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Domesticated horses are often housed in individual stables for long periods where physical contact with conspecifics is not possible. Although common, this form of stable design is known to be detrimental to horse welfare. This study investigated the impact of short-term stabling (1-hour bouts) on behavioral expression using three stable conditions: a full wall, a barred window wall, and a half wall between paired horses in a within-subjects design study (N = 18). A mixed model (restricted maximum likelihood) was used to account for both stable condition and individual horse within the model. Behaviors influenced by stable design were those relating to vigilance and social affiliation. Horses spent a greater proportion of the observation time standing alert when in the full wall stable compared to the half wall stable (P = 0.009). The opposite is true of time spent standing and resting (P < 0.001). Compared to the window wall alone, horses in the half wall stable performed significantly more contact-seeking behaviors (P = 0.021). Horse owners often perceive stable design unimportant if only used for short periods of time, with the majority of their time budget spent at pasture with conspecifics. These results indicate that, even during short bouts of stabling, horses were more relaxed when stable design allowed them to engage in social behaviors with conspecifics and more vigilant when stable design left them physically isolated from conspecifics. [Display omitted] • Vigilance behavior in horses is influenced by stable design even when stabling duration is short. • Horses expressed more alert behaviors when isolated from conspecifics. • In contrast they performed more affiliative and relaxation behaviors when contact was possible. • Horses chose to actively engage in social behaviors when physical contact was possible in a stable. • This was despite being at pasture together for the other 23hrs of the day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the stability issue of switched continuous-time linear systems composed of stable and unstable subsystems. By using a class of homogeneous polynomial Lyapunov functions, sufficient stability criterion ensuring the globally asymptotic stability of the considered systems under dwell-time constraint. An example is provided to illustrate the theoretical results in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decentralized finance (DeFi) lending has grown from nonexistent in 2017 to nearly $45 billion in total value locked across the three largest protocols in December 2021 before falling to roughly $15 billion in July 2023. The platforms use cryptocurrencies as collateral, matching speculative margin traders with yield-seeking depositors. Depositors receive claims guaranteed by a basket of collateral. We develop a framework that requires only knowledge of total deposits and borrowings to measure the total protocol risk to lenders and borrowers. Using data from major protocols, the risk measures show that system fragility increased beyond reasonable levels around mid-2021, and we identify time periods exposing lenders to a potential collateral loss conditional on continuing extreme fluctuations in coin prices. Moreover, our results indicate that the liquidation process, a risk mitigation strategy, is not timely and is less effective when risk levels are high. Overall, the model provides two easily implementable aggregate risk metrics that capture the perspectives of synthetic investors and provide early warning signals as the industry moves from collateral-guaranteed deposits to fiat money. • Two risk measures capture the risk of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) platforms. • The measures are easily implementable with aggregate data. • System fragility increased beyond reasonable levels mid-2021. • The measures reveal that liquidations are only partially effective as risk mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ideal implant for stable, noncomminuted olecranon fractures is controversial. Tension band wiring (TBW) is associated with lower cost but higher implant removal rates.On the other hand, plate fixation (PF) is purported to be biomechanically superior, with lower failure and implant removal rates, although associated with higher cost. The primary aim of this study is to look at the clinical outcomes for all Mayo 2A olecranon between PF and TBW. The secondary aim is to perform an economic evaluation of PF vs. TBW. This is a retrospective study of all surgically treated Mayo 2A olecranon fractures in a tertiary hospital from 2005-2016. Demographic data, medical history, range of motion, and complications were collected. All inpatient and outpatient costs in a 1-year period postsurgery including the index surgical procedure were collected via the hospital administrative cost database (normalized to 2014). A total of 147 cases were identified (94 TBW, 53 PF). PF was associated with higher mean age (P <.01), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score (P <.01), and higher proportion of hypertensives (P =.04). There was no difference in the range of motion achieved at 1 year for both groups. In terms of complications, TBW was associated with more symptomatic hardware (21.6% vs. 13.7%, P =.24) and implant failures (16.5% vs. none, P <.01), whereas the plate group had a higher wound complication (5.9% vs. none, P =.02) and infection rate (9.8% vs. 3.1%, P =.09). TBW had a higher implant removal rate of 30.9% compared with 22.7% for PF (P =.36). PF had a higher cost at all time points, from the index surgery ($10,313.64 vs. $5896.36, P <.01), 1-year cost excluding index surgery ($5069.61 vs. $3850.46, P =.46), and outpatient cost ($1667.80 vs. $1613.49, P =.27). Based on our study results, we have demonstrated that TBW is the ideal implant for Mayo 2A olecranon fractures from both a clinical and economic standpoint, with comparable clinical results, potentially similar implant removal rates as PF's, and a lower cost over a 1-year period. In choosing the ideal implant, the surgeon must take into account, first, the local TBW and PF removal rate, which can vary significantly because of the patient's profile and beliefs, and second, the PF implant cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of myocardial ischemia in patients with stable angina is important in deciding whether to treat coronary artery disease and in predicting clinical outcome. The fractional flow reserve is a standard reference for the diagnosis of myocardial ischemia, but this procedure has limitations because of its invasiveness. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is now an established tool in the anatomic diagnosis of coronary artery disease; however, there are limits to the diagnosis of hemodynamically important stenosis that causes myocardial ischemia. In order to address this problem, studies using quantification of coronary atherosclerotic plaques, myocardial perfusion, and noninvasive calculation of fractional flow reserve based on CCTA have been actively conducted and recognized for their diagnostic value. In this review, several imaging techniques of CCTA used to assess myocardial ischemia are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the management practices that affect undesirable behaviors in American Quarter Horses (AQH) confined to box stalls. A total of 105 adult AQH, comprising 29 females, 22 intact males, and 54 castrated males, housed in box stalls for at least 30 days, were included in the study. Behavioral activities were recorded through visual inspection at 5-min intervals over a 24-h period by two observers who took turns in shifts of 4 hours. Parameters related to animal characteristics, stall conditions, handling, training, nutrients supplied, and feeding behaviors were considered independent variables, and the time spent in undesirable behaviors was the dependent variable. Data were subjected to exploratory factor analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. Four principal components were extracted. Two clusters were identified based on the time spent in undesirable behaviors: low-incidence group (25 ± 13 minutes) and high-incidence group (97 ± 52 minutes). Nutritional status (P =.1447), physiological status (P =.1372), and training routine (P =.1160) had no significant effects on the dependent variable; however, the effect of feeding behavior (P =.0444) was significant. A low dry matter intake/requirement ratio (P =.0470) and a high heart rate at rest (P =.0444) indicated that inadequate nutrient supply is a determinant of the time spent in undesirable behaviors in AQH. Aspects related to management practices such as horse nutrition, feeding behaviors, and training routine should be considered to reduce undesirable behaviors in AQH. • Horses housed in box stalls may be subjected to different feeding practices. • Failures in handling and feeding in box stalls can lead to stress status in horses. • Stressful factors result in the manifestation of undesirable behaviors. • The lack of nutritional requirements supplies results in stress status in horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract This study examines the stability of money demand in the proposed West African Monetary Union (WAMU). The study uses annual data for the period 1981 to 2015 from thirteen of the fifteen countries making-up the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). A standard money demand function is designed and estimated using a bounds testing approach to co-integration and error-correction modeling. The findings show divergence across ECOWAS member states in the stability of money demand. This divergence is informed by differences in cointegration, stability, short run and long term determinants, and error correction in event of a shock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study employs the Markov switching regression to examine the dynamic effects of crude oil price movements on sector returns in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, China and India given the impact of the global factor. The evidence from the Markov switching model with dynamic transitions indicates that crude oil and the global factor are significant in explaining the dynamic transition between the specified regimes. We find that the expected regime durations in India are the highest across the sample. We observe that the consumer durables and construction sectors in India exhibited the longest expected duration in stable regimes, whereas the banking sector lasted much longer in recessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Horses typically spend between from 4 to 15 hours a day in standing rest and anywhere from minutes to several hours lying down. Horses that have less sleep due to prolonged activities will result in health deterioration and poor welfare. From the literature search and from the authors' knowledge, the study on the sleeping patterns of domesticated horses in stable management in the tropics has not yet been explored. Thus, the aim of this study was to understand the sleeping patterns of selected local stabled horses in Malaysia. This study was conducted in 3 different stables around Klang Valley, Malaysia. Five healthy adult gelding Thoroughbred horses with body condition score of 3 out of 5 were selected randomly from each stable. The horses experienced the same daily activities and exercised for approximately 4 hours every day where they were used for riding activity. An observational cohort study method was used in this study. Each horse's sleeping patterns were observed for 72 hours. The time frame was divided into 12 hours a day for 6 days, continuously. In the present study, horses tended to sleep only during the night. The stable horses spent about 57.00 ± 25.00 min/24 h in sternal recumbency; 8.00 ± 6.00 min/24 hours in lateral recumbency; and 3.40 ± 0.70 minutes in each stay apparatus position before shifting weight to the other hindlimb. The implication of these findings will allow equine practitioners to understand the different sleeping patterns of horses to maintain the horses' welfare and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sb 2 Se 3 is a promising candidate for low toxicity, low-cost and high efficiency solar cells. Thin film solar cells employing Sb 2 Se 3 as the absorber have achieved power conversion efficiencies of up to 6.5%. However, these solar cells are typically fabricated using rapid thermal evaporation, a fast deposition technique but suffer from entangled substrate and source temperatures. Here, we report on the fabrication of stable and efficient CdS/Sb 2 Se 3 thin film solar cells using close-space sublimation process, which allows separate control of the source and substrate temperatures. This enables better control of Sb 2 Se 3 film deposition and reduction of interfacial diffusion, leading to higher quality absorber films and improved device heterojunctions. Additionally, we introduced a novel low-cost material 4,4',4'',4'''-(9-octylcarbazole-1,3,6,8-tetrayl)tetrakis(N,N-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)aniline) (CZ-TA) as the hole transport layer (HTL) to create n-i-p structured devices. This CZ-TA HTL reduced the back contact resistance and promoted photogenerated carrier collection, boosting device photo conversion efficiency to 6.84%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We determined whether high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I can improve the estimation of the pretest probability for obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with suspected stable angina.Methods and Results: In a prespecified substudy of the SCOT-HEART trial (Scottish Computed Tomography of the Heart), plasma cardiac troponin was measured using a high-sensitivity single-molecule counting assay in 943 adults with suspected stable angina who had undergone coronary computed tomographic angiography. Rates of obstructive CAD were compared with the pretest probability determined by the CAD Consortium risk model with and without cardiac troponin concentrations. External validation was undertaken in an independent study population from Denmark comprising 487 patients with suspected stable angina. Higher cardiac troponin concentrations were associated with obstructive CAD with a 5-fold increase across quintiles (9%-48%; P<0.001) independent of known cardiovascular risk factors (odds ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-1.46 per doubling of troponin). Cardiac troponin concentrations improved the discrimination and calibration of the CAD Consortium model for identifying obstructive CAD (C statistic, 0.788-0.800; P=0.004; χ2=16.8 [P=0.032] to 14.3 [P=0.074]). The updated model also improved classification of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association pretest probability risk categories (net reclassification improvement, 0.062; 95% confidence interval, 0.035-0.089). The revised model achieved similar improvements in discrimination and calibration when applied in the external validation cohort.Conclusions: High-sensitivity cardiac troponin I concentration is an independent predictor of obstructive CAD in patients with suspected stable angina. Use of this test may improve the selection of patients for further investigation and treatment.Clinical Trial Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01149590. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background--Optical coherence tomographic (OCT) morphologies associated with lesion progression are not well studied. The aim of this study was to determine the morphological change for untreated lesion progression using both OCT and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Methods and Results--We used baseline and 8-month follow-up 3-vessel OCT and IVUS to assess 127 nonculprit lesions (IVUS plaque burden ≥40%) in 45 patients with stable angina after target lesion treatment. Lesion progression was defined as an IVUS lumen area decrease >0.5 mm2. A layered pattern was identified as a superficial layer that had a different optical intensity and a clear demarcation from underlying plaque. Lesion progression was observed in 19% (24/127) lesions, and its pattern was characterized into 3 types: type I, new superficial layered pattern at follow-up that was not present at baseline (n=9); type II, a layered pattern at baseline whose layer thickness increased at follow-up (n=7); or type III, no layered pattern at baseline or follow-up (n=8). The increase of IVUS plaque+media area was largest in type I and least in type III (1.9 mm2 [1.6-2.1], 1.1 mm2 [0.9-1.4], and 0.3 mm2 [-0.2 to 0.8], respectively; P=0.002). Type III, but not types I or II, showed negative remodeling during follow-up (IVUS vessel area; from 14.3 mm2 [11.4-17.2] to 13.5 mm2 [10.4-16.7]; P=0.02). OCT lipidic plaque was associated with lesion progression (odds ratio, 13.6; 95% confidence interval, 3.7-50.6; P<0.001). Conclusions--Lesion progression was categorized to distinct OCT morphologies that were related to changes in plaque mass or vessel remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airborne respirable dust (ARD) (<5 μm) in the stable environment is strongly implicated in equine asthma. Bedding, forage, ventilation rate, and stable management activities all contribute to ARD. This study investigated the relationship between ARD in the breathing zone (BZ) and the stable zone (SZ) in eight American barns (ABs) and eight stable complexes with individual stables under four different management regimes. Airborne respirable dust was measured in eight replicate stables per regime in ABs (n = 32) and eight per regime in single stables (n = 32). Regimes were as follows: (1) steamed hay and shavings; (2) dry hay and shavings; (3) haylage and straw; and (4) dry hay and straw. Samples were taken in quite periods between 3 PM and 4 PM hours. Airborne respirable dust levels were analyzed using Split-Plot analysis of variance and Wilcoxon matched-pairs test (Genstat 15) with P < .05 as significant. The lowest ARD (<360 RP/L air) was found for shavings and steamed hay in AB and single stables in both BZ and SZ. Straw and dry hay in ABs produced ARD of 6,250 (SZ), 5,079 RP/L air (BZ) which was greater ( P < .05) than the 2,901 (SZ) and 942 (BZ) RP/L air in single stables. Straw and haylage produced more ARD across both zones in single stables compared with ABs. Shavings and dry hay = more dust in the BZ than in the SZ, whereas straw and haylage = higher ARD in the SZ versus the BZ across both stable designs. Using dry hay and/or straw cannot be recommended as a suitable management regime for stabled horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver transplantation has become an effective and valuable option for patients with end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver failure, an acute or chronic condition, results in impaired bile production and excretion, clotting factor production, protein synthesis, and regulation of metabolism and glucose. Some acute conditions of liver disease have the potential to recover if the liver heals on its own. However, chronic conditions, such as cirrhosis, often lead to irreversible disease and require liver transplantation. In this publication, we review the pathophysiology of liver failure, examine common conditions that ultimately lead to liver transplantation, and discuss the postoperative management of patients who are either hemodynamically stable (type A) or unstable (type B). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel reconfigurable assembly jig called Agile Joint Jig (AJJ) which consists of three main parts: framework, locators and auxiliary components. This framework is not a welded one, but is bolted together using three modular construction kits which include stable agile joints, hollow steel beams and adaptive positioning-clamping bolts (PC bolts). Anti-sheering forces and self-centring provided by PC bolts are keeping the joints and beams in firm position. The modules of this AJJ can be reused to quickly configure other jigs for new products. It can significantly shorten the manufacturing cycle and guarantee the repositioning accuracy of jig. A case study of AJJ has been conducted for a vertical stabilizer assembly and the results demonstrate the advantages of the new reconfigurable assembly jig. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background--The joint contribution of sex, ethnicity, and initial clinical presentation to the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing coronary angiography for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or stable angina, in whom there is angiographic evidence for obstructive coronary artery disease, remains unknown. Methods and Results--We conducted a population-based cohort study on 49 556 adult ACS or stable angina patients with angiographic evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease (≥50% stenosis) in British Columbia. The 2-year composite outcome was all-cause death and hospital readmissions for myocardial infarction, heart failure, cerebrovascular accident, or angina after the index angiography. Sex and ethnic differences in the composite outcome were examined by clinical presentation using the Cox proportional-hazards and logistic regression models. Overall, 25.6% were women, 9.5% were South Asians, 3.0% were Chinese, and 65.9% presented with ACS. Regardless of ethnicity, women were more likely than men to have adverse outcomes, but the magnitude of the sex difference was greater in the ACS patients (Pinteraction for sex and clinical presentation=0.03). Angina readmission accounted for 45% of the composite outcome and was the main component for all groups with the exception of Chinese women with ACS. Furthermore, women were more likely than men to be readmitted for angina (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.13 [1.04--1.22]). Conclusions--Higher rates of adverse events among women with obstructive coronary artery disease, regardless of ethnicity, as well as high rates of angina readmission, highlight the need for more targeted interventions to reduce the burden of angina because this presentation is clearly not benign. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sufficient conditions are developed for the null controllability of neutral control systems with infinite delays when the values of the control lie in an m -dimensional unit cube. Conditions are placed on the perturbation function which guarantee that if the uncontrolled system is uniformly asymptotically stable and the control system satisfies a full rank condition, so that K ( λ ) ξ ( exp ( − λ h ) ) ≠ 0 , for every complex λ , where K ( λ ) is an n × n polynomial matrix in λ constructed from the coefficient matrices of the control system and ξ ( exp ( − λ h ) ) is the transpose of [ 1 , exp ( − λ h ) , ⋯ , exp ( − ( n − 1 ) λ h ) ] , then the control system is null controllable with constraint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile ad hoc network comprises of nodes that may often possess dissimilar characteristics. These characteristics include computation power, transmission range, battery backup, etc. Such heterogeneity makes the wireless channel asymmetric due to presence of some unidirectional links. The more powerful nodes enhance the scalability, coverage area, and network lifetime. However, the interference caused by the high power nodes may result in reduced throughput. An effective clustering algorithm renders longer cluster lifetime and incurs low maintenance overhead. However, the mobility of nodes adversely affects the hierarchical structure. Therefore, selecting quasi-mobile nodes for the role of cluster head is a preferred option that makes the clustering structure more stable. In the proposed algorithm, we present a stable loose clustering algorithm by considering more powerful however less mobile nodes as cluster heads. The simulation analysis confirms that our algorithm delivers more stable clusters with low maintenance effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. A growing interest in the horse business has resulted in the increased engagement of m any people in this area, and the health problems occurring among workers create the need to search for prophylactic measures. Objective. The objective of the study was evaluation of the level of exposure to air pollution in a stable, and estimation of the degree of work load among workers engaged in tending horses. Material and methods. The study was conducted twice, during the winter season, in a stable maintaining race horses, and in a social room. In order to evaluate workers' exposure, air samples w ere collected by the aspiration method. After the incubation of material, the total number of bacteria and fungi in the air was determined, as well as the number of aerobic mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria, expressed as the number of colony forming units per cubic meter of air (CFU/m3). The measurement of total dust concentration in the air was also performed, simultaneously with the measurement of microclimatic parameters. The study of work load also covered the measurement of energy expenditure, evaluation of static physical load, and monotony of movements performed. Conclusions. The stable may be considered as a workplace with considerable risk of the occurrence of un-favourable health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) is the most widespread tree species in North America, and it is found throughout much of the Mountain West (MW) across a broad range of bioclimatic regions. Aspen typically regenerates asexually and prolifically after fire, and due to its seral status in many western conifer forests, aspen is often considered dependent upon disturbance for persistence. In many landscapes, historical evidence for post-fire aspen establishment is clear, and following extended fire-free periods senescing or declining aspen overstories sometimes lack adequate regeneration and are succeeding to conifers. However, aspen also forms relatively stable stands that contain little or no evidence of historical fire. In fact, aspen woodlands range from highly fire-dependent, seral communities to relatively stable, self-replacing, non-seral communities that do not require fire for persistence. Given the broad geographic distribution of aspen, fire regimes in these forests likely co-vary spatially with changing community composition, landscape setting, and climate, and temporally with land use and climate – but relatively few studies have explicitly focused on these important spatiotemporal variations. Here we reviewed the literature to summarize aspen fire regimes in the western US and highlight knowledge gaps. We found that only about one-fourth of the 46 research papers assessed for this review could be considered fire history studies (in which mean fire intervals were calculated), and all but one of these were based primarily on data from fire-scarred conifers. Nearly half of the studies reported at least some evidence of persistent aspen in the absence of fire. We also found that large portions of the MW have had little or no aspen fire history research. As a result of this review, we put forth a classification framework for aspen that is defined by key fire regime parameters (fire severity and probability), and that reflects underlying biophysical settings and correlated aspen functional types. We propose the following aspen fire regime types: (1) fire-independent, stable aspen; (2) fire-influenced, stable aspen; (3) fire-dependent, seral, conifer-aspen mix; (4) fire-dependent, seral, montane aspen-conifer; and (5) fire-dependent, seral, subalpine aspen-conifer. Closing research gaps and validating our proposed aspen fire regime classification will likely require additional site-specific research, enhanced dendrochronology techniques, charcoal and pollen record analysis, spatially-explicit modeling, and other techniques. We hope to encourage development of site-appropriate disturbance ecology characterizations, in order to aid efforts to manage and restore aspen communities and to diagnose key factors contributing to changes in aspen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Non-n-ampleness as defined by Pillay [20] and Evans [5] is preserved under analysability. Generalizing this to a more general notion of Σ-ampleness. this gives an immediate proof for all simple theories of a weakened version of the Canonical Base Property (CBP) proven by Chatzidakis [4] for types of finite SU-rank. This is then applied to the special case of groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burst fractures of the thoracolumbar spine are a common injury and can be source of great pain and disability. Fortunately, in most instances, treatment can be nonoperative with excellent results. However, there are certain situations in which a surgical approach may be indicated: a fracture with a significant neurological deficit or an “unstable” burst fracture with disruption of the posterior ligamentous complex. The literature is reviewed and surgical outcomes are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cosmic rays in the upper troposphere (9000 meters to 15000 meters) initiate the following nuclear chemical reaction: 1n + 14N => 14C + 1H. Previous research has shown a strong effect of latitude on the abundance of neutrons from cosmic rays. However, to date, there has been little exploration of the relationship between the latitude effect for cosmic-ray neutrons and latitudinal variations of stable isotope ratios in aerosols and foliage. In this study, aerosol samples (PM 4.5) and foliage samples were collected in Singapore in November 2009, Februaiy and July 2010 and in Fairbanks, Alaska, U.S.A. in January April and September 2010. The average value of delta 15/1 4N in foliage in Fairbanks was -1.84 [per mil], whereas the average value in Singapore was -1.3 [per mill. These results show a clear latitude effect on delta 15/14N in foliage. Furthermore, the average value of delta l5/14N in the nitric-oxide substances in the aerosol samples in Fairbanks was -2.70 [per mil], whereas the average value in Singapore was +7.61 [per mil], demonstrating that delta 15/l4N in nitric-oxide substances from aerosol samples also experiences a latitude effect. In both Singapore and Fairbanks, it was observed that values of delta 15/14N in nitric-oxide substances from aerosols were correlated with declination. The value of delta 15/14N in nitric-oxide substances from aerosols in Fairbanks increased with increasing declination due to more active conversions from 14N to 14C by neutron bombardment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for computation of positive asymptotically stable realizations of fractional descriptor continuous-time linear systems with regular pencil is proposed. The method is based on the decomposition of the improper transfer matrix into strictly proper matrix and a polynomial matrix. A procedure for decomposition of a positive asymptotically stable realization is given and illustrated by a numerical example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract: In ecology the disease in the prey population plays an important role in controlling the dynamical behaviour of the system. We modify Hastings and Powell’s (HP) [Hastings, A., Powell, T., 1991. Chaos in three-species food chain. Ecology 72 (3), 896–903] model by introducing disease in the prey population. The conditions for which the modified HP model system represents extinction, permanence or impermanence of population are worked out. The modified model is analyzed to obtain different conditions for which the system exhibits stability around the biologically feasible equilibria. Through numerical simulations we display that the modified system enters into stable solutions depending upon the force of infection in prey population as well as body size of intermediate predator. Our results demonstrate that disease in prey population and body size of intermediate predator are the key parameters for controlling the chaotic dynamics observed in original HP model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Soil samples were collected from an experimental paddy field with long-term (26 years) fertilization in Taihu Lake region of Jiangsu Province to study the effects of different fertilization on the organic carbon distribution and stable carbon isotope natural abundance (δ 13 C) in the soil profile, and on the humus composition. The results showed that long-term fertilization increased the organic carbon content in top soil significantly, and there was a significantly negative exponential correlation between soil organic carbon content and soil depth (P < 0.01). The organic carbon content in 10-30 cm soil layer under chemical fertilizations and in 20-40 cm soil layer under organic fertilizations was relatively stable. Soil δ 13 C increased gradually with soil depth, its variation range being from -24% per thousand to -28 per thousand, and had a significantly negative linear correlation with soil organic carbon content (P < 0.05). In 0-20 cm soil layer, the δ 13 C in treatments organic manure (M), M + NP, M + NPK, M + straw (R) + N, and R + N decreased significantly; while in 30-50 cm soil layer, the δ 13 C in all organic fertilization treatments except R + N increased significantly. Tightly combined humus (humin) was the main humus composition in the soil, occupying 50% or more, and the rest were loosely and stably combined humus. Long-term fertilization increased the content of loosely combined humus and the ratio of humic acid (HA) to fulvic acid (FA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper compares the hydration ability of three commercially-available sports drinks with water under conditions of rest and exercise, using a deuterium dilution technique. For the rest group, 0.05g/kg of body weight of deuterium, contained in gelatine capsules, was ingested with one of the test solutions and saliva samples were collected every five minutes for an hour while the subject remained seated. The deuterium was administered as above for the exercise group but sample collection was during one hour of exercise on a treadmill at 55% of the subject''s maximum heart rate. The enrichment data for each subject were mathematically modelled to describe the kinetics of hydration and the parameters obtained were compared across drinks using a basic Anova. At rest, significant differences were found for t 1, t 1/2, and the percent of drink absorbed at t 1. The differences between drinks were not significant for t 2 or the maximum absorption rate. For the exercise group, the only significant difference was found between water and the sports drinks at t 1. Therefore, we conclude that labelling with a deuterium tracer is a good measure of the relative rate ingested fluids are absorbed by the body. Because of the lack of differences found at t 2, which is indicative of the 100% absorption time, both at rest and during exercise, it may be speculated that, compared to water, the sports drinks studied in this paper did not hydrate the body at a faster rate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Functional bracing is cost effective in treatment of stable isolated Weber B fracture. • Load bearing radiograph are the best to check stability in ankle fractures. • Higher complications rate with cast immobilisation compared to functional bracing. Despite the current recommendations that stable Weber B ankle fractures can be treated with functional bracing and weightbearing as tolerated, some reluctance exists among trauma surgeons to follow these recommendations. This paper reports on our institution's experience in managing these injuries and compare it to the national guidelines. This is a retrospective cohort study. Consecutive patients with isolated Weber B fractures referred to the local outpatient clinic over the period of six months were included in the study. Radiographs and clinic letters were examined, the patients were interviewed via telephone to obtain outcome scores [Olerud and Molander score]. Method of immobilisation, weight-bearing status, radiological fracture union, clinical outcomes and complications were all assessed and analysed. One hundred and twenty-three patients with isolated Weber B fractures were identified. This cohort of patients did not show clinical or radiographic evidence of instability, they were deemed stable and were initially treated non-operatively. Minimum follow-up period was six months. Sixty-two patients were treated in plaster and were non-weight bearing on the affected limb, while 61 were treated with functional bracing in a boot and were allowed early weight bearing. Three patients showed displacement requiring surgical fixation. All fractures progressed to union and patients were discharged irrespective of the method of immobilisation or weightbearing status during treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in the functional outcome measures between the two groups. The protocol of functional bracing and weightbearing was associated with fewer outpatient clinics and a reduced number of radiographs obtained in the clinic and fewer complications. Isolated trans-syndesmotic Weber B ankle fractures, that are clinically and radiologically stable, can be safely treated with functional bracing in a boot and weightbearing as tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There was great variation in the prevalence of abnormal behaviors. • No significant difference between questionnaires and direct observations was found. • Incorrect nutritional management is indicated as the main cause of abnormal behaviors. Researchers believe that the development and prevalence of abnormal behaviors in horses may be caused by several environmental and biological factors, and the literature offers numerous reports that discuss the causes and effects of stereotypies in these animals. In this light, this study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the scientific literature, summarizing the main risk factors associated with the development of abnormal behaviors in horses. The searches were conducted over the course of four years in Portuguese, Spanish, and English. The publications reviewed were full text research thesis or articles that addressed issues within the following criteria: (1) presentation of epidemiological information on the studied population; (2) prevalence of abnormal behaviors in equine populations; (3) factors associated with the development or prevalence of stereotypies. Data were extracted from each study and inserted into an Excel spreadsheet to be analyzed through descriptive statistics. In addition, the Mann-Whitney U test was used to verify the existence of significant differences between the methodologies (direct observation/questionnaires). The dataset was also analyzed through data mining to identify the main factors that influence the prevalence of abnormal behaviors in the studied population. The results showed a great variation in the mean prevalence of abnormal behaviors, with no significant difference between research conducted through questionnaires or direct observation, and the data mining technique identified that incorrect nutritional management may be the main factor influencing the development and prevalence of abnormal behaviors in horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel carbon allotrope with wide and indirect band gap is proposed. • The shear and bulk moduli of o P72 carbon are higher than that of C 64 , T, Y, and TY carbon. • o P72 carbon is suitable making semiconductor electronic and photoelectric devices. According to density functional theory (DFT), a novel carbon allotrope is first predicted and investigated in this paper, denoted as o P72 carbon. o P72 carbon is mechanically stable and dynamically stable. There are fourteen carbon atom positions in o P72 carbon, it is an all- sp 3 hybridized bonding network, and 4, 5, 6, 10 and 12 membered rings exist in the crystal structure of o P72 carbon. The shear modulus (224 GPa) and bulk modulus (269 GPa) of o P72 carbon are both slightly larger than those of C 64 , Y carbon, TY carbon, and T carbon, and the shear modulus of o P72 carbon is slightly greater than that of Pnma -BN. The conduction band minimum of o P72 carbon is situated in the X point, when the maximum value of the valence band of o P72 carbon is from point T to point Y, the indirect band gap of o P72 carbon is 2.941 eV. Therefore we speculate the o P72 carbon is an indirect semiconductor material. Furthermore, the Debye temperature, elastic anisotropy, Poisson's ratio v , and Young's modulus E of o P72 carbon are calculated and discussed systematically in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on cardiovascular proteomics.