169 n BACKGROUND The prevalence of feline heartworm disease (FHD) in the United States is largely unknown, due, in part, to a previous lack of interest and understanding of heartworm infection in cats and limitations in current diagnostic methodology. Currently available antigen tests for detection of Dirofilaria immitis infections are less sensitive in the cat due to more frequent all-male inf...

In this paper, based on feedback linearization control method and using a special PI (propotational integrator) regulator (IP) in combination with a feed-forward controller, a three-phase induction servo-drive is speed controlled. First, an observer is employed to estimate the rotor d and q axis flux components. Then, two input-output state variables are introduced to control the dynamics of to...

In this paper we introduce a simple, computationally inxepentsive, adaptive recursive structure for enhancing bandpass signals highly corrupted by broad-band noise. This adaptive algorithm, enhancing input signals, enables us to estimate the center frequency and the bandwidth of the input signal. In addition, an important feature of the proposed structure is that the conventional bias existing ...

Having close kinship to Brugia malayi, B. pahangi is a member of the family Filariidae, which causes lymphatic filariasis in dogs and cats. Although this nematode is unlikely to cause a zoonotic disease in humans, study of the B. pahangi life cycle may help control human filariasis. The objective of this study was to examine microfilarial rates and densities of B. pahangi in experimentally indu...

One aim of testing is to identify weaknesses in students’ knowledge. Computerized tests are now one of the most important ways to judge learning, and, selecting tailored questions for each learner is a significant part of such tests. Therefore, one current trend is that computerized adaptive tests (CATs) not only assist teachers in estimating the learning performance of students, but also facil...

ObjectivePROMIS offers computerized adaptive tests (CAT) of patient-reported outcomes, using a single set US-based IRT item parameters across populations and language-versions. The use country-specific has local appeal, but also disadvantages. We illustrate the effects choosing US or on PROMIS CAT T-scores.Study design settingSimulations were performed response data from Dutch chronic pain pati...

The assessment of a person’s traits such as ability is a fundamental problem in human sciences. We focus on assessments of traits that can be measured by determining the shortest time limit allowing a testee to solve simple repetitive tasks, so-called speed tests. Existing approaches for adjusting the time limit are either intrinsically nonadaptive or lack theoretical foundation. By contrast, w...

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of stress in cats with feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) by evaluating bladder permeability, sympathetic nervous system function, and urine cortisol:creatinine (C:Cr) ratios during periods of stress and after environmental enrichment. DESIGN Prospective study. ANIMALS 13 cats with FIC and 12 healthy cats. PROCEDURE Cats subjected to an acute-onset moderat...