Bootstrap samples with noise are shown to be an eeective smoothness and capacity control technique for training feed-forward networks and for other statistical methods such as generalized additive models. It is shown that noisy bootstrap performs best in conjunction with weight decay regularization and ensemble averaging. The two-spiral problem, a highly non-linear noise-free data, is used to d...

OBJECTIVE There were no studies on the macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the pathogenesis of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). The objective of the present study was to investigate the serum M-CSF, RANKL and OPG in rats fed with KBD-affected diet. METHODS Ninety Wistar rats were divided into five groups. The rats...

Problem Statement: This study was conduct to compare effects of various commercial feed additives on performance of laying hens. Approach: To evaluate effects of dietary inclusion of feed additives (Yeasturer, A-Max, Thepax, Fermacto and Biomin) on performance of laying hens, 216 Lohmann LSL-Lite hens were divided in 36 cages (n = 6). Approach Hens in 6 cages (replicates) were assigned to feed ...

In the late winter of 2003, a number of livestock animals in the Midwest were poisoned due the accidental contamination of a popular commercial feed with a lethal additive. Although all the evidence indicates this incident had no malicious or terrorist intent, it is informative as a case study highlighting potential security implications with respect to a terrorist event directed at U.S. agricu...