Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative effects of processing methods on the feeding value of maize in feedlot cattle

The primary reason for processing maize is to enhance feeding value. Total tract starch digestion is similar for coarsely processed (dry rolled, cracked) dry maize. Enhancements in starch digestion due to dry rolling maize v. feeding maize whole may be greater in light-weight calves than in yearlings, and when DM intake is restricted ( < 1·5 % of body weight). The net energy (NE) maintain (NEm) and NE gain (NEg) values for whole maize are 8·83 and 6·02 MJ (2·11 and 1·44 Mcal)/kg, respectively. Compared with conventional dry processing (i.e. coarse rolled, cracked), finely processing maize may increase the initial rate of digestion, but does not improve total tract starch digestion. Tempering before rolling (without the addition of steam) may enhance the growth performance response and the NE value of maize. Average total tract starch digestion is similar for high-moisture and steam-flaked maize. However, the proportion of starch digested ruminally is greater (about 8 %) for high-moisture maize. The growth performance response of feedlot cattle to the feeding of high-moisture maize is highly variable. Although the NEm and NEg value of whole high-moisture maize was slightly less than that of dry processed maize (averaging 9·04 and 6·44 MJ (2·16 and 1·54 Mcal)/kg, respectively), grinding or rolling high-moisture maize before ensiling increased (6 %) its NE value. Substituting steam-flaked maize for dry processed maize increases average daily gain (6·3 %) and decreases DM intake (5 %). The comparative NEm and NEg values for steam-flaked maize at optimal processing (density = 0·34 kg/l) are 10·04 and 7·07 MJ (2·40 and 1·69 Mcal)/kg, respectively. These NE values are greater (3 %) than current tabular values (National Research Council, 2000), being more consistent with earlier standards (National Research Council, 1984). When maize is the primary or sole source of starch in the diet, concentration of starch in faeces (faecal starch, % of DM) of feedlot steers can serve as an indicator of total tract starch digestion, and, hence, the feeding value of maize.
Association of insulin-like growth factor-1 polymorphisms with high myopia in the Chinese population

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether genetic variants in the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) gene were associated with high myopia in the Chinese population. Methods A case-control association study of 421 unrelated Chinese patients with high myopia and 401 control subjects matched in ethnicity and gender was undertaken. Genomic DNA was prepared from peripheral blood. All individuals were genotyped for 7 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (tSNPs) across the IGF-1 gene region. Genotypic distribution was tested for Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The genotype and allele frequencies were evaluated using the χ2 tests. Bonferroni corrections for multiple comparisons were performed. Results The polymorphism of rs12423791 showed positive association with extreme myopia (pallel=0.006 and pallel1 recessive model=0.004, respectively) after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing and the haplotype GC of rs5742629-rs12423791 was also associated with extreme myopia (p=0.033) after 50,000 permutations for multiple comparisons. Conclusions The polymorphism of rs12423791 in IGF-1 may be associated with extreme myopia in the Chinese population and should be investigated further.
Functions of the Mirror Neuron System: Implications for Neurorehabilitation

Mirror neurons discharge during the execution of hand object-directed actions and during the observation of the same actions performed by other individuals. These neurons were first identified in the ventral premotor cortex (area F5) and later on in the inferior parietal lobule of monkey brain, thus constituting the mirror neuron system. More recently, mirror neurons for mouth object-directed actions have also been found in the monkey. Several pieces of experimental data demonstrate that a mirror neuron system devoted to hand, mouth, and foot actions is also present in humans. In the present paper we review the experimental evidence on the role of the mirror neuron system in action understanding, imitation learning of novel complex actions, and internal rehearsal (motor imagery) of actions. On the basis of features of the mirror neuron system and its role in action understanding and imitation, we discuss the possible use of action observation and imitation as an approach for systematic training in the rehabilitation of patients with motor impairment of the upper limb after stroke.
π-peaking shunt-feedback transimpedance amplifier with bandwidth enhancement

A bandwidth enhancement technique for a resistive shunt-feedback transimpedance amplifier (TIA) is developed in this paper. The technique relies upon a π-peaking network realization using the shunt-feedback TIA as part of the network in order to offer a high bandwidth while maintaining a low noise performance. The output is obtained by making use of subsequent amplifier stages with the non-uniform constant-k output network for simultaneously high gain and bandwidth. Practical performance verification was provided via the design and simulation of a 50 dB·O 10-GHz π-peaking TIA, where it clearly exhibits a superior bandwidth over the conventional TIA.
Untangling AdaBoost-based Cost-Sensitive Classification. Part I: Theoretical Perspective

Boosting algorithms have been widely used to tackle a plethora of problems. In the last few years, a lot of approaches have been proposed to provide standard AdaBoost with cost-sensitive capabilities, each with a different focus. However, for the researcher, these algorithms shape a tangled set with diffuse differences and properties, lacking a unifying analysis to jointly compare, classify, evaluate and discuss those approaches on a common basis. In this series of two papers we aim to revisit the various proposals, both from theoretical (Part I) and practical (Part II) perspectives, in order to analyze their specific properties and behavior, with the final goal of identifying the algorithm providing the best and soundest results.
Up‐regulation of micro‐RNA765 in human failing hearts is associated with post‐transcriptional regulation of protein phosphatase inhibitor‐1 and depressed contractility

Impaired sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ cycling and depressed contractility, a hallmark of human and experimental heart failure, has been partially attributed to increased protein phosphatase 1 (PP‐1) activity, associated with down‐regulation of its endogenous inhibitor‐1. The levels and activity of inhibitor‐1 are reduced in failing hearts, contributing to dephosphorylation and inactivation of key calcium cycling proteins. Therefore, we investigated the mechanisms that mediate decreases in inhibitor‐1 by post‐transcriptional modification.
Speech-Plans: Generating Evaluative Responses in Spoken Dialogue

Recent work on evaluation of spoken dialogue systems indicates that better algorithms are needed for the presentation of complex information in speech. Current dialogue systems often rely on presenting sets of options and their attributes sequentially. This places a large memory burden on users, who have to remember complex trade-offs between multiple options and their attributes. To address these problems we build on previous work using multiattribute decision theory to devise speech-planning algorithms that present usertailored summaries, comparisons and recommendations that allow users to focus on critical differences between options and their attributes. We discuss the differences between speech and text planning that result from the particular demands of the speech situation.
Priority-based dynamic access policies to WAN from LAN/MAN

The authors consider the integration problem of LAN/MAN traffic to WAN by ATM/SONET multiplexing. They propose separate buffers for voice and data to efficiently control the throughput of each traffic type. Transmission bandwidth is dynamically and adaptively shared between voice and data to guarantee grade of service (GOS) requirements for each traffic type. The authors propose two algorithms for access policies; the (N/sub 1/,N/sub 2/) scheme and its adaptive variation. Their algorithms do not require the knowledge of arrival statistics. In the fact scheme, they can play with the tradeoff between delay and cell loss probability of each traffic type. In the second scheme, for most of the time and under normal network conditions, voice traffic has higher priority. Data traffic has higher priority when the number of data cells queued reaches a certain threshold. They show how the network performance is affected by several system parameters. <<ETX>>
A highly efficient WLAN CMOS PA with two-winding and single-winding combined transformer

In this paper, a fully integrated high-efficiency linear CMOS power amplifier (PA) is developed for 802.11g WLAN applications with the proposed power combining transformer. In comparison with conventional power combining transformers, the proposed power combining transformer can offer high-efficiency performances with a smaller die size. The fabricated two-stage PA using a 65nm CMOS technology achieves a saturated output power of 26.7 dBm with a drain efficiency (DE) of 47.7% at 2.48 GHz. The PA is tested with 54Mbps WLAN 802.11g signal and it meets the stringent error vector magnitude (EVM) and spectral mask requirements at a 20.13-dBm output power with a DE of 21.4%.
A hybrid approach to recognising discourse causality in the biomedical domain

Whilst current domain-specific information extraction systems represent an important resource for biomedical researchers, the increasing amount of knowledge published daily is still overwhelming them. As such, automatic discourse causality recognition can further improve the search for relevant information by suggesting possible causal connections. We describe here an approach to the automatic recognition of discourse causality in the biomedical domain using a combination of machine learning and rules. We test and evaluate our system on BioCause, a corpus containing gold standard annotations of causal relations. The best performance in identifying triggers is achieved by CRFs with 79.35% F-score. We then locate the arguments using naïve syntactic rules, achieving F-scores of around 90% in most cases. Determining which argument plays which role is performed by a group of machine learners with an F-score of 84.35%.
Work demographics and officers' perceptions of the work environment which add to the prediction of at risk alcohol consumption within a large Australian police sample

This study examined aspects of the work environment, which may impact on individual police officers' risk of harm from alcohol consumption. A self report survey containing demographic questions, the AUDIT and questions relating to perceived control over the job, overtime, pressure, boredom and job satisfaction was completed by 67 per cent of officers in an Australian state police service. The results of the current study indicate that gender, age and marital status, are individual risk factors for problem drinking, as has been shown in previous research. Within the policing context, years of service, job satisfaction, perceived control within the job and being an operational officer, also emerged as significant predictors of at risk alcohol consumption patterns. Findings further suggest that there is a strong norm of drinking at work or after a shift, which suggests a culture of acceptance of drinking within the workplace. This acceptance is strongly predictive of both risk of alcohol dependency and negative consequences from drinking within the police service. This study suggests directions for future research, which may lead to the introduction of informed interventions within the police service that could reduce officers' risk of harm from alcohol consumption.
Interleukin 1beta mediated calciotropic activity in serum of children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To detect the presence and source of calciotropic activity in the serum of children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). METHODS Metabolic evaluation of an adolescent with polyarticular JRA and hypercalcemia/hypercalciuria included testing with a bone disc bioassay. The bioassay detects calciotropic activity (increased bone resorption or reduced bone formation) in serum. Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) was added to patient sera to test the role of IL-1beta. The results in this index case prompted additional study in 9 children with JRA. Correlation of calciotropic activity with disease activity score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and urinary calcium excretion was by Spearman rank correlation. RESULTS Calciotropic activity was found in 2 consecutive samples from the index patient. This activity was eliminated by addition of IL-1RA (p < 0.001 compared to serum alone). Testing of the other 9 children showed calciotropic activity at least once in 7/9 and 10/15 samples studied. Addition of IL-1RA completely (6/8) or partially (2/8) neutralized calciotropic activity (p < 0.001 compared to serum alone) in the specimens available for testing. Calciotropic activity did not significantly correlate with disease activity score, ESR, or urine calcium. CONCLUSION Our data indicate the presence of IL-1beta mediated calciotropic activity in the sera of children with JRA, and suggest a role for IL-1beta in JRA associated osteopenia.
Highly Efficient Model Updating for Structural Condition Assessment of Large-Scale Bridges

For efficiently updating models of large-scale structures, the response surface (RS) method based on radial basis functions (RBFs) is proposed to model the input-output relationship of structures. The key issues for applying the proposed method are discussed, such as selecting the optimal shape parameters of RBFs, generating samples by using design of experiments (DOE) and evaluating the RS model. The RS methods based on RBFs of Gaussian (GA), inverse quadratic (IQ), multiquadric (MQ) and inverse multiquadric (IMQ) are investigated. Results have demonstrated that RS methods based on RBFs can achieve a high approximation accuracy and better performance than the RS method based on polynomial function. The proposal method has been validated numerically and experimentally on a cable-stayed bridge model.
The sealing ability of novel Kryptonite adhesive bone cement as a retrograde filling material

Background. This study evaluated the ability of Kryptonite bone cement in sealing retrograde cavities. Methods. The root canals of one hundred extracted human maxillary incisor teeth were instrumented up to master apical file #40 using Mtwo rotary system and obturated with gutta-percha and AHPlus sealer by cold lateral compaction method. The specimens were assigned to one control group and four experimental groups based on the retrograde filling materials (n=20). The specimens were immersed in 0.5% Rhodamine B solution for 48h. Then the specimens were divided longitudinally into two parts and the depth of dye penetration was assessed under ×10 magnification. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests. Results. There were statistically significant difference between the experimental groups and the control group (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the experimental groups in dye penetration scores (P>0.05). Conclusion. Kryptonite cement provided optimal apical seal in a manner similar to MTA, amalgam and IRM when used as a retrograde filling cement.
Calorie restriction increases fatty acid synthesis and whole body fat oxidation rates

Calorie restriction (CR) increases longevity and retards the development of many chronic diseases, but the underlying metabolic signals are poorly understood. Increased fatty acid (FA) oxidation and reduced FA synthesis have been hypothesized to be important metabolic adaptations to CR. However at steady state, FA oxidation must match FA intake plus synthesis; FA intake is low, not high, during CR. It is therefore not clear how FA dynamics are altered during CR. Accordingly, we measured food intake patterns, whole‐body fuel selection, endogenous FA synthesis and gene expression in mice on CR. Within two days of starting CR, a shift occurred to a cyclic pattern of whole‐body FA metabolism, with an initial phase of elevated endogenous FA synthesis (respiratory exchange ratio [RER]>1.10, lasting 4–6 hours after food provision), followed by a prolonged phase of FA oxidation (RER=0.70, lasting 18–20 hours). CR mice oxidized four times as much fat per day as ad libitum fed (AL) controls (367 vs 97 mg/d) despite reduced fat intake. This increase in FA oxidation was balanced by a 3‐fold increase in adipose tissue FA synthesis. We conclude that CR induces a surprising metabolic pattern characterized by periods of elevated FA synthesis alternating with periods of FA oxidation disproportionate to dietary FA intake. This pattern may have implications for understanding the reduced oxidative damage and disease risk in CR animals.
The Lagrangian spectral relaxation model of the scalar dissipation in homogeneous turbulence

Lagrangian pdf methods are employed to extend the spectral relaxation (SR) model of the scalar dissipation of an inert, passive scalar (1⩽Sc) in homogeneous turbulence. The Lagrangian spectral relaxation (LSR) model divides wavenumber space into a finite number (the total number depending on the Taylor-scale Reynolds number Rλ and the Schmidt number Sc) of wavenumber bands whose time constants are determined from the mean turbulent kinetic energy and instantaneous turbulent energy dissipation rate. The LSR model accounts for the evolution of the scalar spectrum (viz., pdf) from an arbitrary initial shape to its fully developed form. The effect of turbulent-frequency fluctuations on the instantaneous scalar dissipation rate following a Kolmogorov-scale fluid particle is incorporated into the LSR model through a Lagrangian pdf model for the turbulent frequency. Model results are compared with DNS data for passive scalar mixing in stationary, isotropic turbulence. Two distinct causes of non-Gaussian scalar s.
Longitudinal dynamics control of UAV

This paper presents comparative study between modern and classical controllers for pitch control of an aircraft system. The nonlinear differential equations of longitudinal motion of a rigid plane are developed from Newton's second law of motion. Linearization of these equations are accomplished using small disturbance theory. Stability derivatives for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) are chosen and its state space matrices are formed. Further a suitable longitudinal control based on four controllers namely, PID, LQR, LQG and Sliding mode controllers are designed, simulated and compared. A Kalman filter is designed and the system under disturbances is tested with designed PID controller and the filter. Simulations show that sliding mode controller is the best controller and exhibits stronger robustness properties to conquer system uncertainties. The results also reveals the effectiveness of the Kalman filer.
When GL meets the corpus : a data-driven investigation of lexical types and coercion phenomena

In this paper we present an analysis of corpus-derived V-arg combinations aiming to provide a datadriven characterization of Lexical Types (LTs) and represent how types behave compositionally, i.e. how they enter compositional processes and are modulated by them. We will do so using the enriched compositional rules and the type system as presented in Pustejovsky (2006). Our main concerns are twofold: i. ) first of all, we want to show with a specific case-study (§. 5 onwards) how a data-driven investigation can shed light on the structure and the combinatorics of LTs; ii. ) starting from the results of this investigation, we intend to propose a general methodology for lexical modeling in which the Generative Lexicon (GL) theory and corpus analysis are deeply interwoven in a process of mutual feeding. In fact, we argue that, if on the one hand corpus data can help to anchor the study of lexical dynamics and type system on empirical evidence, on the other hand GL can provide the crucial interpretative key for corpus data.
Accounting for a mirror-image conformation as a subtle effect in protein folding

Significance Numerous diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, are caused by misfolding of proteins; therefore, understanding the mechanism by which a protein folds to its native conformation is one of the most important problems of biophysics. This task becomes more complicated for proteins with a high degree of symmetry that, in addition to the native structure, allows the existence of another, energetically competitive conformation with the native one, a native-like “mirror-image” structure, which has not yet been detected experimentally. By investigating one of the representatives of such symmetrical proteins, reasons for formation of the mirror-image conformation are provided. By using local (free-energy profiles along the amino acid sequence and 13Cα chemical shifts) and global (principal component) analyses to examine the molecular dynamics of protein-folding trajectories, generated with the coarse-grained united-residue force field, for the B domain of staphylococcal protein A, we are able to (i) provide the main reason for formation of the mirror-image conformation of this protein, namely, a slow formation of the second loop and part of the third helix (Asp29–Asn35), caused by the presence of multiple local conformational states in this portion of the protein; (ii) show that formation of the mirror-image topology is a subtle effect resulting from local interactions; (iii) provide a mechanism for how protein A overcomes the barrier between the metastable mirror-image state and the native state; and (iv) offer a plausible reason to explain why protein A does not remain in the metastable mirror-image state even though the mirror-image and native conformations are at least energetically compatible.
Active control of locomotion facilitates nonvisual navigation.

In some navigation tasks, participants are more accurate if they view the environment beforehand. To characterize the benefits associated with visual previews, 32 blindfolded participants were guided along simple paths and asked to walk unassisted to a specified destination (e.g., the origin). Paths were completed without vision, with or without a visual preview of the environment. Previews did not necessarily improve nonvisual navigation. When previewed landmarks stood near the origin or at off-path locations, they provided little benefit; by contrast, when they specified intermediate destinations (thereby increasing the degree of active control), performance was greatly enhanced. The results suggest that the benefit of a visual preview stems from the information it supplies for actively controlled locomotion. Accuracy in reaching the final destination, however, is strongly contingent upon the destination's location during the preview.