A design oriented digital design language

A digital design language is presented here which is more consistent with the design sequence of digital computer than existing languages. An ideal design sequence is first investigated and the following desirable design language characteristics obtained. A good design oriented language must be: 1) multi-level, 2) capable of expressing ideas easily, 3) easily understood, 4) machine acceptable, 5) modular and, 6) capable of showing timing and control. It should also be: 1) independent of technology, 2) unrestricted to any particular structural feature such as serial processes, synchronous processes, etc., 3) concise, 4) precise, and 5) non-ambiguous. With regard to these features, the language presented here has a marked improvement over most of the other languages in that it is 1) multi-leveled, 2) modular, 3) capable of showing timing and control clearly, 4) unrestricted to any particular structural features, and 5) is easily understandable...Since this language is closely related to, and enhances flow table representation and can be used to express asynchronous operations, it is of significant value in bridging the now existing gap between digital system design and asynchronous sequential switching theory. The multi-level structuring of the language makes simulation and fault diagnosis easier on both the logic level and the functional level. This is due to the partitioning techniques of the language --Abstract, page ii-iii

A simulation and diagnosis system incorporating various time delay models and functional elements

The application of digital simulation to all phases of digital network design is considered here as oppossed [sic] to development of simulation for one or two restricted parts of the digital process. For this reason a simulator is presented which can be consistent by varying the level of expression from the simulation of architectural structures to such detailed simulation requirements as race analysis of asynchronous sequential circuits. In order to make system simulation more than just an idea, it must be capable of handling large circuits in reasonable times. It is demonstrated that functional simulation has the potential to increase simulation speed while reducing the required storage. This potential is realized with the following features of this simulator structure: 1) a modular structure for specification and execution, 2) the capability of being easily interfaced with gate level simulation, 3) the capability of utilizing the highest level of expression for simulation, 4) a variable level of expression, 5) a relatively unrestricted type of logic that can be simulated, 6) the capabilities of using standard functional modules, 7) a fairly universal means of expressing functional modules and, 8) the use of data and control signals to further force selective trace capabilities on a module level. Greater gate level simulation capabilities are obtained by extending the basic simulator to perform the simulation of undefined signal values and the simulation of ambiguities in signal propagation speeds. The simulator presented here is part of a Test Generation and Simulation System. This system includes preprocessing, combinational test generation, automatic fault insertion as well as simulation --Abstract, page ii

RAPTOR USE OF ARTIFICIAL PERCHES AT NATURAL AREAS, CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO

The black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) remains a critical element of the prairie ecosystem even though its numbers and occupied range have declined dramatically since the arrival of Europeans in North America (Antol in et al. 2002). Prairie dog colonies are used by many species of wildlife and help maintain high levels of biodiversity (Kotliar et al. 1999). In the urban-suburban setting, the occurrence of prairie dog colonies also provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and environmental education. Unfortunately, prairie dogs also can come into conflict with humans, especially in the urban-suburban setting, where they cause vegetation and property damage, and pose a health threat attributable to periodic plague (Yersinia pestis) outbreaks (Witmer et al. 2003). Efforts to reduce conflicts can involve colony relocation or management so that the prairie dog population and occupied area does not increase (e.g., lethal or non-lethal removal, construction of physical barriers around the colony; Witmer et al. 2003). frtificial perches, placed at prairie dog colonies, can attract raptors, while providing for public viewing of raptors. The artificial perches, if strategically placed, also might increase predation on prairie dogs, slowing the increase in the size of the colony (Witmer et al. 2003). This approach has been used in other settings in an attempt to reduce rodent populations or damage, but most researchers reported little success in rodent control (e.g., Howard et al. 1985, Askham 1990, Moore and Van Vuren 1998, Wolff et al. 1999). A few researchers, however, reported that increased use of artificial perches might help reduce rodent numbers and damage (e.g., Kay et al. 1994, Mulner 2000, Hafidzi and Mohd 2003). In our region, this management practice might be especially effective given the paucity of trees (i.e., natural perches) in the shortgrass prairie outside riparian systems (Weaver et al. 1996). The objective of this study was to document the use of artificial perches by raptors and the food habits of these raptors within the city limits of Fort Collins, Colorado

RAPTOR USE OF ARTIFICIAL PERCHES AT NATURAL AREAS, CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO

The black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) remains a critical element of the prairie ecosystem even though its numbers and occupied range have declined dramatically since the arrival of Europeans in North America (Antol in et al. 2002). Prairie dog colonies are used by many species of wildlife and help maintain high levels of biodiversity (Kotliar et al. 1999). In the urban-suburban setting, the occurrence of prairie dog colonies also provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and environmental education. Unfortunately, prairie dogs also can come into conflict with humans, especially in the urban-suburban setting, where they cause vegetation and property damage, and pose a health threat attributable to periodic plague (Yersinia pestis) outbreaks (Witmer et al. 2003). Efforts to reduce conflicts can involve colony relocation or management so that the prairie dog population and occupied area does not increase (e.g., lethal or non-lethal removal, construction of physical barriers around the colony; Witmer et al. 2003). frtificial perches, placed at prairie dog colonies, can attract raptors, while providing for public viewing of raptors. The artificial perches, if strategically placed, also might increase predation on prairie dogs, slowing the increase in the size of the colony (Witmer et al. 2003). This approach has been used in other settings in an attempt to reduce rodent populations or damage, but most researchers reported little success in rodent control (e.g., Howard et al. 1985, Askham 1990, Moore and Van Vuren 1998, Wolff et al. 1999). A few researchers, however, reported that increased use of artificial perches might help reduce rodent numbers and damage (e.g., Kay et al. 1994, Mulner 2000, Hafidzi and Mohd 2003). In our region, this management practice might be especially effective given the paucity of trees (i.e., natural perches) in the shortgrass prairie outside riparian systems (Weaver et al. 1996). The objective of this study was to document the use of artificial perches by raptors and the food habits of these raptors within the city limits of Fort Collins, Colorado

In Utero Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke Potentiates Adult Responses to Allergen in BALB/c Mice

BACKGROUND: Fetal stress has been linked to adult atherosclerosis, obesity, and diabetes. Epidemiology studies have associated fetal exposure to maternal smoking and postnatal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) with increased asthma risk. OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis, in a mouse model of asthma, that in utero ETS exposure alters airway function and respiratory immune responses in adults. METHODS: Pregnant Balb/c mice were exposed daily to ETS or HEPA-filtered air (AIR). Offspring inhaled aerosolized ovalbumin (OVA) or saline in weeks 7–8. Regardless of whether they inhaled OVA or saline, mice were sensitized by OVA injections in weeks 11 and 13 followed by OVA aerosol challenge in weeks 14–15. At three time points, we assessed OVA-specific serum immunoglobins, bronchoalveolar lavage cells and cytokines, lung and nasal histopathology, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). RESULTS: At 6 weeks, we found no significant differences between in utero ETS and AIR mice. At 10 weeks, following OVA aerosol, ETS mice displayed greater AHR than AIR mice (α = 0.05), unaccompanied by changes in histopathology, cytokine profile, or antibody levels. At 15 weeks, mice that had inhaled saline in weeks 7–8 developed airway inflammation: eosinophilia (α = 0.05), interleukin-5 (α = 0.05), and AHR (α = 0.05) were greater in ETS mice than in AIR mice. Mice that had inhaled OVA in weeks 7–8 demonstrated no airway inflammation after sensitization and challenge. CONCLUSION: In utero ETS exposure exacerbates subsequent adult responses to initial allergen exposure

Prevention of coronary heart disease in people with severe mental illnesses: a qualitative study of patient and professionals' preferences for care

BACKGROUND: People with severe mental illness (SMI) are at increased risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD) and there is growing emphasis on the need to monitor their physical health. However, there is little consensus on how services for the primary prevention of CHD should be organised for this patient group. We explored the views of people with SMI and health professionals from primary care and community mental health teams (CMHTs) on how best to provide these services. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of patients with SMI (n = 31) and staff from primary care (n = 10) and community mental health teams (n = 25) in North Central London. Transcripts of the qualitative interviews were analysed using a 'framework' approach to identify the main themes in opinions regarding various service models. RESULTS: Cardiovascular risk factors in people with SMI were of concern to participants. However, there was some disagreement about the best way to deliver appropriate care. Although staff felt that primary care should take responsibility for risk factor screening and management, patients favoured CHD screening in their CMHT. Problems with both approaches were identified. These included a lack of familiarity in general practice with SMI and antipsychotic side effects and poor communication of physical health issues to the CMHT. Lack of knowledge regarding CHD risk factor screening and difficulties in interpreting screening results and implementing appropriate interventions exist in secondary care. CONCLUSION: Management of physical health care for people with SMI requires complex solutions that cross the primary-secondary care interface. The views expressed by our participants suggest that neither primary nor secondary care services on their own can provide a comprehensive service for all patients. The increased risk of CHD associated with SMI and antipsychotic medications requires flexible solutions with clear lines of responsibility for assessing, communicating and managing CHD risks

Climatic and geographic predictors of life history variation in Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus): A range-wide synthesis

Elucidating how life history traits vary geographically is important to understanding variation in population dynamics. Because many aspects of ectotherm life history are climate-dependent, geographic variation in climate is expected to have a large impact on population dynamics through effects on annual survival, body size, growth rate, age at first reproduction, size-fecundity relationship, and reproductive frequency. The Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) is a small, imperiled North American rattlesnake with a distribution centered on the Great Lakes region, where lake effects strongly influence local conditions. To address Eastern Massasauga life history data gaps, we compiled data from 47 study sites representing 38 counties across the range. We used multimodel inference and general linear models with geographic coordinates and annual climate normals as explanatory variables to clarify patterns of variation in life history traits. We found strong evidence for geographic variation in six of nine life history variables. Adult female snout-vent length and neonate mass increased with increasing mean annual precipitation. Litter size decreased with increasing mean temperature, and the size-fecundity relationship and growth prior to first hibernation both increased with increasing latitude. The proportion of gravid females also increased with increasing latitude, but this relationship may be the result of geographically varying detection bias. Our results provide insights into ectotherm life history variation and fill critical data gaps, which will inform Eastern Massasauga conservation efforts by improving biological realism for models of population viability and climate change

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London