Optimal pixel aspect ratio for enhanced 3D TV visualization

In multiview 3D TV, a pair of corresponding pixels in adjacent 2D views contributes to the reconstruction of voxels (3D pixels) in the 3D scene. We analyze this reconstruction process and determine the optimal pixel aspect ratio based on which the estimated object position can be improved given specific imaging or viewing configurations and constraints. By applying mathematical modeling, we deduce the optimal solutions for two general stereo configurations: parallel and with vergence. We theoretically show that for a given total resolution a finer horizontal resolution, compared to the usual uniform pixel distribution, in general, provides a better 3D visual experience for both configurations. The optimal value may vary depending on different configuration parameter values. We validate our theoretical results by conducting subjective studies using a set of simulated non-square discretized red–blue stereo pairs and show that human observers indeed have a better 3D viewing experience with an optimized vs. a non-optimized representation of 3D-models.     

Generation of a green fluorescent protein gene chromosomal insertion containing Escherichia coli strain for gene induction-based quantification of bioavailable lysine

The importance of lysine determination in feed materials is crucial for the feed industry because this amino acid can be limiting in many of the cereal materials used for animal feeds. The bacterial gene induction-based assay developed in this study aimed to measure lysine bioavailability in feeds as an alternative analytical method for animal assays. The advantages of a gene induction-based approach include rapid and quantitative estimation of many samples and results that relate a bacterial response to a biological response observed in animals. A whole-cell biosensor strain was constructed using a fluorescent E. coli strain that has an inducible fluorescent phenotype sensitive to extracellular lysine contents. A genetic fusion that links the promoter of cad operon with a green fluorescent protein encoding gene (gfp) was constructed, and a fluorescent assay was developed. A standard lysine curve (R² = 0.95) was generated and used for lysine bioavailability quantification of four feed ingredients (whole egg protein, blood-, soybean-, and meat and bone meal). Quantities as low as 50 μg/ml protein of digested samples were sufficient for analyses using the biosensor, except for meat and bone meal. Because of the low levels of free lysine in non-digested samples, fluorescence of these protein sources containing lower than 500 μg/ml protein was not detected (except for soybean meal). The results using enzymatically digested protein sources showed that the test strain emitted a fluorescent response that was proportional to the level of lysine present in the feed samples.     

Effect of preheating on potato texture

Preheating potatoes at 50 to 80°C has a firming effect on the cooked potato tissue. This effect is particularly pronounced at a preheating temperature of 60 to 70°C followed by cooling. Several theories have been presented in the literature to explain this firming effect: retrogradation of starch, leaching of amylose, stabilization of the middle lamellae and cell walls by the activation of the pectin methylesterase (PME) enzyme, and by the release of calcium from gelatinized starch and the formation of calcium bridges between pectin molecules. Most probably, none of these theories alone can explain the phenomenon and more than one mechanism seems to be involved. Some of these mechanisms seem to be interdependent. As an example, calcium could be considered as a link all the way through release after starch gelatinization to cross‐linking pectin substances in the cell wall and the middle lamellae, which has been demethylated by the PME enzyme. More research and “clear cut” experiments are needed in order to elucidate the role of each mechanism, especially which of them is the main contributor to the process of firming. Most probably, the calcium‐pectin‐PME mechanism plays a secondary role, that is, it only retards the collapse of the tissue structure that would otherwise occur during the final heating without preheating, and it is not the main factor of firmness.     

Mental health services for homeless mentally ill persons: Federal initiatives and current service trends.

Recent research suggests that approximately one third of the population of homeless single adults suffer from severe mental illnesses. Despite multiple health, mental health, and social welfare needs, this population is often unable to obtain necessary housing and community-based services. For this reason, since 1982, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has undertaken a number of federal initiatives to encourage research and assist states and localities in improving services focused on this vulnerable subgroup of the homeless population. This article describes the target population, NIMH research findings, and current mental health programs—with particular emphasis on two mental health programs established under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. Proposed future directions for federal research and evaluation efforts in this area are also discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Adapting ADtrees for improved performance on large datasets with high-arity features

The ADtree, a data structure useful for caching sufficient statistics, has been successfully adapted to grow lazily when memory is limited and to update sequentially with an incrementally updated dataset. However, even these modified forms of the ADtree still exhibit inefficiencies in terms of both space usage and query time, particularly on datasets with very high dimensionality and with high-arity features. We propose four modifications to the ADtree, each of which can be used to improve size and query time under specific types of datasets and features. These modifications also provide an increased ability to precisely control how an ADtree is built and to tune its size given external memory or speed requirements.     

Using an Experimental Design to Identify and Quantify the Effects of Environment Related Test Parameters on the In Vitro Mucoadhesivity Testing of a Propanolol Buccal Tablet

ABSTRACT

This study sought to identify and quantify the effects of environmental test parameters on the mucoadhesivity of a propranolol tablet. Their effects on Maximum Detachment Force (MDF) measurements were evaluated using a Box-Behnken design matrix. Prehydration time (PT) had a statistically significant negative main effect while contact force (CF) had no significant effect on in vitro MDF measurements. While contact time (CT) had no significant main or quadratic effects, it had a positive interaction effect with PT. The mathematical model was statistically validated and a PT of 3.5 min and a CT of 5 min was proposed for mucoadhesion testing by the tensile method during formulation optimization.