Three topics in the theory of computing: Multi-resolution cellular automata, the Kolmogorov complexity characterization of regular languages, and hidden variables in Bayesian networks

Our work is centered around topics where we provide a new model or approach to a well-known paradigm. We provide a new lens through which to view an area of research, providing access for new researchers and perspectives. After a brief orientation with common terms, we examine computation of real-valued sets, our general multi-resolution cellular automata (MRCA) simulator, how to prove languages are non-regular using Kolmogorov complexity, and how to show hidden variables are valuable in Bayesian networks

Relative SerpinA3 Abundance in Serum Samples as a Possible Predictor of Feed Efficiency in Swine

Objective: Residual feed intake (RFI) is a feed efficiency metric that represents the difference between observed and expected feed intake. In a previous experiment, serpinA3 was noticeably more abundant in the serum of efficient low RFI pigs, suggesting potential as a feed efficiency biomarker. Our objective was to determine the effect of selection for residual feed intake on porcine serum SerpinA3 abundance. Materials and Methods: Samples were collected from pigs 35 to 42 days of age. Pigs were fed a traditional or high fiber diet and RFIs were calculated. Pigs from each line and diet (n=7/diet/line, n=28) were selected from a larger group to represent the most extreme RFI values. One-dimensional western blot analysis was performed to determine serpinA3 abundance. Data were analyzed using the mixed procedure of SAS v9.3 with gel as a random effect. Results: RFI line did not significantly affect serpinA3 abundance when using western blot analyisis. In the high fiber diet, serpinA3 was numerically increased in the low RFI line (HRFI=0.84, LRFI=0.98, ±0.09, P= 0.11). SerpinA3 does not appear to be a viable biomarker across diet treatments using western blot analysis, though the high fiber diet showed some promise. This may be caused by western blot technique’s inability to show post-translational protein changes seen in 2D-DIGE. Dietary factors may influence feed efficiency biomarker viability

CHARACTERISTICS OF FARMLAND LEASING IN THE NORTH CENTRAL UNITED STATES

Leasing behavior differs across the North Central United States. Survey data is used to characterize leasing activity in the region. Data is collected on the amount of leased farmland, amount of cash and share leased land, and common output share levels. Factors influencing leasing and arrangements are also identified.Land Economics/Use,

Novel observations of peroxiredoxin-2 profile and protein oxidation in skeletal muscle from pigs of differing residual feed intake and health status

The objective of this thesis was to determine the impact of health challenge in the form of a dual respiratory and enteric bacterial health challenge on the antioxidant protein peroxiredoxin-2 (Prdx-2) and protein oxidation in the skeletal muscle of pigs selected for differing residual feed intake (RFI), a measure of feed efficiency. It was hypothesized that differences would exist in Prdx-2’s profile based on RFI line and infection status (IS) and that high RFI (less efficient) and health challenged pigs would present a higher degree of protein oxidation due to increased oxidative stress. Barrows (50ñ7 kg, total n=24) divergently selected for RFI from the 11th generation of the ISU RFI Project were used for this study. To induce a respiratory and enteric health challenge, half of the pigs (n=6 / RFI line) were inoculated with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mh) and Lawsonia intracellularis (Li) on 0 days post infection (dpi). Uninoculated pigs in a separate room served as controls (n=6 / RFI line). Pig ADG, ADFI, and G: F were calculated during a 21 day acclimation period (dpi -21 to dpi 0) and from inoculation to projected peak infection (dpi 0 to dpi 21). At dpi 21 all pigs were necropsied, and longissimus skeletal muscle samples were immediately collected for analysis. Protein oxidation, various forms of Prdx-2, and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) content was measured on longissimus skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic protein. No significant differences were seen in protein carbonylation, but low RFI pigs showed an increase in disulfide bound creatine kinase and GAPDH in the sarcoplasmic protein of the longissimus skeletal muscle. Further analysis showed MhLi pigs had a greater amount of oxidized GAPDH (P=0.017). Significant differences were seen based on both RFI line and infection status for non-reducing gel Prdx-2 suggesting differences in some posttranslational modifications. There was an increase in total Prdx-2 (P=0.035) and Prdx-2 decamer (P=0.0007) in high RFI pigs while hyperoxidized peroxiredoxin relative to Prdx-2 was increased in low RFI pigs (P=0.028). Pigs divergently selected for RFI may differ in antioxidant protein profile and oxidative stress response. High RFI pigs’ reduced efficiency appears to be the result of increased Prdx-2 production, resulting greater pool of reduced Prdx-2 to combat oxidative stress challenges

Examining the Impact of Examinee-Selected Constructed Response Items in the Context of a Hierarchical Rater Signal Detection Model

Research into the relatively rarely used examinee-selected item assessment designs has revealed certain challenges. This study aims to more comprehensively re-examine the key issues around examinee-selected items under a modern model for constructed-response scoring. Specifically, data were simulated under the hierarchical rater model with signal detection theory rater components (HRM-SDT; DeCarlo, Kim, and Johnson, 2011) and a variety of examinee-item selection mechanisms were considered. These conditions varied from the hypothetical baseline condition--where examinees choose randomly and with equal frequency from a pair of item prompts--to the perhaps more realistic and certainly more troublesome condition where examinees select items based on the very subject-area proficiency that the instrument intends to measure. While good examinee, item, and rater parameter recovery was apparent in the former condition for the HRM-SDT, serious issues with item and rater parameter estimation were apparent in the latter. Additional conditions were considered, as well as competing psychometric models for the estimation of examinee proficiency. Finally, practical implications of using examinee-selected item designs are given, as well as future directions for research

User's manual for interactive LINEAR: A FORTRAN program to derive linear aircraft models

An interactive FORTRAN program that provides the user with a powerful and flexible tool for the linearization of aircraft aerodynamic models is documented in this report. The program LINEAR numerically determines a linear system model using nonlinear equations of motion and a user-supplied linear or nonlinear aerodynamic model. The nonlinear equations of motion used are six-degree-of-freedom equations with stationary atmosphere and flat, nonrotating earth assumptions. The system model determined by LINEAR consists of matrices for both the state and observation equations. The program has been designed to allow easy selection and definition of the state, control, and observation variables to be used in a particular model

Picosecond time-resolved pure-rotational coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy for N-2 thermometry

This paper was published in Optics Letters and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of OSA. The paper can be found at the following URL on the OSA website: http://www.opticsinfobase.org/abstract.cfm?URI=ol-34-23-3755. Systematic or multiple reproduction or distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Implication of Diet and Nutrition for Growth and Prevalence of Anemia in Rural Preschool-Aged Children in Shandong Province, China

A nutrition surveillance and nutritional improvement programme through nutrition field worker training, nutrition education and encouraging the utilization of home gardens was undertaken among rural preschool-aged children in the four counties of Linshu, Caoxin, Zoucheng and Yucheng in Shandong Province in China from 1990 to 1995. A baseline survey was conducted in 1990. This included physical and biochemical measurements being taken on 3474 children aged 0–5 years and dietary household surveys being taken on a random subsample of 312 children. The baseline survey showed that the average height and weight of the subjects was lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) standard with the prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting being 24.2, 12.5 and 2.1%, respectively (using the Z score