cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FIR model identification: Parsimony through kernel compression with wavelets

Although finite impulse response (FIR) models are nonparsimonious, they are frequently used in model predictive control systems because they can fit arbitrarily complex stable linear dynamics. However, identification of FIR models from experimental data may result in data overfitting and high modeling uncertainty. To overcome this, FIR models may be determined by regularization-based least squares and indirectly after prior identification of other parametric models such as ARX. In both cases, some prior knowledge about the model is essentially assumed to be known. ARX models, although parsimonious in terms of the number of identified parameters, perform poorly for bad choices of model structure and order. A methodology for the direct identification of parsimonious FIR models is proposed. In this way, most advantages of the FIR structure are retained without its disadvantages. The idea relies on the effective use of some prior information about the model through wavelet-based signal compression. The proposed methodology is compared with other FIR identification methodologies, on the basis of the closeness of the identified FIR to the true FIR, steady-state gain estimation, and analysis of the prediction residuals on a cross-validation set of fresh data. Simulation studies on a single-input-single-output process show that this method performs very well in all tests considered. Certain industrial practices are shown to be special cases of the proposed formalism.
A multi-objective dynamic programming model for evaluation of agricultural management systems in Richmond County, Virginia

Abstract A multi-objective dynamic programming model, coupled with the CREAMS simulation model, was developed to empirically evaluate the economic and environmental impacts of 14 agricultural management systems in Richmond County, Virginia. The results of the model suggest that an improvement in economic and environmental benefits can be achieved through use of a mixture of legume and non-legume cover crops in Richmond County. The results also indicate that there is no possibility of achieving a 40% reduction of nitrogen loading required as by Chesapeake Bay Agreement by employing the 14 agricultural management systems analyzed in this study.
Quantal foundation of the nucleon exchange transport theory

The central elements of the nucleon exchange transport theory are discussed within a fully quantal framework in order to elucidate the principal characteristics, validity, and limitations of the theory. Special considerations is given to the mean rate of energy dissipation and the penetrability coefficient.
Application of sensitivity analysis to premixed hydrogen-air flames

In this paper an efficient method for calculating the sensitivity coefficients of a system of nonlinear two-point boundary value problems is applied to a set of freely propagating, atmospheric pressure, premixed, hydrogen-air flames. The procedure utilizes the Jacobian matrix in Newton's method to generate efficiently first-order sensitivity coefficients. In our analysis we illustrate the effect of variations in the reaction rates and the transport coefficients on the adiabatic flame speed, the temperature and the species profiles. We discuss how the existence of scaling and self-similarity relations among the sensitivity coefficients can imply that relatively simple behavior can exist in complex flames. We also make specific predictions regarding the response of the flame thickness to parametric and species flux disturbances. The sensitivity analysis presented in the paper can also be applied to other more complicated systems. In this way the important kinetic and transport processes in such flames can b...
Development and discourse among the Maya of southern Belize

This article explores the discourse of development in southern Belize, and the appropriateness of post-development ideas to understand its effects. It investigates a prevailing notion in development texts from the region that population pressure represents an environmental threat, an odd image for a country with so few inhabitants and so many trees. It also examines the consequences of apparent attempts by the government to employ development projects to defuse local contention over plans to privatize Maya land tenure. While post-developmentalists have opened up fruitful avenues of analysis this study suggests that some of their conclusions are overstated. In particular, it questions the de-politicizing effect of development discourse, and the notion of grassroots movements searching for alternatives to development, amounting to a ‘rejection of the entire paradigm’.
Comparison of Various Extenders for Storage of Cooled Stallion Spermatozoa for 72 Hours

Abstract Multiple extenders have been developed to preserve cooled stallion semen. Comparisons of some extenders have been made but there is need for further research in this area. Extenders tested included EZ Mixin (Animal Reproduction Systems, Chino, CA), Kenney's, Universal (NASCO, Fort Atkinson, WI), EquiPro, EquiPro CellGuard (Minitube of America, Verona, WI), and INRA 96 (IMV, Maple Grove, MN). Semen was collected and each ejaculate was divided and extended in each of the aforementioned extenders and stored at 4°C. Motility measures were determined using computer-assisted sperm analysis at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours after collection. Samples were evaluated for total motility, progressive motility (PM), straight-line velocity, curvilinear velocity, straight-line distance, and curvilinear distance. Total motility and PM decreased over time in storage (P
Equilibrium among local jurisdictions: toward an integrated treatment of voting and residential choice

Abstract In models of local public goods with mobile consumers, existence of equilibrium is problematic. Difficulties with existence of equilibrium that arise in models with discrete locations and in models with voting are compounded when both features are introduced into the same model. We present conditions under which equilibrium exists in a model where freely mobile households choose community of residence and amount of housing consumption, and vote on the level of public goods provision. These conditions involve restrictions on preferences and the technology of public goods supply. At least some of these conditions appear consistent with empirical observations. We discuss the implications of the conditions, and their role in assuring existence of equilibrium. A series of computational examples provide illustrations of the way these conditions interact, and the difficulties that must be confronted if they are to be relaxed.
Evaluation of Nicotiana tabacum Genotypes Possessing Nicotiana africana‐derived Genetic Tolerance to Potato Virus Y

New alleles influencing resistance to potato virus Y (PVY) would be valuable for developing resistant tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) cultivars. The first objective of this research was to evaluate materials possessing an introgressed genomic region (Nafr) from N. africana Merx. & Buttler for their resistance against an array of nine PVY isolates. Seven near-isogenic genotypes of flue-cured tobacco cultivar K326 were produced that possessed Nafr and the recessive resistance gene, va, in different combinations and zygosities. Nafr provided little protection against mild non-necrotic isolates, but imparted significant increased resistance against the necrotic effects of two severe isolates. Data indicated that Nafr and va can be combined to increase the range and level of resistance or tolerance to PVY. A second objective was to evaluate five backcross-derived K326 Nafr/Nafr isolines and corresponding nemizygous F 1 hybrids for yield and quality characteristics in field experiments in the absence of PVY Infection. The K326 Nafr/-genotypes were not significantly different from K326 for yield or cash return, and produced cured leaf with improved quality. The Nafr/Nafr genotypes were inferior to Nafr/- genotypes for yield, cash return, and cured leaf quality. Genotypes of the Nafr/- valva combination may have the greatest practical value when yield, quality, and reaction to PVY infection are collectively taken into consideration.
Synaptic plasticity in cortical systems

Recent studies indicate that synapse addition and/or loss is associated with different types of learning. Other factors influencing synaptogenesis and synapse loss include neurotrophins, hormones, and the induction of long-term potentiation. An emerging view of synaptic plasticity suggests that local neurotrophin action and synaptically associated protein synthesis may promote synaptic remodelling and changes in receptor expression or activation.
COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCALLY ORIENTED ACHIEVEMENT TESTS IN CHEMISTRY.

The authors describe a cooperative effort to produce reliable tests with high content validity for the schools involved.
Prosodic correlates of discourse boundaries and hierarchy in discourse production

Abstract A well-formed discourse is more than just a series of well-formed sentences. While often left implicit, this structure to discourse is sometimes overtly cued. And though most attention in this area has focused on lexicalized cues like discourse markers, prosody can also convey information about the structure of discourse. This paper presents the results of a production study examining prosodic correlates of discourse structure in readings of a newspaper article. Prosodic measures of pause duration, pitch, intensity and speech rate were found to significantly correlate with discourse structural measures of boundary size, discourse coordination/subordination, and their interaction. This interaction effect shows that the effect of boundary size on an utterance's prosody often depends on whether that utterance is coordinated or subordinated, and vice versa. These results expand our understanding of how prosody correlates with discourse structure, setting the stage for follow-up perception studies of what prosodic variation listeners use in discourse interpretation.
The pharmaceutical industry; an easy target.

: A physician makes some observations on his two-year experience in clinical investigation with an ethical pharmaceutical company. Despite criticism, some of which is entirely unjustified, the pharmaceutical industry continues to contribute greatly to medical therapy.
Differential Inhibition of Group IVA and Group VIA Phospholipases A2 by 2-Oxoamides

Inhibitors of the Group IVA phospholipase A(2) (GIVA cPLA(2)) and GVIA iPLA(2) are useful tools for defining the roles of these enzymes in cellular signaling and inflammation. We have developed inhibitors of GVIA iPLA(2) building upon the 2-oxoamide backbone that are uncharged, containing ester groups. Although the most potent inhibitors of GVIA iPLA(2) also inhibited GIVA cPLA(2), there were three 2-oxoamide compounds that selectively and weakly inhibited GVIA iPLA(2). We further show that several potent 2-oxoamide inhibitors of GIVA cPLA(2) containing free carboxylic groups (Kokotos et al. J. Med. Chem. 2002, 45, 2891-2893) do not inhibit GVIA iPLA(2) and are, therefore, selective GIVA cPLA(2) inhibitors.
c-Fos is a critical mediator of inflammatory-mediated repression of the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter.

Background & Aims: Ileal bile acid malabsorption is present in Crohn's ileitis. The molecular mechanisms of regulation of the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) by inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo are investigated. Methods: Transient transfection studies of the human, mouse, and rat ASBT promoters and Northern analyses were performed in cells treated with the inflammatory cytokines and/or various activator protein-1 constructs. Rat ASBT promoter transgenic, wild-type, and c-fos–null mice were treated with indomethacin to assess the response to acute inflammation of the ileal mucosa. Results: In Caco-2 cells, ASBT messenger RNA expression was reduced 65% after interleukin-1β treatment, while c-fos and c-jun were up-regulated 2-fold. Human ASBT promoter activity was enhanced by c-jun and repressed by a dominant negative c-jun, c-fos, or a dominant negative c-fos. Meanwhile, c-fos antisense treatment activated the human ASBT promoter 5-fold and not only abrogated interleukin-1β–mediated repression but led to a paradoxical increase in ASBT promoter activity. Indomethacin-induced acute ileitis led to repression of ASBT in wild-type mice and in the transgenic rat ASBT promoter reporter, while paradoxical activation of ASBT was seen in c-fos–null mice. Indomethacin-induced ileal injury was greater in the c-fos–null mice compared with the wild-type littermates. Conclusions: Human, rat, and mouse ASBT is inhibited by inflammatory cytokines via direct interactions of c-fos with the ASBT promoter.
Children's experiences of traumatic events: The negotiation of normalcy and difference.

The purpose of this study was to examine the experience of childhood trauma. Aspects addressed were the children’s ‘trauma narratives’, how they told the story of what took place, and their current...
Structural Insights into the Tumor-Promoting Function of the MTDH-SND1 Complex

Metadherin (MTDH) and Staphylococcal nuclease domain containing 1 (SND1) are overexpressed and interact in diverse cancer types. The structural mechanism of their interaction remains unclear. Here, we determined the high-resolution crystal structure of MTDH-SND1 complex, which reveals an 11-residue MTDH peptide motif occupying an extended protein groove between two SN domains (SN1/2), with two MTDH tryptophan residues nestled into two well-defined pockets in SND1. At the opposite side of the MTDH-SND1 binding interface, SND1 possesses long protruding arms and deep surface valleys that are prone to binding with other partners. Despite the simple binding mode, interactions at both tryptophan-binding pockets are important for MTDH and SND1's roles in breast cancer and for SND1 stability under stress. Our study reveals a unique mode of interaction with SN domains that dictates cancer-promoting activity and provides a structural basis for mechanistic understanding of MTDH-SND1-mediated signaling and for exploring therapeutic targeting of this complex.
Charge Immobilization Caused by Modification of Internal Cysteines in Squid Na Channels

We studied the effects of modification of native cysteines present in squid giant axon Na channels with methanethiosulfonates. We find that intracellular, but not extracellular, perfusion of axons with positively charged [(2-trimethylammonium)-ethyl]methanethiosulfonate (MTSET), or 3(triethylammonium)propyl]methanethiosulfonate (MTS-PTrEA) irreversibly reduces sodium ionic (INa) and gating (Ig) currents. The rate of modification of Na channels was dependent on the concentration of the modifying agent and the transmembrane voltage. Hyperpolarized membrane potentials (e.g., -110 mV) protected the channels from modification by MTS-PTrEA. In addition to reducing the amplitudes of INa and Ig, MTS-PTrEA also altered their kinetics such that the remaining INa did not appear to inactivate, whereas Ig was made sharper and declined to baseline more quickly. The shape and amplitude of Ig after modification of channels with MTS-PTrEA appeared to be "charge-immobilized," as if the modified channels were inactivated. MTS-PTrEA did not affect INa or Ig when inactivation was removed by internal perfusion of the axon with pronase. In addition, we find that the steady-state inactivation curve of modified Na channels is made much shallower and is markedly shifted to hyperpolarized potentials. The rates of activation, deactivation, or open-state inactivation were not altered in MTS-PTrEA-modified channels. The uncharged sulfhydryl reagent methymethanethiosulfonate (MMTS) did not affect either INa or Ig, but prevented the irreversible effects of MTS-PTrEA or MTSET on Na channels. It is proposed that the positively charged methanethiosulfonates MTS-PTrEA and MTSET modify a native internal cysteine(s) in squid Na channels, and by doing so promote inactivation from closed states, resulting in charge immobilization and reduction of INa.
THE ACTION OF TRASENTIN ON THE RABBIT OVARY AND UTERUS1

THE ANTISPASMODIC ACTION of trasentin2 on the isolated intestine of the rabbit 11 was first described by Meier (1), and a similar effect on the rabbit uterus was observed by Johnson and Reynolds (2). Preliminary studies carried out by us on the human uterine strip in vitro showed a loss of contractions without lowering of tonus. Clinical studies by one of us (R. K.) revealed the following facts. (a) Some cases of dysmenorrhea were relieved of their symptoms when 225 mg. of trasentin were given daily by mouth for 10 days preceeding the period, and during the course of the period. (b) Numerous cases of so-called closed Fallopian tubes, as determined by transuterine insufflation (Rubin Test) were found to have patent tubes after the daily administration of 225 mg. of trasentin by mouth for the first 10 days of the cycle.
Squeezing in nondegenerate two-photon processes in a cavity quantum electrodynamics of a three-level and a two-level Rydberg atom

The time evolution of squeezing in the two-photon interaction of a Rydberg atom with two nondegenerate modes of an ideal cavity is analyzed. The study compares the results from the two representations of the atom by a three-level system and an effective two-level system. We find the time evolution of the squeezing in the two systems to be different, including the regimes where the dynamics of the population are similar.
The effect of incongruity and instability on contact stress directional gradients in human cadaveric ankles.

Summary Objective Measure incongruity and instability-associated changes in transient contact stress directional gradients in a human cadaveric ankle model. Methods Seven cadaveric ankles were subjected to quasi-physiologic forces and motion under intact conditions and with a stepoff incongruity of the anterior one-third of the distal tibia. Anterior/posterior forces were modulated to create incongruous specimens that either maintained a stable articulation between the talus and distal tibia or developed gross instability during motion. Real-time contact stresses were measured using a custom-designed ankle stress transducer at 132Hz. Contact stress data were differentiated using a central-differencing formula to calculate transient contact stress directional gradients over the entire ankle articulation. Results Transient 95th percentile contact stress directional gradient values increased by 30 and 100%, respectively, in stable-incongruous and unstable-incongruous conditions compared to intact conditions. Compared to stable-incongruous conditions, transient contact stress directional gradients increased by 60% in unstable-incongruous conditions. Conclusions Instability resulted in greater percentage increases in transient contact stress directional gradients compared to incongruity. Pathologic increases in contact stress directional gradients potentially play an important role in the etiology of post-traumatic arthritis.
Further Optimization Aspects of an Airborne Navigation System

The Doppler-inertial hybrid is analyzed as a multivariate system and a general performance criterion is formulated. The mathematical system model is optimized with respect to the performance criterion and synthesis of the optimum system is discussed.
Federalism and the Number of Parties in Argentine Congressional Elections

This study examines the impact of provincial (state) elections on the number of electoral parties in national legislative elections. Using data from Argentina, the most salient determinant of electoral multipartism in national legislative elections was found to be the degree of temporal concurrence between the gubernatorial and congressional elections, not national rules such as the district magnitude or the presidential-legislative election timing cycle The analysis suggests that scholars studying the political consequences of electoral laws in national elections can profit from a greater consideration of the potential impact of subnational elections.
Delay limit of slow light in semiconductor optical amplifiers

In contrast to absorbers, where the delay time via wave mixing saturates to its maximum with increasing device length due to decay of pump power along the device, in semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) the delay time increases with the device length and is limited by the corresponding growth of the SOA gain, which can lead to unacceptable amplified stimulated emission in the SOA. The number of pulses which can be stored in an SOA, defined by the gain and group velocity dispersion, also is given ultimately by this SOA gain limitation, and is estimated between one and two.
Efficient synthesis of an aldehyde‐capped polythiophene containing fluorinated electron‐withdrawing groups

To incorporate an acceptor type polythiophene segment onto a supramolecular block copolymer for potential light harvesting applications, effective synthetic routes for the end-functionalized and acceptor-substituted polythiophenes are critical. The Ullmann coupling reaction can be utilized to obtain electron-deficient polythiophenes and to attach terminal thiophene units that carry functional groups. In this article, the reactions involving a 2,5-dibromothiophene monomer containing an electron-withdrawing fluorinated ester and 5-bromo-2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (the end-capper) were studied in detail. It was found that the Ullmann coupling reaction of the dibromide is very fast (completed in a few minutes) and the terminal bromine group does not survive long under the reaction condition. These findings lead to the development of an effective procedure for aldehyde end-capping of electron-deficient polythiophenes. Polymers with molecular weights around 4000 Da are routinely obtained. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 41–47, 2007
Analysis of electromagnetic scattering from periodic structures by FEM truncated by anisotropic PML boundary condition

A method is presented for modeling open periodic structures by using the finite element method truncated by an anisotropic perfectly matched layer (PML). The method can be used to simulate periodic structures with inhomogeneous profile and arbitrary geometries. The PML is shown to be an effective method for mesh termination, even in the presence the grazing and evanescent fields generated by periodic structures. Numerical analysis is conducted for validation and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 35: 106–110, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.10530
An accurate and portable solid state neutron rem meter

Accurately resolving the ambient neutron dose equivalent spanning the thermal to 15 MeV energy range with a single configuration and lightweight instrument is desirable. This paper presents the design of a portable, high intrinsic efficiency, and accurate neutron rem meter whose energy-dependent response is electronically adjusted to a chosen neutron dose equivalent standard. The instrument may be classified as a moderating type neutron spectrometer, based on an adaptation to the classical Bonner sphere and position sensitive long counter, which, simultaneously counts thermalized neutrons by high thermal efficiency solid state neutron detectors. The use of multiple detectors and moderator arranged along an axis of symmetry (e.g., long axis of a cylinder) with known neutron-slowing properties allows for the construction of a linear combination of responses that approximate the ambient neutron dose equivalent. Variations on the detector configuration are investigated via Monte Carlo N-Particle simulations to minimize the total instrument mass while maintaining acceptable response accuracy—a dose error less than 15% for bare 252 Cf, bare AmBe, an epi-thermal and mixed monoenergetic sources is found at less than 4.5 kg moderator mass in all studied cases. A comparison of the energy dependent dose equivalent response and resultant energy dependent dose equivalent error of the present dosimeter to commerciallyavailable portable rem meters and the prior art are presented. Finally, the present design is assessed by comparison of the simulated output resulting from applications of several known neutron sources and dose rates.
Characterization of the ATP-translocating properties of the predicted Arabidopsis thaliana mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocator 2

In this study we demonstrate that the predicted Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. mitochondrial adenine nucleo- tide translocator 2 (ANT2) mediates ATP translocation. The demonstration that recombinantly produced ANT2 mediates ATP uptake into proteoliposomes, confirms previous sequence-based identification of the protein as a member of the ad- enine nucleotide translocator family. Expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae with a C-terminal His6 tag, localization was confirmed in yeast membrane extracts. The recombinant protein was solubilized with Triton X-100, enriched by immobi- lized metal affinity chromatography, and reconstituted into liposomes. Functionality of the reconstituted protein was con- firmed by demonstration of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-sensitive ( 3 H)ATP uptake. Transport assays showed first order kinetic uptake of ATP with an approximate Km value of 15 mmolL -1 . Competition assays indicated that the reconstituted protein had highest specificity for ATP. Overall, these results indicate that Arabidopsis ANT2 is an adenine nucleotide transloca- tor.
Digital memory notebook: experimental evaluation of motivational reward strategies

Prompting technology can help individuals with cognitive impairments complete independent activities of daily living (IADL). Although the prompt delivery is an effective way to remind an adult to record a completed activity, this potential benefit may not be sufficient to motivate the adult to comply with the prompt on a consistent basis. In this work we extend activity-aware prompting techniques to utilize alternative reward structures. Our reward mechanism will allow adults to observe game progress as a result of their decisions to comply with the prompts. In our study with volunteer participants, the activity-aware reward-based prompting method increased the compliance rate compared to activity-aware prompting without rewarding the adults.
Cra-mediated regulation of Escherichia coli adenylate cyclase

In Escherichia coli, expression of certain genes and operons, including the fructose operon, is controlled by Cra, the pleiotropic catabolite repressor/activator protein formerly known as FruR. In this study we have demonstrated that cra mutant strains synthesize 10-fold less cAMP than isogenic wild-type strains, specifically when grown in fructose-containing minimal media. The glucose-specific IIA protein (IIAglc) of the phosphotransferase system, which activates adenylate cyclase when phosphorylated, is largely dephosphorylated in cra but not wild-type strains growing under these conditions. Dephosphorylation of IIAglcin cra strains apparently results from enhanced fructose operon transcription and fructose uptake. These conclusions were supported by showing that fructose-grown cra strains possess 2.5-fold higher fructose-1-phosphate kinase activity than fructose-grown wild-type strains. Moreover, artificially increasing fructose operon expression in cells transporting fructose dramatically decreased the activity of adenylate cyclase. The results establish that Cra indirectly regulates the activity of adenylate cyclase by controlling the expression of the fructose operon in cells growing with fructose as the sole carbon source.
Routing track duplication with fine-grained power-gating for FPGA interconnect power reduction

Power has become an increasingly important design constraint for FPGAs in nanometer technologies, and global interconnects should be the focus of FPGA power reduction as they consume more power than logic cells. We design area-efficient circuits for programmable fine-grained power-gating of individual unused interconnect switches, and reduce interconnect leakage power dramatically because the interconnect switches have an intrinsically low utilization rate for the purpose of programmability. The low leakage interconnect via power-gating reduces total power by 38.18% for the FPGA in 100nm technology. Furthermore, it enables interconnect dynamic power reduction. We design a routing channel containing abundant or duplicated routing tracks with pre-determined high and low Vdd, and develop routing algorithm using low Vdd for non-critical routing to reduce dynamic power. The track-duplicated routing channel has small leakage power and increase the FPGA power reduction to 45.00%.
Are there interactive effects of mate availability and predation risk on life history and defence in a simultaneous hermaphrodite

Encountering mates and avoiding predators are ubiquitous challenges faced by many organisms and they can affect the expression of many traits including growth, timing of maturity and resource allocation to reproduction. However, these two factors are commonly considered in isolation rather than simultaneously. We examined whether predation risk and mate availability interact to affect morphology and life-history traits (including lifetime fecundity) of a hermaphroditic snail (Physa acuta). We found that mate availability reduced juvenile growth rate and final size. Predator cues from crayfish induced delayed reproduction, but there were no reduced fecundity costs associated with predator induction. Although there were interactive effects on longevity, lifetime fecundity was determined by the number of reproductive days. Therefore, our results indicate a resource-allocation trade-off among growth, longevity and reproduction. Future consideration of this interaction will be important for understanding how resource-allocation plasticity affects the integration of defensive, life-history and mating-system traits.
Impact of dried skim milk in production diets on Lactobacillus and pathogenic bacterial shedding in growing-finishing swine.

J.E. WELLS, J.T. YEN AND D.N. MILLER. 2005. Aims: To determine the possible effects of inclusion of dried skim milk (DSM) in swine diets on indigenous Lactobacillus spp. and Escherichia coli, and its potential for controlling pathogen shedding and affect animal growth in growing-finishing swine. Methods and Results: Animals were fed over three dietary phases to match production needs from age 10‐ 14 weeks, 14‐18 weeks and 18‐22 weeks. For each feeding phase, diets were formulated to contain 0 or 10% DSM (balanced for metabolizable energy and true ileal digestible amino acids). Animals were weighed every 2 weeks and faecal samples were collected from 40 animals (20 with DSM and 20 without DSM) at week 10 (d 0 on diets), 14, 18 and 22 of age, and were analysed for Lactobacillus spp., Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms, E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter and E. coli O157:H7. At the start of the study (week 10), faecal bacterial counts (log10 CFU g )1 faeces) were 9AE55, 7AE26, 7AE01 and 6AE93 for Lactobacillus, Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms and E. coli populations respectively. The Enterobacteriaceae, coliform and E. coli populations decreased through week 14 and 18, but were higher in animals fed with the DSM diet compared with the basal diet without DSM. The Lactobacillus populations at weeks 14 and 18 were lower in the animals fed the diet without DSM, whereas feeding DSM maintained the Lactobacillus counts from week 10. At week 22, populations of Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms and E. coli were >week 18 for the animals fed the diet without DSM, less change was observed with the feeding of DSM, and no differences between the diets were observed at week 22. However, in week 22 the animal gain was positively correlated with Lactobacillus numbers and negatively correlated with E. coli numbers. Subtraction of
Evaluating the Lyapounov Exponent and Existence of Moments for Threshold AR-ARCH Models

We demonstrate a reliable and computationally feasible method for determining whether a given threshold autoregression autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic (AR-ARCH) model is ergodic, and for determining which moments exist when it is ergodic. This method may be used to delineate the parameter space of the model. We show (for an order 2 model) that the parameter space is much less constrained than commonly is assumed.
Is the Role of the Small Intestine in First-Pass Metabolism Overemphasized?

The primary function of the small intestine is to absorb nutrients and water. This is achieved by mixing food with digestive enzymes to increase the contact of foodstuffs with the absorptive cells of the mucosa. In humans, the small intestine is about 5 to 6 m in length and comprises approximately 1
Multiphase bubbly flow visualization using particle image velocimetry.

: This article describes advances made in using particle image velocimetry (PIV) techniques in the study of multiphase bubbly flow. One of the fundamental issues in bubbly flow is the prediction of the velocity field. A methodology that allows for velocity field measurements of both components of a two-phase bubbly flow is presented. The bubble shape is also constructed via a shadow imaging technique combined with PIV.
A dataset for maven artifacts and bug patterns found in them

In this paper, we present data downloaded from Maven, one of the most popular component repositories. The data includes the binaries of 186,392 components, along with source code for 161,025. We identify and organize these components into groups where each group contains all the versions of a library. In order to asses the quality of these components, we make available report generated by the FindBugs tool on 64,574 components. The information is also made available in the form of a database which stores total number, type, and priority of bug patterns found in each component, along with its defect density. We also describe how this dataset can be useful in software engineering research.
Another R&D Anomaly?

In this paper, we investigate the relation between stock returns and RD particularly, we found empirical evidence that R&D response coefficients in the down markets are negative. The study also provides additional input to the ongoing debate on finding the appropriate accounting treatment for intangible assets.
Foredune Restoration in Urban Settings

The ability to restore dunes on developed sandy shores depends on the beach width, the distance to human structures, human actions to trap or move sand, the tolerance of people to the dynamism of natural features, and the willingness to invest resources. Dunes can be built using earth-moving equipment, sand fences, vegetation planting or by allowing them to form by natural processes on beaches widened by artificial nourishment. The purpose of most dune-building efforts is to create a fixed barrier against natural coastal processes, but natural dunes are mobile and some element of dynamism should be favored in restoration efforts. Controls may be required to limit raking and driving on the beach, erecting sand fences and other structures, and planting vegetation so that portions of dunes evolve more naturally through time, while retaining their value as barriers against storm wave run-up. Attempts to create dunes where they do not exist or to increase the dynamism of stabilized dunes must have a strong public information component to demonstrate their feasibility and increase their acceptability.
The Scope Effort as Viewed by an Agricultural Economist

"fCOMFORT the afflicted and afflict the comfortable!" This was the %_v charge recently given to the Illinois Cooperative Extension Service staff by a wise old friend. I suspect that similar motives on the part of your program committee partially explains why I am presenting this paper. I assure them if this was an objective, up to now the project has been highly successful. Unfortunately for you, however, the time has come when you too must be afflicted. The thesis, or more accurately the hypothesis, of this paper is that the Scope effort has been an effective device for stimulating worker selfanalysis and cooperation, but it is hardly the beginning of the very important task of setting the goals and the metes and bounds of Cooperative Extension Service work. Rather than being "national blue prints," as some claim, the Scope Reports should be viewed as preliminary architectural sketches of the future edifice. To avoid waste of effort and frustration on the part of workers some basic decisions are needed. There are contradictory ideas about how much remodeling is needed on this structure, its final appearance, its future use, what new materials will be needed to complete the job, and where we will find them. Experienced as we are, we need to finish the working drawings before we tear out the old structure. I hope my reasons for these statements will become apparent as I give my views on the Scope effort, its need, value, and limitations.
ARE DEHYDRATED SPECIMENS A LOST CAUSE? A CASE STUDY TO RECLAIM DEHYDRATED FLUID-PRESERVED SPECIMENS

Abstract Fluid-preserved specimens in collections persist only as long as their preservative is maintained. When preservatives evaporate due to neglect or container malfunction, collection managers are often forced to discard the specimens. Subjecting specimens to a rehydration process can be both time consuming and hazardous. A recent development in vertebrate specimen rehydration that mitigates these hazards and is relatively simple to conduct is discussed. Through the use of concentrated water vapor, and gradual staging in various concentrations of preservative, dehydrated museum specimens can be rehydrated. Similar techniques have been applied to invertebrates for decades, and more recently to herpetofauna. Herein a new technique is applied to both fishes and mammals and its efficacy for most other groups is indicated.
A Study of Lymphoproliferative Diseases Comparing Immunofluorescence with Immunohistochemistry

Sections of lymph nodes from patients with lymphoproliferative disorders were stained by immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase methods. Staining with anti-kappa and anti-lambda antibodies employed F(ab′)2 fragments of purified antibodies to avoid binding via Fc receptors. Frozen-section immunofluorescence revealed that B-cell lymphomas were composed of monoclonal populations of Ig-bearing cells. With immunohistochemical technics, however, a significant number of B-cell lymphomas either did not stain for Ig or showed spurious staining. The possible reasons for lack of staining in some cases and spurious staining in others are discussed. As currently applied to lymphoproliferative disorders, immunofluorescence appears to be more sensitive and more specific than immunohistochemistry.
Material Balance Modeling of End-Point Uniformity in Silicon Dioxide Plasma Etching

As wafer diameters increase, monitor wafers become more costly for process characterization and real-time sensors become more attractive. Process-state sensors are generally easier to implement than direct wafer-state sensors, but process-state sensors are usually not thought to provide wafer-state analysis. Utilizing a process-state sensor, such as a mass spectrometer, for wafer-state information will result in new approaches for sensing, optimizing, and controlling integrated circuit fabrication processes. We used a two stage differentially pumped mass spectrometer system sampling directly from an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) chamber to sense the process-state and monitor end-point during silicon dioxide etch. The end-point uniformity is characterized using mass spectroscopy and material balance modeling. Specifically, using CF4 and D2 etch gases, the partial pressure of CO-containing etch products decays near the endpoint, and the average initial slope is directly correlated with the uniformity determined from optical interferometry thickness measurements. Changing the ECR magnet geometry defines the etch uniformity, and the resulting CO+ end-point signal is sensed with the mass spectrometer. By analyzing the initial slope of the CO+ signal near the end-point, a correlation exists between uniformity and the mass spectrometry signal. A COF2 etch product material balance provides a concentration versus time end-point model which substantiates the correlation between the mass spectrometer signal and the etch uniformity. This model is valid for any sensor that detects a change in the COF2 concentration at the end-point.
Unmanned Aircraft System Sense and Avoid Integrity and Continuity Risk for Non-Cooperatve Intruders

This paper describes new methods to quantify safety of sense and avoid (SAA) functions for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) by evaluating integrity and continuity risks. These methods can set sensor requirements. The closest point of approach (CPA) distance and time to CPA, tau, are used to measure the hazards associated with the intruder aircraft. This paper presents a method to determine hazard state estimates and estimate error. These variances are used to establish (1) the integrity risk of the SAA system not detecting imminent loss of self-separation and (2) the probability of false alert, the continuity risk. A preliminary analysis assumes a constant relative velocity model with normal, independent and stationary measurement errors. A sensitivity analysis evaluates the impact on integrity and continuity of sensor noise, range and sample interval. This research can set potential SAA sensor requirements for UAS integration into the National Airspace System.
Urban Sprawl and You: How Sprawl Adversely Affects Worker Health

Urban sprawl, once thought of as just an environmental issue, is currently gaining momentum as an emerging public health issue worthy of research and political attention. Characteristics seen in sprawling communities include increasing traffic volumes; inadequate public transportation; pedestrian unfriendly streets; and the division of businesses, shops, and homes. These characteristics can affect health in many ways. Greater air pollution contributes to higher asthma and other lung disorder rates. An increased dependence on the automobile encourages a more sedentary lifestyle and can potentially contribute to obesity. The increased danger and stress of long commutes can lead to more accidents, anxiety, and social isolation. Occupational health nurses can become involved by promoting physical activity in the workplace, creating programs for injury prevention and stress management, becoming involved in political smart growth measures, and educating and encouraging colleagues to become active in addressing this issue.
The use of indomethacin in the prevention of postoperative radioulnar synostosis after distal biceps repair

Background This study evaluated the incidence of symptomatic radioulnar synostosis/heterotopic ossification after distal biceps tendon repair in patients receiving indomethacin prophylaxis. We hypothesized that indomethacin use postoperatively would decrease the occurrence of symptomatic synostosis. Methods A single-center retrospective record review identified 124 patients undergoing distal biceps repair between 2011 and 2014. Patients were analyzed for administration of indomethacin, contraindications to administration, age, time to surgery, fixation method, medical comorbidities, and development of symptomatic synostosis. Oral indomethacin (75 mg, once daily) was prescribed postoperatively for 10 to 42 days per each attendings' protocol. Results After analysis, 112 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 7 undergoing a 1-incision distal biceps repair and 105 undergoing a 2-incision repair. Of those, 104 received indomethacin postoperatively, with a synostosis rate of 0.96% compared with 37.50% for the untreated group ( P Conclusion Indomethacin use after distal biceps repair was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the rate of symptomatic radioulnar synostosis and did not have any associated adverse effects, including gastrointestinal bleeding or rerupture, despite prolonged use of up to 6 weeks. This study represents the largest study to report the outcomes of patients undergoing distal biceps repair with concomitant synostosis prophylaxis using indomethacin.
Single Sideband Frequency Offset Estimation and Correction for Quality Enhancement and Speaker Recognition

Communication system mismatch represents a major influence in the losses of both speech quality and speaker recognition system performance. Although microphone and handset differences have been considered for speaker recognition e.g., NIST SRE, nonlinear communication system differences, such as modulation/demodulation Mod/DeMod carrier mismatch, have yet to be explored. While such mismatch was common in traditional analog communications, today, with the diversity and blending of communication technologies, it is reconsidered as a major distortion. This paper is focused on estimating and correcting the frequency-shift distortion resulting from Mod/DeMod carrier frequency mismatch in high-frequency single sideband HF-SSB speech. To overcome the drawbacks of existing solutions, a two-step algorithm is proposed to improve estimation performance. In the first step, the offset of speech is scaled to a small frequency interval, which eliminates or reduces the nonuniqueness issue due to the periodicity within the spectrum; the second step performs fine tuning within the estimated predetermined uniqueness interval UI. For the first time, a statistical framework is developed for UI detection, where an innovative acoustic feature is proposed to represent alternative frequency shifts. Additionally, in the estimation process, statistical techniques such as GMM-SVM, i-Vector, and deep neural networks are applied in the first step to improve the estimation accuracy. An evaluation using DARPA RATS HF-SSB data shows that the proposed algorithm achieves a significant improvement in the estimation performance up to +35.6% improvement in accuracy, speech quality measurement up to +27.3% relative improvement in the PESQ score, and speaker verification up to +59.9% relative improvement in equal error rate.
Cervical intramedullary spinal cord abscess: A case report

Abstract Cervical intramedullary spinal cord abscess is an extremely rare entity. We present a case of a 53-year-old male with a cervical intramedullary spinal cord abscess caused by Streptococcus viridians that presented with 4 days of neck pain and progressive left upper extremity numbness and weakness. The patient was managed with a cervical myelotomy and adjunctive antibiotic treatment.
False-positive screens and lung cancer risk in the National Lung Screening Trial: Implications for shared decision-making

Objectives Low-dose computed tomography lung cancer screening has been shown to reduce lung cancer mortality but has a high false-positive rate. The precision medicine approach to low-dose computed tomography screening assesses subjects' benefits versus harms based on their personal lung cancer risk, where harms include false-positive screens and resultant invasive procedures. We assess the relationship between lung cancer risk and the rate of false-positive LDCT screens. Methods The National Lung Screening Trial randomized high-risk subjects to three annual screens with low-dose computed tomography or chest radiographs. Following the completion of National Lung Screening Trial, the Lung CT Screening Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS) classification system was developed and retrospectively applied to National Lung Screening Trial low-dose computed tomography findings. The rate of false-positive screens (by Lung-RADS) and the resultant invasive procedures were examined as a function of lung cancer risk estimated by a model. Results Of 26,722 subjects randomized to the low-dose computed tomography arm, 26,309 received a baseline screen and were included in the analysis. The proportion with any false positive over three screening rounds increased from 12.9% to 25.9% from lowest to highest risk decile, and the proportion with an invasive procedure following a false positive also significantly increased from 0.7% to 2.0% from lowest to highest risk decile. Conclusion These findings indicate a need for personalized low-dose computed tomography lung cancer screening decision aids to accurately convey the benefits to harm trade-off.