optical center on the image grid, as well as the radial distortion of the lens. The extrinsic parameters refer to the position and orientation of the camera described in a predefined frame of reference called the world coordinate system. The proposed method requires only one view of a specially designed test object, or two distinct views of a solid cube. Other objects rich in parallel lines can be used as well. The two views must be generated by subjecting the object to an arbitrary composite three-dimensional (3D) displacement within the field of view of the camera. It is not required to know the exact 3D motion parameters; however, it is necessary to know the initial position and orientation of the cube with respect to the world coordinate system. An intrinsic parameter that is often not addressed is the radial distortion factor. It remains fixed for each lens and thus has been considered a part of the lens specification. The camera model used in this paper incorporates the radial distortion factor; however, the basic equations become highly nonlinear (eighth order). Two cameras connected to the same digitizer hardware have been calibrated to experimentally verify and illustrate the feasibility of the proposed new technique.
Stress and Flexural Modeling of the Martian Lithospheric Response to Alba Patera

Abstract The martian volcano Alba Patera is surrounded by a system of graben which appears to be the result of an extensional stress applied to the region after the construction of the volcano. These faults provide a map of the stress field that created them. We used this information, as well as the recent Goddard spherical harmonic gravity model (GMM-1) and a spherical harmonic representation of the Mars Digital Elevation Model, to constrain models of: (1) the lithospheric flexure under the load of the volcano, (2) the gravitational anomaly due to the volcano, and (3) the magnitude of the extensional stress in the region. We found that elastic lithospheric thicknesses between 10 and 50 km resulted in statistically acceptable fits to the gravity and topography data. We also found that a 1.5–2 kilobar extensional regional stress in conjunction with the axisymmetric stress field of the volcanic load produced a stress field that is consistent with the observed trends of the graben.
Conformations of allyl amine: theory vs experiment.

The relative stabilities of the five conformers of allyl amine, a medium-size aliphatic molecule, were estimated by applying ab initio quantum mechanical methods at several levels of theory. The second-order Moller-Plesset perturbation method (MP2), quadratic configuration interaction including single and double excitations (QCISD), coupled-cluster with single and double excitations (CCSD) and CCSD plus perturbative triple excitations [CCSD(T)] were applied. The Dunning correlation consistent basis sets (through aug-cc-pVQZ and cc-pV5Z) were employed. The MP2 energies relative to the energy of the cis-trans conformer reported here appear to approach the basis set limit. The predicted allyl amine conformer energies approaching the Hartree-Fock basis set limit are 158 cm -1 (cis-gauche), -5 cm -1 (gauche-trans), and -146 cm -1 (gauche-gauche). The same three relative energies near the MP2 basis set limit are 135, 103, and 50 cm -1 , respectively. The analogous energies deduced from experiment are 173 ± 12, 92 ± 8, and 122 ± 5 cm -1 . The theoretical results obtained in the present study suggest that satisfactory predictions of the conformer energetics of allyl amine may be achieved only by theoretical methods that incorporate consideration of correlation effects in conjunction with large basis sets. Evaluation of the zero-point vibrational energy corrections is critical, due to the very small classical energy differences between the five conformers of allyl amine. Agreement between theory and experiment for the gauche-gauche conformational energy remains problematical.
Mechanism of carrier photogeneration in amorphous selenium: Fast transient photoconductivity.

Studies of fast transient photoconductivity in amorphous selenium reveal two distinct transport mechanisms. The first is a short-lived one due to carrier dynamics at extended band states and possibly states near the band edges where the carriers tunnel progressively into lower states. The second is a long-lived one due to phonon assisted multiple trapping at band tails. We find the quantum efficiency in this prototypic low-mobility system independent of temperature and electric field up to the maximum applied field of 5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{5}$ V/cm, inconsistent with previous models of carrier photogeneration such as the Onsager geminate recombination model. In order to reconcile the controversial issue of the carrier photogeneration mechanism in this material, we examine in detail the processes underlying various transient photoconductivity measurements. Our analysis shows that in time-of-flight and xerographic-discharge measurements the external field may modify the extent of carrier recombination and thereby determines the carrier supply yield, whereas measurements utilizing the microstripline Auston switch configuration are better suited for investigating the intrinsic properties of the quantum efficiency. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Models of race and cline

Computer models have been constructed to depict in the form of two-dimensional maps the effect of local selection on gene frequencies, particularly where partial barriers to gene flow are present at some points in an area. It was found that small amounts of uniform gene flow between foci of contrasting selection tend to produce evenly spaced isogenes, giving a “clinal” pattern. The interposition of partial barriers causes isogenes to become closer together in the region of the barriers and to become parallel to the barriers. A corollary result is that in the region of the barriers the isogene systems for different genes tend to become parallel to one another even though the exact foci of active selection for the genes do not coincide. This resembles a “racial” rather than “clinal” trait distribution. It was further observed that if a focus of active selection was peripheral in position (i.e., far from a genetic barrier) a clinal pattern extended across the area it affected between it and the barrier. If such a focus lies close to the barrier, the area it affects becomes rather uniform in gene frequency, with the “hinterland” approximating the gene frequency of the focus of active selection. On the basis of these models interpretation of the distribution of cold-adapted Mongoloid traits, and of the distribution of skin color across Europe and Africa, are suggested.
MAGNETIC HELICITY IN EMERGING SOLAR ACTIVE REGIONS

Using vector magnetic field data from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager instrument aboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory, we study magnetic helicity injection into the corona in emerging active regions (ARs) and examine the hemispheric helicity rule. In every region studied, photospheric shearing motion contributes most of the helicity accumulated in the corona. In a sample of 28 emerging ARs, 17 follow the hemisphere rule (61% ± 18% at a 95% confidence interval). Magnetic helicity and twist in 25 ARs (89% ± 11%) have the same sign. The maximum magnetic twist, which depends on the size of an AR, is inferred in a sample of 23 emerging ARs with a bipolar magnetic field configuration.
Nitrogen Storage with Cover Crops and Nitrogen Fertilization in Tilled and Nontilled Soils

Improved crop and N management practices are needed to increase soil N storage so that N fertilization rate and the potential for N leaching can be reduced in tilled and nontilled soils. We examined the influence of cover crops and N fertilization rates on N inputs from cover crops, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and soil total N (STN) content at the 0- to 120-cm depth in no-tilled, strip-tilled, and chisel-tilled Dothan sandy loam (fine-loamy, kaolinitic, thermic, Plinthic Kandiudults) from 2000 to 2002 in central Georgia. Cover crops were legume [hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth)], nonlegume [rye (Secale cereale L.)], biculture of legume and nonlegume (vetch + rye), and winter weeds and N fertilization rates were 0,60 to 65, and 120 to 130 kg N ha -1 . Nitrogen inputs in above- and belowground plant biomass varied with the season and were greater in vetch and vetch + rye with N rates than in rye and weeds with or without N in tilled and nontilled soils. The STN concentration varied with sampling times and decreased with depth. The STN content at 0 to 90 cm was greater in vetch and vetch + rye with N rates than in weeds with or without N in no-tilled and chisel-tilled soils. Similarly, STN content at 0 to 30 cm was greater with vetch and vetch + rye than with weeds in strip-tilled soil. As a result, N storage at 0 to 30 cm gained at 71 to 108 kg N ha -1 q yr -1 in vetch and vetch + rye with N fertilization compared with a loss at 110 kg N ha -1 yr -1 to a gain at 40 kg N ha -1 yr -1 in weeds with or without N fertilization in no-tilled and chisel-tilled soils. In strip-tilled soil, N storage gained at 101 to 103 kg N ha -1 yr -1 with vetch and vetch + rye compared with a loss at 91 kg N ha -1 yr -1 with weeds. Nitrogen storage in tilled and nontilled soils can be increased by using legume or a biculture of legume and nonlegume cover crops compared with no cover crop with or without N fertilization. Because of similar levels of soil N storage and cotton and sorghum N uptake, legume can be replaced by biculture cover crop and N fertilization rate can be reduced to reduce the cost of N fertilization and the potential for N leaching.
Density estimation for power transformations

Consider a random sample X 1, …, X n from a density f and a positive α. The density g of t(X 1)=|X 1|αsign(X 1) can be estimated in two ways: by a kernel estimator based on the transformed data t(X 1), …, t(X n ) or by a plug-in estimator that replaces in the expression for g the unknown density f by a kernel estimator based on the original data. We compare the performance of these two estimators pointwise using the MSE and globally using the mean integrated squared error. From the pointwise comparison, we found that the plug-in estimator is mostly better in the case α>1 when f is symmetric and unimodal, and in the case α≥2.5 when f is right-skewed and/or bimodal. For α<1, the plug-in estimator performs better around the modes of g, while the transformed data estimator is better in the tails of g. Our global comparison shows that the plug-in estimator has a faster rate of convergence for 0.4≤α<1 and 1<α<2. For α<0.4, the plug-in estimator is preferable for a symmetric density f with exponentially decaying...
Microdebrider-assisted supraglottoplasty

Summary Objective: Although laryngomalacia is a common cause for infantile stridor, few patients eventually go on to require surgical intervention. When surgery is required, the location of tissue excised may vary depending on the endoscopic findings, but only two methods of tissue excision are described-cold knife excision and carbon dioxide laser. We present our experience of using the microdebrider to excise tissue during supraglottoplasty. Methods: Over the last 12 months, patients were identified who had undergone supraglottoplasty, and their final outcomes with regards to resolution of stridor, cor pulmonale, and/or failure to thrive were assessed. A description of the indications for supraglottoplasty and the actual technique utilizing the microdebrider is included. Results: Five patients were identified as having undergone a microdebrider-assisted supraglottoplasty. All five had resolution of their stridor following surgery. No new complications such as aspiration or supraglottic stenosis were identified. No revision surgeries were required. The microdebrider was used to trim the aryepiglottic folds and/or redundant arytenoid mucosa in all cases. Conclusions: The microdebrider appears to be a safe and effective tool to remove redundant tissue during supraglottoplasty.
Hydrogen peroxide promotes injury-induced peripheral sensory axon regeneration in the zebrafish skin.

Functional recovery from cutaneous injury requires not only the healing and regeneration of skin cells but also reinnervation of the skin by somatosensory peripheral axon endings. To investigate how sensory axon regeneration and wound healing are coordinated, we amputated the caudal fins of zebrafish larvae and imaged somatosensory axon behavior. Fin amputation strongly promoted the regeneration of nearby sensory axons, an effect that could be mimicked by ablating a few keratinocytes anywhere in the body. Since injury produces the reactive oxygen species hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) near wounds, we tested whether H2O2 influences cutaneous axon regeneration. Exposure of zebrafish larvae to sublethal levels of exogenous H2O2 promoted growth of severed axons in the absence of keratinocyte injury, and inhibiting H2O2 production blocked the axon growth-promoting effects of fin amputation and keratinocyte ablation. Thus, H2O2 signaling helps coordinate wound healing with peripheral sensory axon reinnervation of the skin.
Lifetime episodes of dysphoria: Gender, early childhood loss and personality

The roles of gender, early childhood loss and personality as risk factors for lifetime episodes of dysphoria were examined in a large sample of college students (N = 557). Dysphoria classifications were based on the Inventory to Diagnose Depression (IDD) and the IDD-Lifetime Version. Brief dysphoria was defined as meeting DSM-III-R symptom criteria for major depression without meeting the two-week duration criteria, whereas protracted dysphoria required that the duration criteria were also met. Although females reported higher levels of depressive symptoms and neuroticism than did males, and were more likely to have a lifetime history of episodes of dysphoria, males were more susceptible to the adverse effects of early childhood loss. Males with loss were more likely to have a history of protracted dysphoria and to report higher levels of neuroticism than were males who did not experience an early parental loss. Neuroticism, in turn, acted as a trait vulnerability characteristic to episodes of dysphoria in both males and females. Interestingly, the effects of gender on lifetime experience of dysphoria were mediated by neuroticism: females' increased vulnerability to episodes of dysphoria was due to their elevated levels of neuroticism.
Loss of function genetic screens reveal MTGR1 as an intracellular repressor of β1 integrin-dependent neurite outgrowth

Integrins are transmembrane receptors that promote neurite growth and guidance. To identify regulators of integrin-dependent neurite outgrowth, here we used two loss of function genetic screens in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. First, we screened a genome-wide retroviral library of genetic suppressor elements (GSEs). Among the many genes identified in the GSE screen, we isolated the hematopoetic transcriptional factor MTGR1 (myeloid translocation gene-related protein-1). Treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with MTGR1 siRNA enhanced neurite outgrowth and concurrently increased expression of GAP-43, a protein linked to neurite outgrowth. Second, we transduced SH-SY5Y with a genome-wide GFP-labeled lentiviral siRNA library, which expressed 40,000 independent siRNAs targeting 8500 human genes. From this screen we isolated GFI1 (growth factor independence-1), which, like MTGR1, is a member of the myeloid translocation gene on 8q22 (MTG8)/ETO protein complex of nuclear repressor proteins. These results reveal novel contributions of MTGR1 and GFI1 to the regulation of neurite outgrowth and identify novel repressors of integrin-dependent neurite outgrowth.
Manipulating the accumulation of phenolics in maize cultured cells using transcription factors

Transcription factors are emerging as powerful tools to manipulating plant metabolism. R2R3 Myb genes have expanded dramatically in the plants, where they are involved in the regulation of plant form and metabolic diversity. However, the function of most plant R2R3 Myb genes remains to be determined. We have used a maize cell culture system to investigate the consequences on the accumulation of metabolites of expressing the novel R2R3 Myb transcription factor ZmMyb-IF35. We show here that, despite the high identity in the Myb domain with the P regulator of 3-deoxy flavonoid biosynthesis, ZmMyb-IF35 does not induce the accumulation of flavonoids. However, similar to P, ZmMyb-IF35 induces the accumulation of ferulic and chlorogenic acids as well as several other compounds not found in the control Black Mexican Sweet maize cell lines or in P-expressing lines. Together, our studies show that ZmMyb-IF35 and P activate different biosynthetic pathways, and suggest a promising role of ZmMyb-IF35 for engineering the accumulation of various phenolic compounds.
Social isolation and role performance among hospitalized male schizophrenics.

Abstract This study compares each member of a group of male schizophrenics newly admitted to hospital with a male sibling in relation to marital, work, education, and family coresidence histories. The data suggest that patients remain unmarried, marry later, and/or separate more frequently than do their siblings. In addition, they are more frequently likely to have histories of work inadequacy, and to spend more, rather than less, time living with the family of orientation. The evidence also indicates that neither patient nor sibling voluntarily choose living arrangements which involve spending relatively long periods of time out-of-family. The implications of the study are discussed in relation to previous studies of social isolation and other indicators of inadequate social integration among hospitalized schizophrenic patients.
Early poststabilization sedimentation and later growth of shields

Subsidence and shallow-water sedimentation occurring within a few tens of millions of years after cratonic stabilization of shields can be shown by at least three sedimentary suites: the Wajid Formation of southwestern Saudi Arabia; the Roraima Formation of Venezuela and neighboring countries; and the Baraboo interval of Wisconsin and nearby states. This subsidence indicates that complete attainment of present crustal thickness of the shield areas did not occur at the time of crustal stabilization. Instead, crustal growth and uplift were passive processes extending, perhaps, for several hundred million years after stabilization.
Three-Dimensional Tracking of Colloids at the Pore Scale Using Epifluorescence Microscopy

The transport of micrometer- and submicrometer-sized particles of biotic and abiotic origin through both natural and engineered porous media is relevant to a wide variety of disciplines. While the influence on colloid transport of chemical factors such as colloid and media surface chemistry and the ionic strength of the carrying fluid are fairly well understood, the role of physical factors still needs clarification from a mechanistic standpoint. Along with recent recognition that pore-scale processes may depend on the coupling of chemistry and local hydrodynamics, which in turn depends on pore topography, there is a growing need for experimental systems that enable visualization of individual colloids in pores and pore networks that contain relevant three-dimensional features. We introduce a single camera–epifluorescence microscope system to track fluorescent colloids in three dimensions using the apparent diameter of out-of-focus colloids to estimate their z -axis location. The current system, using a Plan Achromat 5× objective, enables z estimation of 4.7-μm-diameter fluorescent microspheres across a range of 1200 μm with accuracy of approximately 34 μm. In addition to discussion of system limitations and potential improvements, we present results from two mini-studies illustrating the use of three-dimensional particle tracking to investigate (i) the behavior of colloids approaching orthogonally oriented grain-to-grain contacts, and (ii) the potential retention mechanisms in porous media under chemical conditions unfavorable to deposition. The ability to track individual colloids in three dimensions brings experimental capabilities closer in line with computer-modeling capabilities, setting the stage for synergistic pairing of experimental and theoretical investigations .
Regional Study of No-Till Effects on Carbon Sequestration in the Midwestern United States

No-till (NT) agriculture has been promoted as one of the optimal management practices that preserves soil and water, and increases soil organic C (SOC) compared with conventional tillage (CT) practices. Information on SOC sequestration in NT systems, however, has been based on measurements from the surface soil (<30 cm) and little is known about the extent of SOC sequestration in NT across the entire 0- to 60-cm soil profile. We conducted a regional study of NT farming to assess the extent of SOC sequestration in the whole soil profile across 12 contrasting but representative soils in the Midwestern United States, each within a Major Land Resource Area (MLRA: 98, 111C, 114B, 122 in Indiana; 111A, 111B, 111D, 124, and 126 in Ohio; and 127 and 147 in Pennsylvania). Soils on gentle terrain were sampled in paired NT and CT fields as well as in an adjacent woodlot in each MLRA. The SOC and N concentrations were greater in the surface 0- to 5-cm soil in NT than CT in MLRA 124. The SOC concentration in CT soil was greater than in NT soil at 10 to 30 cm in MLRAs 98 and 126. The total SOC pool for the whole soil profile did not differ between NT and CT in eight of the 12 MLRAs and the total profile SOC was actually greater under CT in MLRAs 98, 127, and 126, resulting in negative C sequestration rates on conversion from CT to NT in these three MLRAs. This regional study suggests that the entire soil profile must be examined and ecosystem C budget assessed when elucidating SOC sequestration in NT vs. CT fields.
Constrained Codes for Joint Energy and Information Transfer

In various wireless systems, such as sensor RFID networks and body area networks with implantable devices, the transmitted signals are simultaneously used both for information transmission and for energy transfer. To satisfy the conflicting requirements on information and energy transfer, this paper proposes the use of constrained run-length limited (RLL) codes in lieu of conventional unconstrained (i.e., random-like) capacity-achieving codes. The receiver's energy utilization requirements are modeled stochastically, and constraints are imposed on the probabilities of battery underflow and overflow at the receiver. It is demonstrated that the codewords' structure afforded by the use of constrained codes enables the transmission strategy to be better adjusted to the receiver's energy utilization pattern, as compared to classical unstructured codes. As a result, constrained codes allow a wider range of trade-offs between the rate of information transmission and the performance of energy transfer to be achieved.
A taxonomy of the product realization process environment

The realization of concepts into products is an extremely complex and poorly understood process. Companies and researchers are developing software aids and tools in a somewhat ad hoc manner. Differing claims are made for such tools, without there being much underlying understanding about what they are supposed to do. As part of a project to develop a strategy for applying computer-based tools to the process of realizing products, this paper proposes a taxonomy which encompasses most of the factors involved and defines the environments in which computer-based tools operate. Several other uses for this taxonomy are suggested, including identifying how the different types of computer-based tools support or replace various human activities or tasks; outlining a strategy for automating the process, as part of a strategy for applying the right tool for the task; and identifying where new tools might be developed.
Stimulus generalization along dimensions of an active avoidance CS in young rats

Immature rats were trained in two-way shuttle avoidance and tested for generalization in extinction along the frequency and intensity dimensions of the CS. While symmetrical decrements in response strength around the original CS value were found when frequency was varied alone, marked dynamism effects emerged during intensity generalization. Concurrent variation of both dimensions resulted in increased stimulus control by frequency with higher intensity levels. Previous findings of aversively motivated stimulus generalization in young and adult rats were considered.
Pseudo complications of cardiac catheterization: update.

This prospective study was performed to determine whether complications that occur immediately before or after the time of scheduled catheterization are as much disease-related as procedure-related. During 24 months all complications associated with 1,606 diagnostic cardiac catheterizations were recorded if they occurred from 24 hours before the time the procedure was scheduled to 72 hours later, longer if complications were clearly procedure-related. Pseudo complications are spontaneous medical or surgical incidents that occur during the 24-hour period before catheterization is scheduled to be performed. Procedure-related complications are incidents that occur during or after the catheterization procedure. There were 13 (0.81% ) procedure-related complications but no deaths. There were 13 (0.81% ) pseudo complications including 4 (0.24% ) deaths. All complications were similar in nature except for 3 instances of vascular injury, which were procedure-related. Pseudo complications occur as commonly as procedure-related complications and at times are more severe. Complications occurring before catheterization are related to the underlying disease process and not medical intervention. It is likely that similar disease-caused incidents occur after a catheterization and are not necessarily procedure-related.
Real capital market integration in the EU: How far has it gone? What will the effect of the euro be?

Real capital market integration How far has integration gone? What euro effect? Much effort has been devoted to the study of financial market integration in Europe. Little is known, however, about real capital market integration – the degree to which plants and equipment move to take advantage of locally high returns. This paper looks at the evidence. An analysis of flows of foreign direct investment in Europe shows that integration was quite limited in the early 1980s, but has increased considerably since then. Another analysis looks at rates of return of a large number of firms. It reveals that country‐specific factors play a significant role in explaining corporate returns, even after taking risk into account. This finding is incompatible with the CAPM definition of market integration. The view that integration is limited in Europe is further strengthened when the same approach is carried out for the USA and Canada. Part of the national specificity appears to be related to labour and goods market regulations, which harm firms profitability. If, by introducing more transparency and eliminating currency risk, EMU strengthens competition on the real capital market, one obvious economic benefit will be a more rational and efficient use of capital, but the most important potential consequences are political. Special‐interest regulations of an exclusively national nature will not survive. They will either fall in a wave of internationalist liberalization, or become embedded in ‘harmonized’ regulations at the federal level. A reduction in excessive regulatory burdens, notably in the labour market, could lead to substantial and shared productivity gains. — Georges de Menil
Facing the uncertain environment from technological discontinuities: hedging as a technology strategy

Abstract Emerging markets are prone to technological uncertainty. Several approaches have been proposed as possible strategies for dealing with these uncertainties. The implications of adopting a hedging strategy are investigated in an industry where a dominant design has yet to emerge. Using the personal computer (PC) industry as a case study, this research shows that (1) firms are most likely to hedge prior to the emergence of a dominant design, (2) hedging is related to increased survival rates, and (3) hedging is related to higher market share.
The enumeration of labeled graphs by number of cutpoints

Abstract A generating function is developed to express the number of labeled graphs with a fixed number of points and cutpoints in terms of the generating function of the number of blocks. An asymptotic bound is derived for the number of connected graphs with any number of cutpoints.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder and changes in frontal alpha asymmetry.

Objective: Since the clinical picture of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in the Luteal phase of the menstrual cycle is characterized by extreme negative affect, we predicted and obtained a change in frontal cortical EEG alpha asymmetry, which has been shown to be an index of affect. Method: We observed two monthly cycles for five women diagnosed as having PMDD and one monthly cycle for five non-PMDD control subjects. Results: Asymmetry percent scores for the five PMDD women, and for the five control subjects before and after the Luteal phase were typically within the normal non-depressed range, however the asymmetry scores for the PMDD group fell into the negative range during the Luteal period while the control subjects remained stable. Discussion: We predicted alpha asymmetry scores would be affected by the luteal phase in PMDD cases. This hypothesis was clearly confirmed.
Naming the Units

THERE is a general agreement among the different languages in naming large numbers up to and including one million, that is, 1,000,000 or 106. But one enters the tower of Babel looking for the name of 1,000,000,000 or 109. In the United States it is known as one billion, in France as un trillion, in Germany as eine Milliarde, and in Russia as odin milliard. Great Britain, Italy and Spain have no special name for that number since the British billion, the Italian bilione, and the Spanish bicuento mean 1,000,000,000,000 or 1012. This fact causes great inconvenience, because in modern science a great many things are measured in the 109 unit. This includes the age of the universe (expressed in years), the cosmic distances (expressed in light years), the temperatures during the early stages of the universal evolution and inside of the exploding stars (expressed in degrees Kelvin), and the energies of modern particle accelerators (expressed in electron volts).
Alcohol Consumption Among Athletes and Non-Athletes in Christian Colleges

This research was designed to be a pilot study that examined the differences in heavy episodic drinking and perceptions of drinking between athletes and non-athletes. To the authors' knowledge, thi...
Robotic Production of Cancer Cell Spheroids with an Aqueous Two-phase System for Drug Testing

Cancer cell spheroids present a relevant in vitro model of avascular tumors for anti-cancer drug testing applications. A detailed protocol for producing both mono-culture and co-culture spheroids in a high throughput 96-well plate format is described in this work. This approach utilizes an aqueous two-phase system to confine cells into a drop of the denser aqueous phase immersed within the second aqueous phase. The drop rests on the well surface and keeps cells in close proximity to form a single spheroid. This technology has been adapted to a robotic liquid handler to produce size-controlled spheroids and expedite the process of spheroid production for compound screening applications. Spheroids treated with a clinically-used drug show reduced cell viability with increase in the drug dose. The use of a standard micro-well plate for spheroid generation makes it straightforward to analyze viability of cancer cells of drug-treated spheroids with a micro-plate reader. This technology is straightforward to implement both robotically and with other liquid handling tools such as manual pipettes.
Bacterial Foraging Optimization

The bacterial foraging optimization BFO algorithm mimics how bacteria forage over a landscape of nutrients to perform parallel nongradient optimization. In this article, the author provides a tutorial on BFO, including an overview of the biology of bacterial foraging and the pseudo-code that models this process. The algorithms features are briefly compared to those in genetic algorithms, other bio-inspired methods, and nongradient optimization. The applications and future directions of BFO are also presented.
Thermal/mechanical interaction of subcritical crack growth in tensile specimen

Abstract The mutually interacting thermal/mechanical effects are accounted for by retaining the rate of change of volume with surface dV/dA, in the surface/volume energy density theory. An exchange between surface and volume energy would thus prevail in accordance with the rates at which the loads are transmitted throughout the system. Obtained are results for a center-cracked specimen subjected to monotonically rising tensile load at the rate of dot σ = 4.14 GPa/s . Eight load steps are taken with an even increment increase of 69 MPa starting from 276 MPa. The temperature is found to oscillate about the ambient condition as the crack grew incrementally in a stable fashion. What differed considerably from the plasticity theory are the local stress and strain distribution and the crack growth characteristics. This is particularly pronounced in regions close to the crack tip where the local strain rates and strain rate history change from element to element, an affect that is not accounted for in plasticity.
Brief Report: Parental Child-Directed Speech as a Predictor of Receptive Language in Children with Autism Symptomatology

Facilitative linguistic input directly connected to children’s interest and focus of attention has become a recommended component of interventions for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This longitudinal correlational study used two assessment time points and examined the association between parental undemanding topic-continuing talk related to the child’s attentional focus (i.e., follow-in comments) and later receptive language for 37 parent–child dyads with their young (mean = 21 months, range 15–24 months) children with autism symptomology. The frequency of parental follow-in comments positively predicted later receptive language after considering children’s joint attention skills and previous receptive language abilities.
Evaluating a roadside assistance program : Penn-Lincoln Parkway Service Patrol

The results of a preliminary evaluation of the Penn-Lincoln Parkway Service Patrol are summarized. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation contracts with a local towing company to operate the Service Patrol on the Penn-Lincoln Parkway (PA Route 60, U. S. Route 22, and Interstates 279 and 376) in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. The Service Patrol, consisting of specially equipped tow trucks driven by specially trained drivers, provides assistance to disabled vehicles along the parkway, thus reducing traffic delays and congestion. Service patrol hours of operation are during the morning and afternoon peak travel hours. The length of highway included in the evaluation is approximately 32 km (20 mi). The evaluation compared data from the period January-April 1997 with incident data collected by the Pennsylvania State Police during the corresponding period in 1996. The data were analyzed to determine the effect of the Service Patrol on incident response times, incident clearance times, and incident-rel...
Glycine inhibition of glutamate evoked-release of norepinephrine in the hypothalamus is strychnine-insensitive.

Abstract The effects of glycine (GLY), d -serine ( d -SER), kynurenic acid (KYN), and 7-Cl kynurenic acid (7-Cl KYN), on the evoked release of endogenous norepinephrine (NE) by l -glutamate ( l -GLU) in rat hypothalamic slices was investigated. KYN (500 and 100 μM) and 7-Cl KYN (10 μM) blocked evoked release of NE by l -GLU (1 mM). The inhibitory effects of 100 μM KYN on evoked release of NE by l -GLU were reversed by 10 μM and 100 μM d -SER and, but not 10 or 100 μM GLY. When KYN was not present in the superfusate, superfusion with either 10 or 100 μM GLY alone simultaneously with 1 mM l -GLU blocked the evoked release of NE produced by l -GLU. The addition of strychnine (3 or 100 μM) to the superfusate did not block the inhibitory effects of 10 μM GLY on l -GLU-evoked NE release. These findings suggest that a novel strychnine-resistant GLY receptor is present in the rat hypothalamus.
ORE, a eukaryotic minimal essential osmotic response element. The aldose reductase gene in hyperosmotic stress.

Organisms, almost universally, adapt to hyperosmotic stress through increased accumulation of organic osmolytes but the molecular mechanisms have only begun to be addressed. Among mammalian tissues, renal medullary cells are uniquely exposed to extreme hyperosmotic stress. Sorbitol, synthesized through aldose reductase, is a predominant osmolyte induced under hyperosmotic conditions in renal cells. Using a rabbit renal cell line, we originally demonstrated that hyperosmotic stress induces transcription of the aldose reductase gene. Recently, we cloned the rabbit aldose reductase gene, characterized its structure, and found the first evidence of an osmotic response region in a eukaryotic gene. Now, we have progressively subdivided this 3221-base pair (bp) region into discrete fragments in reporter gene constructs. Thereby, we have functionally defined the smallest sequence able to confer hyperosmotic response on a downstream gene independent of other putative cis-elements, that is, a minimal essential osmotic response element (ORE). The sequence of the ORE is CGGAAAATCAC(C) (bp −1105/−1094). A 17-bp fragment (−1108/−1092) containing the ORE used as a probe in electrophoretic mobility shift assays suggests hyperosmotic induction of a slowly migrating band. Isolation of trans-acting factor(s) and characterization of their interaction with the ORE should elucidate the basic mechanisms for regulation of gene expression by hyperosmotic stress.
Probing behavior of Diuraphis noxia and Rhopalosiphum maidis (Homoptera: Aphididae) affected by barley resistance to D. noxia and plant water stress

Abstract Probing behavior of Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), Russian wheat aphid, and Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch), corn leaf aphid, was measured on barley lines resistant and susceptible to D. noxia grown under low and high soil moisture. R. maidis reproduces similarly on both barley lines. Probing behavior was interpreted from waveforms of an alternating current electrical penetration graph (AC EPG) system of the Oklahoma design during 6-h monitoring periods. Significant effects were observed, particularly the aphid species by barley line interaction. Averaging across moisture levels, D. noxia took longer to first enter sieve element phase when probing D. noxia-resistant ‘STARS-9301B’ (306 ± 19.9 min [mean ± SEM]) than when probing susceptible ‘Morex’ (180 ± 21.6 min). In contrast, R. maidis relatively quickly entered sieve element phase on the two barley lines (average of 132 ± 13.7 min), with no detectable difference between lines. When measuring the total duration of sieve element phases, the stylets of...
Years of Potential Life Lost and Productivity Losses From Male Urogenital Cancer Deaths—United States, 2004

Objectives To estimate years of potential life lost (YPLL) and productivity losses due to deaths from male urogenital cancers in the United States in 2004. Methods To estimate YPLL, we applied a life expectancy method using 2004 national mortality data and life tables. To estimate lifetime productivity losses, we used human capital approach accounting for both the market value and the imputed value of housekeeping services. We calculated results for age and racial/ethnic groups and for 8 categories of male urogenital cancers. Results In 2004, deaths from urological cancers accounted for 244,080 YPLL, with an average of 14.4 YPLL per death, and deaths from genital cancers accounted for 309,921 YPLL, with an average of 10.5 YPLL per death. Kidney cancer accounted for 42.7% YPLL from male urological cancers, and prostate cancer accounted for 94.2% of the YPLL from male genital cancers. Testicular cancer had the highest average number of YPLL per death (37.9). Non-Hispanic whites accounted for 77.9% of the YPLL from male urogenital cancer deaths. Overall, urogenital cancers had the largest relative contribution to YPLL among men aged ≥50 years. In 2004, the estimated lifetime productivity loss because of deaths from male urogenital cancer was $10.4 billion USD, 10.6% of the estimated $97.9 billion USD loss because of deaths from all cancers among US men. Conclusions Urogenital cancers impose a considerable health and economic burden in terms of premature deaths and productivity losses in men in the United States, particularly among the elderly and non-Hispanic whites and blacks.
Volatile shell-investigation cues of land hermit crabs: Effect of shell fit, detection of cues from other hermit crab species, and cue isolation

Land hermit crab responses to volatile shell-investigation cues from land hermit crabs and from marine hermit crabs are analogous to the responses of marine hermit crabs to shell-investigation cues from marine crabs and from snails. Land hermit crabs attracted to shell cues are in worse-fitting shells and are more likely to investigate conspecifics' shells than are crabs attracted to feeding cues. Moving land hermit crabs from worse shells to better shells decreases the number of crabs investigating shells, while moving crabs from better shells to worse shells increases the number of crabs investigating shells. Gravid females have better-fitting shells than nongravid females or males. Crabs from two different populations in Panama have different shell fits and show different levels of responses to shell-investigation cues. Land hermit crabs respond to volatile shell-investigation cues from both land and marine hermit crabs, but marine hermit crabs do not respond to cues from land hermit crabs. A cue detection system for volatile cues most likely evolved in land hermit crabs during their transition from a marine to a terrestrial existence. Thus, the cues found in land hermit crabs and marine hermit crabs may be chemically similar. Volatile compounds collected from hermit crabs onto Tenax columns can be eluted with ethanol and act as shell-investigation cues in field assays.
Apomorphine-Induced Rotation in Normal Rats and Interaction with Unilateral Caudate Lesions

Apomorphine (i.p.) induced rotational behavior (i.e. circling) in normal unoperated rats. This rotation increased with increasing dose up to 10.0 mg/kg, after which the dose-response curve appeared to plateau. Although there was large variability among rats, rotation for each rat was consistent in both direction and magnitude from week to week. Rotation was not antagonized by alpha-methyl-para-tyrosine. When rats with unilateral lesions of the caudate nucleus were tested with apomorphine, postoperative rotation was significantly influenced by the direction of preoperative rotation; rats rotated more postoperatively if the lesion was made ipsilateral rather than contralateral to their preoperative direction of rotation. These results suggest that there is a bilateral asymmetry of dopaminergic receptors in the nigro-striatal pathways of normal rats.
A multigenerational view of inequality.

The study of intergenerational mobility and most population research are governed by a two-generation (parent-to-offspring) view of intergenerational influence, to the neglect of the effects of grandparents and other ancestors and nonresident contemporary kin. While appropriate for some populations in some periods, this perspective may omit important sources of intergenerational continuity of family-based social inequality. Social institutions, which transcend individual lives, help support multigenerational influence, particularly at the extreme top and bottom of the social hierarchy, but to some extent in the middle as well. Multigenerational influence also works through demographic processes because families influence subsequent generations through differential fertility and survival, migration, and marriage patterns, as well as through direct transmission of socioeconomic rewards, statuses, and positions. Future research should attend more closely to multigenerational effects; to the tandem nature of demographic and socioeconomic reproduction; and to data, measures, and models that transcend coresident nuclear families.
Pyrogenic polygermanosiloxane coatings for aluminum substrates

Abstract The factors governing the film-forming performance of pre-ceramic polygermanosiloxan (PGS) coatings for aluminum (Al) substrate surfaces were investigated. The coatings were prepared through the hydrolysis-dehydrochlorinating and dehydrating condensations-pyrolysis reactions of a sol-precursor solution consisting of N-[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]-4,5-dihydroimidazole, Ge(OC2H5)4, water, CH3OH, and HCl. Six factors were important in obtaining a good film: (1) the high spreadability of the sol solution on the Al surfaces: (2) the formation of organocpolygermanosiloxane at sintering temperatures of 150° C; (3) the pyrolytic conversion at 350°C into an amorphous PGS network structure in which the SiOGe linkages were moderately enhanced; (4) the persistence of only minimum amounts of organic by-products; (5) the non-crystalline phases; and (6) the formation of interfacial oxane bond between PGS and aluminum oxide.
Relationship of sufficient and abundant level of minerals to lipid and lipoprotein metabolism in male rats

Abstract Recent studies have shown the effects of inidividual essential metals, or simple combinations of them, on lipid metabolism. Perturbations in blood or liver lipids due to 1% dietary cholesterol were seen in rats fed purified diets containing National Research Council (NRC) recommended levels of minerals, while rats fed chow were protected against these effects. To determine the effects of dietary minerals on lipids and lipoproteins, a study was conducted using male rats fed purified diets with two mineral mixtures, one equivalent to NRC recommendations and the other with levels similar to those present in chow. The effects of 1% dietary cholesterol in these groups were compared with those observed in chow-fed rats. The added mineral mixture affected the cholesterol distribution in the lipoprotein fractions by increasing the ratio of high density lipoprotein (HDL) to very low density + low density lipoprotein (VLDL + LDL) from 0.2 to 0.9. Moreover, it significantly reduced the total liver lipid, thus minimizing the fatty liver formation. In view of the above findings, dietary levels of essential mineral nutrients must be considered in studying the relationship of cholesterol to lipid and lipoprotein metabolism.