Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A General Approximation for the Distribution of Count Data

Under mild assumptions about the interarrival distribution, we derive a modi ed version of the Birnbaum-Saunders distribution, which we call the tBISA, as an approximation for the true distribution of count data. The free parameters of the tBISA are the rst two moments of the underlying interarrival distribution. We show that the density for the sum of tBISA variables is available in closed form. This density is determined using the tBISA's moment generating function, which we introduce to the literature. The tBISA's moment generating function additionally reveals a new mixture interpretation that is based on the inverse Gaussian and gamma distributions. We then show that the tBISA can t count data better than the distributions commonly used to model demand in economics and business. In numerical experiments and empirical applications, we demonstrate that modeling demand with the tBISA can lead to better economic decisions.
The microbiome of the chicken gastrointestinal tract

Abstract The modern molecular biology movement was developed in the 1960s with the conglomeration of biology, chemistry, and physics. Today, molecular biology is an integral part of studies aimed at understanding the evolution and ecology of gastrointestinal microbial communities. Molecular techniques have led to significant gains in our understanding of the chicken gastrointestinal microbiome. New advances, primarily in DNA sequencing technologies, have equipped researchers with the ability to explore these communities at an unprecedented level. A reinvigorated movement in systems biology offers a renewed promise in obtaining a more complete understanding of chicken gastrointestinal microbiome dynamics and their contributions to increasing productivity, food value, security, and safety as well as reducing the public health impact of raising production animals. Here, we contextualize the contributions molecular biology has already made to our understanding of the chicken gastrointestinal microbiome and propose targeted research directions that could further exploit molecular technologies to improve the economy of the poultry industry.
Preparation of platinum- and silver-incorporated TiO2 coatings in thin-film photoreactor for the photocatalytic decomposition of o-cresol

Platinum-incorporated TiO2 (Pt-TiO2) and silver-incorporated TiO2 (Ag-TiO2) coatings on sapphire tubes of a thin-film photoreactor were prepared using a photoreduction process. Results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that the Ag-TiO2 coatings consisted of a mixture of Ag2O, Ag and TiO2 particles, owing to the partial oxidization of silver particles on the TiO2 coatings, while the Pt-TiO2 coating contained a mixture of Pt and TiO2 particles. Diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectra (DRS) showed that metal particles (Ag or Pt) incorporated into the TiO2 coatings promoted optical absorption in the visible region and made it possible for the coatings to be excited by visible light. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra showed that the PL intensity of the Pt-TiO2 coating was lower than that of the Ag-TiO2 and TiO2 coatings, indicating that the Pt-TiO2 coating had a higher efficiency of charge carrier trapping, immigration and transfer, which subsequently promoted the pseudo-first-order rate constants after the UV/TiO2 process. The Pt-TiO2 coatings for the photocatalytic decomposition of o-cresol under UV light irradiation corresponded to a higher pseudo-first-order rate constant (k) of 0.02 min−1 when compared with the photocatalytic decomposition rates of pure TiO2 coatings (k=0.0062 min−1) and Ag-TiO2 coatings (k=0.01 min−1). The experimental results also indicated that the photodegradation rate of the Pt-TiO2 coating under visible light irradiation was significantly higher than the photodegradation rates of the Ag-TiO2 and pure TiO2 coatings.
Kinetic and Equilibrium Studies of Neutral Red Adsorption onto Spent Ground Coffee from Aqueous Solution

In this study, the adsorption of neutral red (NR) on the spent ground coffee (SGC) was examined. The effect of various parameters such as pH and adsorbent dose on the removal of NR was investigated. The removal ratios of NR (25 and 40 mg/L) on SGC after 2 h were 95.6 and 90.2%, respectively. The removal ratio of NR is increased by increasing the pH value. Equilibrium data fitted very well in a Langmuir isotherm equation, the adsorption capacity of NR was 136.98 mg/g for SGC. The adsorption mechanisms can be contributed by hydrophobicity interaction at the interface occurs between NR and SGC. The present study shows that the SGC is an inexpensive and easily used NR adsorbent.
Change in ozone trends at southern high latitudes

Long‐term ozone variations at 60–70°S in spring are investigated using ground‐based and satellite measurements. Strong positive correlation is shown between year‐to‐year variations of ozone and temperature in the Antarctic collar region in Septembers and Octobers. Based on this relationship, the effect of year‐to‐year variations in vortex dynamics has been filtered out. This process results in an ozone time series that shows increasing springtime ozone losses over the Antarctic until the mid‐1990s. Since approximately 1997 the ozone losses have leveled off. The analysis confirms that this change is consistent across all instruments and is statistically significant at the 95% confidence level. This analysis quantifies the beginning of the recovery of the ozone hole, which is expected from the leveling off of stratospheric halogen loading due to the ban on CFCs and other halocarbons initiated by the Montreal Protocol.
Factors Affecting Dissolved Oxygen Metabolism in Coastal Plain Streams of Virginia

FACTORS AFFECTING DISSOLVED OXYGEN METABOLISM IN COASTAL PLAIN STREAMS OF VIRGINIA By Julie E. Frank, B.S. A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science (Biology) at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2009 Major Director: Paul A. Bukaveckas Associate Professor Department of Biology, Center for Environmental Studies I investigated seasonal and inter-site variation in factors influencing diel dissolved oxygen (DO) metabolism at four streams in the Virginia Coastal Plain. Data were collected monthly from January to August 2008 to characterize DO metabolism (diel DO amplitude, production, respiration), incident solar radiation (PAR), dissolved nutrients, fine benthic materials (mass, C:N, Chlα) and hydrology (discharge, water transit time, transient storage). Reach-scale metabolism estimates were determined using the onestation diurnal DO technique and transit time and transient storage were determined by conservative tracer additions. Incident solar radiation was the primary determinant of DO vii viii metabolism as streams experiencing higher light levels (Herring and Powell Creeks) exhibited greater diel DO amplitudes, production and respiration. Streams with greater riparian shading (Courthouse and Crump Creeks) exhibited lower DO metabolism despite their higher nutrient concentrations. Higher incident solar radiation was associated with greater benthic algal biomass at some (Herring, Crump, and Courthouse Creeks) but not all (Powell Creek) sites. Diel DO amplitudes were significantly and positively correlated with benthic Chlα and incident solar radiation at less shaded sites. These factors were not significant predictors of DO amplitude, production or respiration at more shaded sites. CHAPTER
Long-Term Outcomes of ADHD

Objective: To compare the long-term self-esteem and social function outcomes of individuals with untreated and treated ADHD across childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Method: A systematic search of 12 databases was performed to identify peer-reviewed, primary research articles, published January 1980 to December 2011, reporting long-term self-esteem and/or social function outcomes (≥2 years; life consequences distinct from symptoms) of individuals with untreated or treated ADHD. Results: Overall, 127 studies reported 150 outcomes. Most outcomes were poorer in individuals with untreated ADHD versus non-ADHD controls (57% [13/23] for self-esteem; 73% [52/71] for social function). A beneficial response to treatment (pharmacological, nonpharmacological, and multimodal treatments) was reported for the majority of self-esteem (89% [8/9]) and social function (77% [17/22]) outcomes. Conclusion: Untreated ADHD was associated with poorer long-term self-esteem and social function outcomes compared with non-ADHD controls. Treatment for ADHD was associated with improvement in outcomes; however, further long-term outcome studies are needed.
Useful immunohistochemical markers in differentiating hemangioblastoma versus metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Hemangioblastomas (HBs) account for nearly a tenth of all posterior fossa neoplasms and can be the presenting finding in patients with von Hippel‐Lindau (VHL) syndrome. HB must be differentiated from renal cell carcinoma (RCC), also seen in VHL, as the distinction between these lesions dictates the management of these patients. Currently inhibin A and RCC marker have been used in the diagnosis of HB and metastatic RCC, both with inconsistent results. Additional immunohistochemical markers including CD10, PAX‐2, D2‐40, and FLi‐1 have been shown to have potential for the distinction of these two entities. Fifteen cerebellar HBs and 17 metastatic clear cell RCCs to the brain were selected for the study. All cases were immunostained with RCC marker, inhibin, CD10, PAX‐2, D2‐40, and Fli‐1. The staining patterns were scored based on intensity and extent of tumor staining. In the differentiation of HB and metastatic RCC, D2‐40 and RCC marker proved to be poor markers with less than 50% of HBs and RCCs, respectively, showing positive staining. PAX‐2 and CD10 were superior to RCC marker in the diagnosis of metastatic RCC, with PAX‐2 having better specificity. Fli‐1 failed to stain tumor cells in both HBs and RCC. Inhibin A, in combination with PAX‐2, showed to be the most useful markers to differentiate HB from metastatic RCC.
Radio-to-γ-ray monitoring of the narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy PMN J0948+0022 from 2008 to 2011 ,

We present more than three years of observations at different frequencies, from radio to high-energy γ-rays, of the Narrow-Line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) Galaxy PMN J0948+0022 (z = 0.585). This source is the first NLS1 detected at energies above 100 MeV and therefore can be considered the prototype of this emerging new class of γ-ray emitting active galactic nuclei (AGN). The observations performed from 2008 August 1 to 2011 December 31 confirmed that PMN J0948+0022 generates a powerful relativistic jet, which is able to develop an isotropic luminosity at γ-rays of the order of 10 48 erg s −1 , at the level of powerful quasars. The evolution of the radiation emission of this source in 2009 and 2010 followed the canonical expectations of relativistic jets with correlated multiwavelength variability (γ-rays followed by radio emission after a few months), but it was difficult to retrieve a similar pattern in the light curves of 2011. The comparison of γ-ray spectra before and including 2011 data suggested that there was a softening of the highenergy spectral slope. We selected five specific epochs to be studied by modelling the broad-band spectrum, which are characterised by an outburst at γ-rays or very low/high flux at other wavelengths. The observed variability can largely be explained by changes in the injected power, the bulk Lorentz factor of the jet, or the electron spectrum. The characteristic time scale of doubling/halving flux ranges from a few days to a few months, depending on the frequency and the sampling rate. The shortest doubling time scale at γ-rays is 2.3 ± 0.5 days. These small values underline the need of highly sampled multiwavelength campaigns to better understand the physics of these sources.
Modeling of switching and conduction losses in three-phase SPWM VSC using switching function concept

The designer of power converters must model the losses of converter switches to optimize the performance of system. In this paper, the losses of three-phase SPWM VSC are modeled using switching function concept. This model is simulated and its results are compared with accurate method, which is based on the semiconductor characteristics. It is shown that the suggested method includes simplicity, convergence, and short run-time of simulation.
Two-stage approach for 12-V VR

To meet the stringent specifications of the voltage regulator (VR), the two-stage approach is proposed for the 12-V VR. This paper discusses detailed design considerations, which include the design of the first stage, optimization of the intermediate bus voltage, design of the intermediate bus capacitors, and the design of the ultra-high frequency second stage. The analysis shows that the two-stage approach can realize high frequency, thus significantly reducing the output capacitance and therefore decreasing the cost. A 1.2-V/100-A prototype is built to verify the analysis. The second stage runs at 2MHz per phase and the total efficiency is as high as 81%. Compared to the conventional single-stage multiphase buck, the two-stage approach is more cost-effective and more efficient.
Immunohistochemical and Molecular Features of Sporadic and FAP-associated Duodenal Adenomas of the Ampullary and Nonampullary Mucosa

The pathogenesis of duodenal adenomas is not well elucidated. Much of the literature pertains to ampullary adenomas and those associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). In this study, we evaluated the molecular features of a series of sporadic duodenal adenomas (n=22) that developed distal to the ampulla, and compared them with the features of sporadic ampullary adenomas (n=9) and FAP-related polyps (n=12). Using a combination of immunohistochemical studies [cytokeratins 7 and 20, E-cadherin, β-catenin, p53, MLH-1, MSH-2, MSH-6, and O6-methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT)], DNA sequencing [β-catenin, adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), p53, KRAS, and BRAF], and a polymerase chain reaction-based microsatellite instability assay; we assessed each case for abnormalities in the Wnt signaling and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways and DNA repair mechanisms. Wnt signaling pathway abnormalities occurred in sporadic, nonampullary (82%), and ampullary (77%) adenomas at comparable rates, usually reflecting nuclear β-catenin immunostaining (64% and 44%, respectively), and APC rather than β-catenin, mutations. KRAS mutations were infrequent in sporadic, nonampullary adenomas (18%), and FAP-related adenomas (9%); moderately frequent in ampullary adenomas (44%); and none of the cases harbored BRAF mutations. Only 4 (13%) sporadic adenomas showed nuclear p53 staining, but no p53 mutations were detected in exons 5 to 8. Loss of O6-methylguanine methyltransferase immunostaining was identified in 1 sporadic, nonampullary adenoma, and none of the polyps in any group showed loss of MLH-1, MSH-2, or MSH-6 staining, or high-frequency microsatellite instability. We conclude that sporadic and FAP-related adenomas show similar molecular features, regardless of their anatomic location. Similar to colorectal adenomas, they harbor APC and KRAS mutations; but BRAF mutations, p53 alterations, and DNA mismatch repair abnormalities are rare.
Asymmetrical Grid Fault Ride-Through Strategy of Three-Phase Grid-Connected Inverter Considering Network Impedance Impact in Low-Voltage Grid

This letter presents a new control strategy of three-phase grid-connected inverter for the positive sequence voltage recovery and negative sequence voltage reduction under asymmetrical grid faults. Unlike the conventional control strategy based on an assumption that the network impedance is mainly inductive, the proposed control strategy is more flexible and effective by considering the network impedance impact, which is of great importance for the high penetration of grid-connected renewable energy systems into low-voltage grids. The experimental tests are carried out to validate the effectiveness of the proposed solution for the flexible voltage support in a low-voltage grid, where the network impedance is mainly resistive.
Plasma Transferrin Receptor Levels and Indices of Erythropoiesis and Iron Status in Healthy Term Infants

Purpose: The goal of this study was to determine if the postnatal changes in plasma transferrin receptor (TfR) levels in healthy infants were associated with changes in erythropoiesis or iron status. Subjects and Methods Longitudinal blood samples were obtained monthly from healthy term infants fed iron-fortified formula for the first 7 months and analyzed for plasma TfR and indices of erythropoiesis and iron status. Results: Plasma TfR level rose during the first 2 months of life (p < 0.002). When examined for its association with indices of erythropoiesis, plasma TfR was negatively associated with hemoglobin (Hb) (p < 0.01), and positively associated with plasma erythropoietin (EPO) concentration (p < 0.005) and absolute reticulocyte count (p < 0.005). Plasma TfR was not associated with erythrocyte protoporphyrin. Although indices of iron status were not suggestive of iron deficiency, plasma TfR was negatively associated with plasma ferritin, Tf saturation, and plasma iron, and positively associated with total iron binding capacity (TIBC) (p < 0.0001 for all). Conclusions: Increases in plasma TfR levels were observed during normal infancy. The increases in plasma TfR levels correlate with increases in erythropoiesis without evidence for functional iron deficiency.
Halotolerant, acid‐alkali stable, chelator resistant and raw starch digesting α‐amylase from a marine bacterium Bacillus subtilis S8–18

A halotolerant α‐amylase having the ability of digesting the insoluble raw starches was characterized from Bacillus subtilis S8–18, a marine sediment isolate from Palk Bay region. The electrophoresis techniques unveiled that the α‐amylase was indeed a monomer with a molecular weight of 57 kDa. The optimum temperature and pH for the enzyme activity were 60 °C and 6.0 respectively. The enzyme was highly stable for 24 h over a wide range of pH from 4.0 to 12.0 by showing 84–94% activity. Interestingly, by retaining 72% activity even after 24 h, the enzyme also showed tolerance towards 28% NaCl. The α‐amylase retained a minimum of 93% residual activity in 1 mM concentration for the selected divalent metal ions. The enzyme was found to be chelator resistant as it remained unaffected by 1 mM of EDTA and exhibited 96% activity even at 5 mM concentration. Furthermore, though 1% SDS caused remarkable reduction (68%) in amylase activity, the enzyme showed tolerance towards other detergents (1% of Triton‐X and Tween 80) with 85% activity. Additionally, the α‐amylase enzyme is capable of hydrolyzing the insoluble raw starch substrates which was evident from the scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and spectrophotometric analyses.
Analysis of the Spur Characteristics of Edge-Combining DLL-Based Frequency Multipliers

A complete analysis of the spur characteristics of edge-combining delay-locked loop (DLL)-based frequency multipliers is presented in this brief. The novelty of this analysis is the fact that it can be used to estimate the effect of both the in-lock error and the delay-stage mismatch on the spurious level of the frequency multiplier with low computational complexity. In addition, a way to reduce the mismatch between the delay cells in the delay line is discussed via an analytic model and verified by the implementation of a delay cell in a 65-nm CMOS process.
Sample size and statistical power.

To The Editor: In the article "Current Concepts Review. Sample Size and Statistical Power in Clinical Orthopaedic Research" (81-A: 1454-1460, Oct. 1999), Freedman and Bernstein refer to the Knee Society score as a continuous variable when calculating necessary sample sizes. However, this is not true, as distinct numbers are given to certain levels of performance or qualities examined; for example, unlimited walking is given 50 points, walking more than ten blocks is given 40 points, and walking …
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone increases cleavage rates of bovine oocytes fertilized in vitro.

Because a direct effect of GnRH on spermatozoa has been implied in clinical studies with subfertile bulls and stallions, we added GnRH to in vitro fertilization media to study effects on cleavage rates of bovine oocytes obtained from slaughterhouse ovaries. Cleavage rates were higher (p < 0.01) in media containing 0.8 microgram/ml GnRH (68%) than in controls (59%) and were consistent across three bulls. In a second experiment two GnRH agonists also increased cleavage rates. A dose response for GnRH was demonstrated in a third experiment with a low-fertility bull (p < 0.09): cleavage rates were 37, 36, 43, 48, and 47% for 0, 0.16, 0.8, 4, and 20 micrograms/ml GnRH, respectively. A GnRH antagonist was also shown to abolish the enhancing effect of GnRH on cleavage rates. No significant (p > 0.10) effect on percentage blastocysts per cleaved ovum was detected in any experiment. No specific binding of a GnRH analog to sperm was detected in radioreceptor assays. However, mRNA for the GnRH receptor was detected in matured cumulus-oocyte complexes by means of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and was verified by Southern hybridization with cDNA for the ovine GnRH receptor. In summary, GnRH and GnRH agonists enhance bovine in vitro fertilization, and detection of mRNA for the GnRH receptor in cumulus-oocyte complexes is suggestive that GnRH may act through its receptor.
Pigment epithelium‐derived factor induces the production of chemokines by rat microglia

Many studies have shown that pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) has neurotrophic effects on retinal cells and hippocampal, spinal cord, and cerebellar granule cell neurons, but much less work has examined the effects of PEDF on glia. In this study, we show that PEDF changes microglial morphology within 1 h of exposure, to a more deactivated form, while having no effect on the expression of such activation markers as OX‐42 and ED‐1. In contrast, urea activates acid phosphatase, and PEDF blocks that activation. PEDF also activates NFκB, accompanied by the induction of mRNAs and proteins for the chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α (MIP‐1α, MIP‐2, and MIP‐3α. All the chemokines stimulate acid phosphatase activity, and high doses of MIP‐2 and MIP‐3α), alter the morphology of the microglia at 1 h after treatment. These results suggest that the use of PEDF for clinical treatments, such as for retinal neovascularization, brain injury, or ischemia, should be undertaken with caution because of the possibility of induction of inflammation caused by microglial or other immune cell migration in response to the chemokines induced by PEDF. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Why Do Households Trade So Much

If households are uncertain about their trading abilities but learn by trading, some will trade even if they expect to lose. I show that a Bayesian trading model with frictions is consistent with three empirical regularities in household trading behavior: most households lose to the market, households’ trading intensity depends on past performance, and poorly performing households stop trading altogether. Estimates from a hierarchical population model suggest that, first, moderate amounts of uncertainty can generate the regularities seen in the data; second, approximately 4% of investors could earn excess returns with some consistency; third, 18% of the investors who started active trading believed that they would lose to the market—the possibility of being skilled offset these investors’ expected short-term losses; and fourth, because investors stop trading after poor performance, realized returns are significantly downwards biased measures of investors’ true abilities.