NONLINEAR REGRESSION FUNCTIONS FOR FORAGE NUTRIENT DISAPPEARANCE FROM BAGS INCUBATED IN THE RUMEN

Seven nonlinear regression functions are compared for fitting rumen in situ disappearance data. The standard function is based on a simple one-compartment model. In addition, we consider a time lag modification, a two-compartment model, and functions based on underlying probability models for degradation time. The empirical suitability of the seven regression functions are assessed using two in situ experiments involving forages fed to dairy cows. A function based on the loglogistic distribution is shown to have empirical and theoretical advantages

Atomic-scale structure of the SrTiO3(001)-c(6x2) reconstruction: Experiments and first-principles calculations

The c(6x2) is a reconstruction of the SrTiO3(001) surface that is formed between 1050-1100oC in oxidizing annealing conditions. This work proposes a model for the atomic structure for the c(6x2) obtained through a combination of results from transmission electron diffraction, surface x-ray diffraction, direct methods analysis, computational combinational screening, and density functional theory. As it is formed at high temperatures, the surface is complex and can be described as a short-range ordered phase featuring microscopic domains composed of four main structural motifs. Additionally, non-periodic TiO2 units are present on the surface. Simulated scanning tunneling microscopy images based on the electronic structure calculations are consistent with experimental images

Virulence Determination for Rapid Extraintestinal Dissemination (Acute Infection) of Common Salmonella Serotypes in Swine

Salmonella enterica (Typhimurium and Choleraesuis) have been shown to rapidly disseminate extraintestinally (RED) within 3 hours of intranasal inoculation in pigs (1,2,5,6). Evaluation of RED serotypes may be an important indicator of Salmonella virulence. Experimentally, pigs were challenged with important lymph node, fecal, and vaccine isolates of Salmonella and evaluated for RED. These isolates include S. Heidelberg, S. Infantis, S. Derby, S. Worthington, S. 4, 12 imonophasic, S. untypable HL 10416, S. Typhimurium, S. Typhimurium variant Copenhagen, S. Bredeney, S. Muenchen, S. Brandenburg, S. Choleraesuis SC-38, S. Choleraesuis SC-54, and S. Choleraesuis strain Argus. Three hours after intranasal inoculation, the pigs were euthanized, necropsied, and the following tissues were collected for qualitative isolation: tonsil, thymus, blood, mandibular lymph node, lung, spleen, liver, ileocecal lymph node, colon contents, and cecum contents. Fewer tissues were positive for vaccine strains compared with wild type or parent strains

Multiorgan WU polyomavirus infection in bone marrow transplant recipient

WU polyomavirus (WUPyV) was detected in a bone marrow transplant recipient with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome who died in 2001. Crystalline lattices of polyomavirus-like particles were observed in the patient’s lung by electron microscopy. WUPyV was detected in the lung and other tissues by real-time quantitative PCR and identified in the lung and trachea by immunohistochemistry. A subset of WUPyV-positive cells in the lung had morphologic features of macrophages. Although the role of WUPyV as a human pathogen remains unclear, these results clearly demonstrate evidence for infection of respiratory tract tissues in this patient

6R instrumented spatial linkages for anatomical joint motion measurement—part 2: calibration

The six-revolute-joint instrumented spatial linkage (6R ISL ) Introduction As with any measuring system, an instrumented spatial linkage (ISL) must be tested and calibrated before it can be used with confidence. This paper details the calibration technique developed for improving the measurement resolution of a 6R ISL-a serial ISL design where the links are interconnected by six revolute joints. With a 6R ISL, determination of anatomical joint position is based upon a mathematical function that approximates what is actually occurring with the physical model. The independent variables of this function are six voltages, each relating to a different linkage joint angle; the dependent variables are the six anatomical position parameters. In measuring the anatomical joint position of one bony coordinate frame relative to the other, this function contains twenty-four fixed mechanical parameters and generally twelve additional fixed electrical parameters that relate linkage joint angles to the voltages output by the devices that monitor the linkage joints, typically potentiometers The goal of the calibration procedure is to adjust the nominal mechanical and electrical parameters of the ISL to optimize the accuracy of the ISL within the calibration space. Although tolerances of the electrical devices are variable and cannot be completely calibrated out, Sommer and Miller [7] have demonstrated that the adjustment of the mechanical and electrical parameters can greatly improve positional measurement accuracy. They used a Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm to refine typically nineteen of the fixed ISL parameters. Their algorithm attempted to minimize the squared difference between known and calculated sets of three Euler angles and three orthogonal translations that related one linkage end to the other. The objective function was nonweighted and used centimeters and radians as the units in measuring translation and rotation, respectively. The value of this procedure depends on the accuracy and range of the "known" calibration data. Most calibration devices referenced in the literatur

A qualitative investigation of decision making during help-seeking for adult hearing loss

Objective: The Any Qualified Provider framework in the National Health Service has changed the way adult audiology services are offered in England. Under the new rules, patients are being offered a choice in geographical location and audiology provider. This study aimed to explore how choices in treatment are presented and to identify what information patients need when they are seeking help with hearing loss. Design: This study adopted qualitative methods of ethnographic observations and focus group interviews to identify information needed prior to, and during, help-seeking. Observational data and focus group data were analysed using the constant comparison method of grounded theory. Study sample: Participants were recruited from a community Health and Social Care Trust in the west of England. This service incorporates both an Audiology and a Hearing Therapy service. Twenty seven participants were involved in focus groups or interviews. Results: Participants receive little information beyond the detail of hearing aids. Participants report little information that was not directly related to uptake of hearing aids. Conclusions: Participant preferences were not explored and limited information resulted in decisions that were clinician-led. The gaps in information reflect previous data on clinician communication and highlight the need for consistent information on a range of interventions to manage hearing loss

Anhedonia is associated with poor health status and more somatic and cognitive symptoms in patients with coronary artery disease

Purpose: The effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is moderated by negative emotions and clinical factors, but no studies evaluated the role of positive emotions. This study examined whether anhedonia (i.e. the lack of positive affect) moderated the effectiveness of CR on health status and somatic and cognitive symptoms. Methods: CAD patients (n = 368) filled out the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to assess anhedonia at the start of CR, and the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Health Complaints Scale (HCS) at the start of CR and at 3 months to assess health status and somatic and cognitive symptoms, respectively. Results: Adjusting for clinical and demographic factors, health status improved significantly during the follow-up (F(1,357) = 10.84, P = .001). Anhedonic patients reported poorer health status compared with non-anhedoni