cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Closed arterial lab sampling devices: a study of compliance and best practice

As the quality of patient care continues to improve, nursing professionals are continuously tasked with researching, implementing, and evaluating best practices. The practice of obtaining blood samples from paediatric patients, using a conventional three-way stopcock method, has been associated with peripheral arterial catheter intraluminal contamination and catheter-related bloodstream infections. A paediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU), in a large medical centre in the USA, set an objective to mitigate the risk of possible contamination by implementing the use of closed arterial lab sampling devices. The project extensively reviewed comparative literature of studies between conventional three-way stopcock methods and closed arterial lab sampling devices. Furthermore, it successfully implemented the recommended best practice with sustained compliance. This article discusses appraising current literature, translating into practice, and evaluating compliance throughout the PCICU over a 2-year period.
Future climate vulnerability – evaluating multiple lines of evidence

Climate change will markedly alter the structure and function of ecosystems, with important implications for land management. Yet scientists’ ability to predict future ecological conditions is hampered by uncertainty in both climate projections and ecological responses to climate change. More data are now available – from small‐scale experimental results to continental vegetation model projections – to improve understanding of climate vulnerability. Integrating these resources can strengthen vulnerability assessments but managers may become skeptical of the assessment process when information sources generate conflicting outcomes. We discuss practical approaches to integrating multiple lines of evidence in vulnerability assessments, and illustrate these approaches using three case studies: Oregon white oak in the Willamette Valley, whitebark pine in south‐central Idaho, and sagebrush steppe on the Columbia Plateau. These cases demonstrate that although weaving together multiple lines of evidence can be challenging, unique insights can emerge even when there is divergence in projected changes.
Nutraceuticals: a goldmine but for whom?

A whole new industry has grown up around dietary supplements that purportedly can, enhance exercise performance or enhance the recovery from exercise. Many of these new supplements are ‘functional foods’ or nutraceuticals that have active molecules or ingredients that purportedly can reduce inflammation, prevent oxidative stress or have other benefits for whatever may ails an equine athlete. The blitz of advertising that usually accompanies such miracle ergogenic (i.e. performance enhancing) products suggests that a great deal of scientific research has been published to support those claims. Unfortunately, the majority of new dietary supplements are being promoted with little or no scientific basis for the claims made on their labels or in the advertisements touting their benefits. In many cases, no research has been performed to demonstrate efficacy of these new expensive, avant-garde, dietary supplements in the horse. So how can we determine if a new supplement improves recovery from exercise or has po...
On Assessing Dry Probabilities in Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration: An Application of Bayes’s Theorem

United States Government estimates of offshore oil resources have been based largely on subjective information. Through time, results of exploratory drilling become available, and the estimates are updated. Although this situation strongly suggests the use of Bayes’s Theorem, this approach has not been taken. In this paper, the problem is explicitly framed in terms of Bayes’s Theorem, and two simple exercises are performed on actual results to demonstrate the usefulness of the approach.
Reconfigurable systems for multifunctional electronics

Reconfigurable systems complement the existing efforts of miniaturizing integrated circuits to provide a new direction for the development of future electronics. Such systems can integrate low dimensional materials and metamaterials to enable functional transformation from the deformation to changes in multiple physical properties, including mechanical, electric, optical, and thermal. Capable of overcoming the mismatch in geometries and forms between rigid electronics and soft tissues, bio-integrated electronics enabled by reconfigurable systems can provide continuous monitoring of physiological signals. The new opportunities also extend beyond to human-computer interfaces, diagnostic/therapeutic platforms, and soft robotics. In the development of these systems, biomimicry has been a long lasting inspiration for the novel yet simple designs and technological innovations. As interdisciplinary research becomes evident in such development, collaboration across scientists and physicians from diverse backgrounds would be highly encouraged to tackle grand challenges in this field.
Development of compliant tools and processes to polish axisymmetric surfaces; Technical Digest

Contact mechanics was investigated for compliant tools being developed for UltraForm Finishing. Hertz contact theory predictions were compared with experimental measurements. A high speed camera was used to investigate the size and consistency of the contact spots. The contact pressure distributions were measured with a Tekscan tactile grid system. Preston's equation was used to derive a relation between the pressure distributions and the corresponding removal spots. Experimental results were used to estimate Preston's coefficient for this process.
Acetylation of oxidized base repair-initiating NEIL1 DNA glycosylase required for chromatin-bound repair complex formation in the human genome increases cellular resistance to oxidative stress.

Abstract Posttranslational modifications of DNA repair proteins have been linked to their function. However, it is not clear if posttranslational acetylation affects subcellular localization of these enzymes. Here, we show that the human DNA glycosylase NEIL1, which is involved in repair of both endo- and exogenously generated oxidized bases via the base excision repair (BER) pathway, is acetylated by histone acetyltransferase p300. Acetylation occurs predominantly at Lys residues 296, 297 and 298 located in NEIL1’s disordered C-terminal domain. NEIL1 mutant having the substitution of Lys 296–298 with neutral Ala loses nuclear localization, whereas Lys > Arg substitution (in 3KR mutant) at the same sites does not affect NEIL1’s nuclear localization or chromatin binding, presumably due to retention of the positive charge. Although non-acetylated NEIL1 can bind to chromatin, acetylated NEIL1 is exclusively chromatin-bound. NEIL1 acetylation while dispensable for its glycosylase activity enhances it due to increased product release. The acetylation-defective 3KR mutant forms less stable complexes with various chromatin proteins, including histone chaperones and BER/single-strand break repair partners, than the wild-type (WT) NEIL1. We also showed that the repair complex with WT NEIL1 has significantly higher BER activity than the 3KR mutant complex. This is consistent with reduced resistance of non-acetylable mutant NEIL1 expressing cells to oxidative stress relative to cells expressing the acetylable WT enzyme. We thus conclude that the major role of acetylable Lys residues in NEIL1 is to stabilize the formation of chromatin-bound repair complexes which protect cells from oxidative stress.
Digestive and Excretory Systems

The digestive and excretory systems together function to process all nutrients that enter the bloodstream except the oxygen that is brought in by the respiratory system. Through the digestive system, nutritive substances are absorbed and any that are not are eliminated. The excretory system functions in parallel, eliminating the by-products of metabolism from the cells throughout the body, by its constant cleansing of the blood. Both systems, in addition to serving these life-support functions, also have associated with them numerous psychological meanings regarding the ingestion of food, and the elimination of wastes through the gastrointestinal system and the genitourinary tract.
Effect of Molecular Structure on the CO2 Separation Properties of Hydrophobic Solvents Consisting of Grafted Poly Ethylene Glycol and Poly Dimethylsiloxane Units

This work describes the preparation of a set of nine new novel hydrophobic PEG-substituted solvents. These solvents include linear, T-shaped, and disubstituted conformations of the PEG grafted with PDMS molecule. The effect of changing both the molecular conformation and length of PEG side arm on the physical properties and CO2 absorption capacity was studied. These solvents are intended for separation of CO2 and H2 in precombustion CO2 capture and are intended to replace the current-state-of-the-art glycol-based solvents and operate at a higher temperature. The properties of the disubstituted solvents are exceptionally well suited for precombustion CO2 capture applications because of their hydrophobicity, high CO2 solubility, low evaporation rate, and lack of foaming.
China fashions a maritime identity

How will an emerging, increasingly sea-power-minded China manage its relations with seafaring neighbors in Asia? This study uses the international relations concepts of ”identity” and ”strategic culture” to appraise China's emerging diplomacy as it pertains to maritime affairs. A nation's strategic culture at once shapes and can be shaped by the thoughts and actions of important decision-makers. A nation-state's leaders thus can craft a certain identity, conveying how the nation-state will conduct itself in international affairs. This has both domestic and international uses. China's rulers have set out to rally the populace behind their quest for sea power-a quest they see as vital for economic development-and to assuage concerns among fellow Asian sea powers over the naval arms buildup China has undertaken in recent years. Are they sincere in their professions of benevolence? This study examines possible futures for China's maritime diplomacy, concluding that China's leadership neither shrinks from the use of force nor views it as a first resort. Rather, China's leaders will manage their nation's identity and strategic culture prudently in the service of their interests. A welcoming but watchful attitude befits Asian powers surveying China's maritime rise.
Serotonergic innervation of the human amygdala and evolutionary implications

OBJECTIVES The serotonergic system is involved in the regulation of socio-emotional behavior and heavily innervates the amygdala, a key structure of social brain circuitry. We quantified serotonergic axon density of the four major nuclei of the amygdala in humans, and examined our results in light of previously published data sets in chimpanzees and bonobos. MATERIALS AND METHODS Formalin-fixed postmortem tissue sections of the amygdala from six humans were stained for serotonin transporter (SERT) utilizing immunohistochemistry. SERT-immunoreactive (ir) axon fiber density in the lateral, basal, accessory basal, and central nuclei of the amygdala was quantified using unbiased stereology. Nonparametric statistical analyses were employed to examine differences in SERT-ir axon density between amygdaloid nuclei within humans, as well as differences between humans and previously published data in chimpanzees and bonobos. RESULTS Humans displayed a unique pattern of serotonergic innervation of the amygdala, and SERT-ir axon density was significantly greater in the central nucleus compared to the lateral nucleus. SERT-ir axon density was significantly greater in humans compared to chimpanzees in the basal, accessory basal, and central nuclei. SERT-ir axon density was greater in humans compared to bonobos in the accessory basal and central nuclei. CONCLUSIONS The human pattern of SERT-ir axon distribution in the amygdala complements the redistribution of neurons in the amygdala in human evolution. The present findings suggest that differential serotonergic modulation of cognitive and autonomic pathways in the amygdala in humans, bonobos, and chimpanzees may contribute to species-level differences in social behavior.
A Four-Electron Sulfur Electrode Hosting a Cu2+ /Cu+ Redox Charge Carrier.

The elemental sulfur electrode with Cu2+ as the charge carrier gives a four-electron sulfur electrode reaction through the sequential conversion of S↔CuS↔Cu2 S. The Cu-S redox-ion electrode delivers a high specific capacity of 3044 mAh g-1 based on the sulfur mass or 609 mAh g-1 based on the mass of Cu2 S, the completely discharged product, and displays an unprecedently high potential of sulfur/metal sulfide reduction at 0.5 V vs. SHE. The Cu-S electrode also exhibits an extremely low extent of polarization of 0.05 V and an outstanding cycle number of 1200 cycles retaining 72 % of the initial capacity at 12.5 A g-1 . The remarkable utility of this Cu-S cathode is further demonstrated in a hybrid cell that employs an Zn metal anode and an anion-exchange membrane as the separator, which yields an average cell discharge voltage of 1.15 V, the half-cell specific energy of 547 Wh kg-1 based on the mass of the Cu2 S/carbon composite cathode, and stable cycling over 110 cycles.
Charge Characteristics of Agouti-Related Protein Implicate Potent Involvement of Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans in Metabolic Function

The endogenous melanocortin peptide agouti-related protein (AgRP) plays a well-known role in foraging, but its contribution to metabolic regulation is less understood. Mature AgRP(83-132) has distinct residues for melanocortin receptor binding and heparan sulfate interactions. Here, we show that AgRP increases ad libitum feeding and operant responding for food in mice, decreases oxygen consumption, and lowers body temperature and activity, indicating lower energy expenditure. AgRP increased the respiratory exchange ratio, indicating a reduction of fat oxidation and a shift toward carbohydrates as the primary fuel source. The duration and intensity of AgRP's effects depended on the density of its positively charged amino acids, suggesting that its orexigenic and metabolic effects depend on its affinity for heparan sulfate. These findings may have major clinical implications by unveiling the critical involvement of interactions between AgRP and heparan sulfate to the central regulation of energy expenditure, fat utilization, and possibly their contribution to metabolic disease.
Medical Neglect as a Contributor to Poorly Controlled Asthma in Childhood

Child maltreatment, including medical neglect, is a frequent contributor to the development of asthma as well as a barrier to its proper management. This article aims to review the role of medical neglect as a contributor to poor asthma control. Medical neglect can present as failure of the caretaker to recognize severe asthma symptoms in a child, non-adherence to medical management, failure to prevent chronic exposure to allergens or tobacco smoke, poor child nutrition leading to obesity, and allowing a young child to manage his/her illness without supervision. This article will explore the different factors leading to medical neglect (as illustrated by two cases) and suggest possible interventions aiming to prevent emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and asthma-related deaths.
Physical and Motor Development of Retarded Persons

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the physical and motor development of retarded persons. A few studies suggest that the structure of motor abilities among the samples of retarded persons is similar to that of the nonretarded persons. However, the factor structure appears less differentiated among the mildly retarded school students than among the samples of the nonretarded subjects. This speculation is based upon the results of selected factor analytic studies and the generally higher correlations found between intelligence test scores and measures of motor proficiency, with retarded as compared to nonretarded subjects. Retarded children and adults have been consistently found markedly inferior to the nonretarded people on measures of physical development, gross motor, and fine motor abilities. As the severity of intellectual defect increases, motor function correspondingly decreases. Furthermore, deficits in the performance of the retarded compared to the nonretarded subjects become progressively larger with age, although data to support this conclusion have been derived from cross-sectional rather than longitudinal studies. This chapter describes and interprets the studies on the physical and motor development of the retarded people. It introduces the basic terminology and results of selected factor analytic studies on the structure of motor abilities identified, within the samples of both retarded and nonretarded subjects.
Impact of Perioperative Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Pathway on Early Outcomes after Robot-assisted Radical Cystectomy: A Matched Analysis.

Objective To investigate the effect of incorporating physical rehabilitation, nutrition and psychosocial care as part of the “NEEW” (Nutrition, Exercise, patient Education and Wellness) on perioperative outcomes after robot-assisted radical cystectomy. Methods Patients were divided into 2 groups: pathway group (NEEW in addition to enhanced recovery after surgery), vs prepathway group, before NEEW initiation (enhanced recovery after surgery only). Propensity score matching was performed (ratio 1:2 ratio). Perioperative outcomes were analyzed and compared. Multivariate analyses were modeled to assess for association between NEEW pathway and postoperative outcomes. Results One hundred and niney-two were included in the study: 64 patients (33%) in the pathway group vs 128 patients (67%) in the prepathway group. Pathway group had shorter median inpatient stay (5 vs 6 days, P Conclusion Standardized perioperative pathway with weekly multidisciplinary team meeting was associated with improved short-term perioperative outcomes after robot-assisted radical cystectomy.
Availability of menthol cigarettes in Oakland, California after a partial flavor ban

Abstract This study measures the availability of menthol cigarettes in Oakland, California where such products were banned from the majority of tobacco retailers, except for those who sold a significant amount of tobacco (e.g., 60% gross income). Out of a total of 385 retailers in Oakland, only forty-eight retailers were exempt from this ban at the time of data collection. In February 2019, seven months after the ban went into effect, we selected a stratified random sample of 15 census tracts, based on race/ethnicity. In pairs, data collectors walked on opposite sides of the street and collected all discarded cigarette packs (n = 641) from the streets and sidewalks on weekdays. Overall, we found almost half (46.0%; 95% CI = 32.6%–59.3%) of the packs collected were menthol, with Newport as the dominant brand. We found at least one pack of menthol cigarettes in 14 of the 15 sampled census tracts. In predominantly black/African American census tracts, the proportion of menthol cigarettes collected was significantly higher (70.1%; 95% CI = 62.6%–77.7%) when compared to mixed race/ethnicity (55.9%; 95% CI = 41.0–70.9%) and white tracts (35.1%; 95% CI = 13.2%–57.1%). Finally, there was a moderate and negative correlation between distance to exempt tobacco retailer and menthol availability (r = −0.66, p
Association Between Filgrastim Biosimilar Availability and Changes in Claim Payments and Patient Out-of-Pocket Costs for Biologic Filgrastim Products.

Abstract Objectives To estimate the effect of filgrastim-sndz market entry on patient out-of-pocket costs and claim payments for filgrastim products. Methods This study used a single interrupted time series design with longitudinal, nationally representative, individual-level claims data from IBM MarketScan. Analyses included all outpatient and prescription claims for branded filgrastim (filgrastim and tbo-filgrastim) and biosimilar filgrastim (filgrastim-sndz) from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2017. Outcomes of interest included changes in monthly claim payments and monthly patient out-of-pocket costs for filgrastim products. Results In the baseline period (January 2014 to February 2016), insurers paid an average of $472.21 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 465.38-479.03) for 480 mcg of branded filgrastim, whereas patients paid an average of $49.26 (CI: 34.25-64.27). Filgrastim-sndz market entry was associated with a statistically significant and immediate 1-month decrease in insurer payment of $30.77 (95% CI: –40.59 to –20.94) and a significant decrease in monthly insurer payment trend of $3.10 per month (95% CI: –3.90 to –2.31) relative to baseline. Long-term changes in patient out-of-pocket costs were modest and restricted to beneficiaries enrolled in high cost sharing plans. Conclusions Biosimilar filgrastim availability led to significant immediate and long-term decreases in claims payments for filgrastim products, supporting efforts to facilitate biosimilar adoption in the United States. Nevertheless, there were only slight changes in patient out-of-pocket costs, restricted to beneficiaries enrolled in high cost sharing plans, suggesting the importance of further work assessing the relationship between biosimilar availability and patient out-of-pocket costs.
The Effect of Synchronous Discussion Sessions in an Asynchronous Course.

Online learning is extremely prevalent in education, more than ever given the COVID-19 pandemic that has shifted most educational services to an online platform. More specifically, in 2015, close to six million students were taking at least one online learning course, which was 29.7% of all postsecondary students (U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics 2018). In 2017, the Online Learning Consortium reported an almost 4% increase in online learning students in 2015 as compared to the previous two years. Although online learning is becoming more prevalent, there has been little to no research to determine what makes online learning most effective. Those that have, either have not compared modalities (i.e., only testing one format) (Sella et al. 2014; Walker and Rehfeldt 2012) or have focused on another aspect of the learning (e.g., does grading anonymously affect performance) (Liu et al. 2018). Determining the components of online learning that lead to better student outcomes will add to the current literature and improve online learning as a whole. The primary purpose of this experiment was to determine what forms of discussion (synchronous vs asynchronous) are most effective in an asynchronous online master-level applied behavior analysis course.
The Accuracy of Smartphone Sound Level Meter Applications (SLMAs) in Measuring Sound Levels in Clinical Rooms.

Background The accuracy of smartphone sound level meter applications (SLMAs) has been investigated with varied results, based on differences in platform, device, app, available features, test stimuli, and methodology. Purpose This article determines the accuracy of smartphone SLMAs with and without calibration of external and internal microphones for measuring sound levels in clinical rooms. Research Design Quasi-experimental research design comparing the accuracy of two smartphone SLMAs with and without calibration of external and internal microphones. Data Collection and Analysis Two iOS-based smartphone SLMAs (NIOSH SLM and SPL Meter) on an iPhone 6S were used with and without calibrated external and internal microphones. Measures included: (1) white noise (WN) stimuli from 20 to 100 dB sound pressure level in a sound-treated test booth and (2) sound levels in quiet in four nonsound-treated clinical rooms and in simulated background sound conditions using music at 45, 55, and 80 dBA. Chi-square analysis was used to determine a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in sound measures between the SLMAs and a Type 1 SLM. Results Measures of WN signals and room sound level measures in quiet and simulated background sound conditions were significantly more accurate at levels ≥ 40 dBA using the SLMAs with calibrated external and internal microphones. However, SLMA measures with and without calibration of external and internal microphones overestimated sound levels Conclusion The SLMAs studied with calibrated external or internal microphones are able to verify the room environment for audiologic screening at 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 Hz at 20 dB hearing level (American Academy of Audiology and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) using supra-aural earphones (American National Standards Institute S3.1–1999 [R2018]). However, the tested SLMAs overestimated low-level sound
Teaching supply chain risk management in the COVID-19 Age: A review and classroom exercise

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly affected every corner of the world in 2020 It has also emphasized the importance of managing supply chain risk and developing an agile supply chain Supply chain management instructors will likely want to introduce risk management concepts and strategies into their courses to raise their students' sensitivity to the impact of supply chain disruptions Unfortunately there is currently a dearth of coverage of supply chain disruptions and risk management in the major supply chain management text books as well as in the broader library of supply chain management pedagogical research publications To help to close this gap in the literature for instructors, we have developed a reading and set of related discussion questions and exercises that detail the causes of the shortage in toilet paper during the pandemic and short- and long-term strategies to make the supply chain more resilient in the future By focusing on a disruption students likely experienced first-hand, they can develop a more nuanced understanding of the complexity and interconnectedness of supply chain functions in providing products and services to customers
Human immunodeficiency viral infection and differences in interstitial ventricular fibrosis and left atrial size.

AIMS The extent to which human immunodeficiency viral (HIV) infection is independently associated with myocardial disease in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) remains understudied. We assessed differences in cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) metrics among people living with HIV (PLWH) and without HIV (PWOH). METHODS AND RESULTS Among 436 participants (aged 54.7 ± 6.0 years, 29% women) from three cohorts, we acquired CMR cines, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and T1 mapping. Multivariable linear regressions were used to evaluate associations between HIV serostatus and CMR metrics. Baseline characteristics were similar by HIV serostatus; 63% were PLWH of whom 88% received cART and 73% were virally suppressed. Median left ventricular ejection fraction was normal and similar by HIV serostatus (73%, PWOH vs. 72%, PLWH, P = 0.43) as were right ventricular function, biventricular volumes, and masses. LGE prevalence was similar (32%, PWOH vs. 36%, PLWH, P = 0.46) with low scar extents (4.1, PWOH vs. 4.9 g, PLWH, P = 0.51) and few ischaemic scars (3%, PWOH vs. 4%, PLWH, P = 0.70). Extracellular volume fraction (ECV) was higher among PLWH (29.2 ± 4.1% vs. 28.3 ± 3.7%, P = 0.04) as was indexed maximum left atrial (LA) volume (LAVI, 29.7 ± 10.3 vs. 27.8 ± 8.7 mL/m2, P = 0.05). After multivariate adjustment, ECV was 0.84% higher among PLWH (P = 0.05) and LAVI was 2.45 mL/m2 larger (P = 0.01). HIV seropositivity and higher ECV contributed to higher LAVI (P < 0.02). There were no associations between HIV disease severity and CMR metrics among PLWH. CONCLUSION HIV seropositivity was independently associated with greater diffuse non-ischaemic fibrosis and larger LA volume but no other differences in CMR metrics.
Judging a Book by its Cover: Beauty and Expectations in the Trust Game

This research examines one mechanism by which people decide whether to trust strangers. Using a laboratory setting that provides subjects with controlled information about their counterparts, we test whether attractive subjects gain a “beauty premium” in a game involving trust and reciprocity. Attractive trustees are viewed as more trustworthy; they are trusted at higher rates and as a consequence earn more in the first stage of the game. Attractiveness does not guarantee higher earnings, as we find a “beauty penalty” attached to attractive trusters in the second stage of the game. This penalty arises because attractive trusters do not live up to expectations of them on the part of the trustees. Trustees withhold repayment when their expectations are dashed. `This punishment is larger when the disappointing truster is attractive.
Nuclear Imaging of Endogenous Markers of Lymphocyte Response

Current immune monitoring strategies in the clinic are limited in their sensitivity and specificity or struggle to provide precise spatiotemporal information, emphasizing the need for superior imaging probes that can provide macroscopic and accurate assessments of immune cells and their functional states in real time. Lymphocytes, comprising of T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, have been a primary focus in the immune imaging field since many of the desired robust, killing responses in cancer immunotherapy and infection converge on these cell types, as does the undesired cytotoxicity observed in autoimmunity and transplant rejection. Identification and targeting of endogenous markers specific to these cells enables their noninvasive visualization in their native environment, bypassing the need for prior isolation or ex vivo radiochemical or genetic manipulation. In this chapter, we highlight nuclear imaging probes that have been developed in the last decade for specific visualization of endogenous biomarkers of lymphocytes, thereby reporting on their distinct behaviors including activation, proliferation, trafficking, inhibition, and cytotoxic effector functions. We discuss how imaging these processes can improve our understanding of local and systemic immune dynamics occurring in cancer immunotherapy and immunopathology and the potential utility of these radioactive probes for improving disease diagnosis, guiding treatment, and evaluating treatment response. Additionally, we discuss the strengths and limitations of these approaches and highlight areas of focus for future studies.
Testing of Digital Systems: Test generation for combinational circuits

In this chapter, we discuss automatic test pattern generation (ATPG) for combinational circuits. We begin by introducing preliminary concepts including circuit elements, ways of representing behaviors of their fault-free as well as faulty versions, and various value systems. Next, we give an informal description of test generation algorithms to introduce some of the test generation terminology. We then describe direct as well as indirect implication techniques. We discuss a generic structural test generation algorithm and some of its key components. We then describe specific structural test generation paradigms, followed by their comparison and techniques for improvement. We proceed to some non-structural test generation algorithms. We describe test generation systems that use test generation algorithms in conjunction with other tools to efficiently generate tests. Finally, we present ATPG techniques that reduce heat dissipated and noise during test application. Introduction While most practical circuits are sequential, they often incorporate the full-scan design for testability (DFT) feature (see Chapter 11). The use of full-scan enables tests to be generated using a combinational test generator. The input to the test generator is only the combinational part of the circuit under test (CUT), obtained by removing all the flip-flops and considering all the inputs and outputs of the combinational circuit as primary inputs and outputs, respectively. If the generated tests are applied using the full-scan DFT features and the test application scheme described in Chapter 11, the fault coverage reported by the combinational test generator is achieved.
A millennial perspective of Physiology as discipline (531.7)

Numerous recent editorials have focused on the state of the discipline of Physiology and stressed the importance of a systems-level approach. These editorials were authored by established leaders in the discipline. The purpose of this study was to assess the perspective on the discipline of Physiology from the eyes of senior undergraduates majoring in Physiology. We sought to discern whether millennial students are “-omics”-focused or have strong interest in systems-level concepts. Undergraduate students (n=40, 29 males and 11 females) at Michigan State University were asked to provide a free response answer on where their interests lie along the continuum of molecular-to-integrative physiology. A vast majority (72.5%) of students prefer learning about integrative and systems-level physiology over cell and molecular physiology (17.5%). Ten percent of students enjoyed both equally. Students expressed interest specifically in environmental and exercise physiology (27.5%) and pathology (12.5%). Organ-system ...
Introducing Second Language Acquisition

Providing a solid foundation in second language acquisition, this book has become the leading introduction to the subject for students of linguistics, psychology and education, and trainee language teachers. Now in its third edition, the textbook offers comprehensive coverage of fundamental concepts, including second language acquisition (SLA) in adults and children, in formal and informal learning contexts, and in diverse socio-cultural settings, and takes an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to consider SLA from linguistic, psychological and social perspectives. Each chapter contains a list of key terms, a summary, and a range of graded exercises suitable for self-testing and class discussion. The third edition has been revised throughout, and features new material on the practical aspects of teaching language, along with updated online resources, including new classroom activities to accompany each chapter, as well as updated references and further reading suggestions.
Low-energy electron-collision cross-section data: Part III: Total scattering; differential elastic scattering*

A compilation is made of low energy electron-collision cross section data. Experimental values only are presented for all atomic species and for those molecules which are important for aeronomy, astrophysics, and plasma physics. The data included are taken from the literature published through July 1970. (JFP)
Substance use by pharmacy and nursing practitioners and students in a northeastern state

PURPOSE: The prevalence and predictors of substance use among pharmacists and nurses and pharmacy and nursing students were studied. METHODS: During summer 2002, pharmacists and nurses in a northeastern state were mailed an anonymous survey to determine their use of alcohol, tobacco, and commonly abused drugs; to determine their ease of access to controlled substances; and to measure their family history of alcohol and drug problems. A similar but not identical survey was distributed to pharmacy and nursing students during spring 2000. RESULTS: A total of 262 usable questionnaires were received from pharmacists and nurses (response rate, 72.8%), and 138 usable questionnaires were received from students (35.3%). Large majorities of nursing students, pharmacy students, and nurses were women. A higher percentage of pharmacists reported having used an opioid or an anxiolytic at least once in their lives (24.8% and 14.3%, respectively) than nurses (14.5% and 7.8%). Higher percentages of nursing students and nurses reported having ever used an unprescribed drug (74.5% of nursing students and 63.6% of nurses). CONCLUSION: A survey of pharmacy and nursing practitioners and students in a northeastern state provided important information on alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use among these groups and highlighted the need for prevention and intervention.
A Therapeutic Approach for Senile Dementias: Neuroangiogenesis

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related senile dementias (SDs) represent a growing medical and economic crisis in this country. Apart from cautioning persons about risk factors, no practical, effective therapy is currently available. Much of the recent research in AD has been based on the amyloid cascade theory. Another approach assumes a vascular basis for SDs. This paper presents evidence from a score of studies that cerebral capillary density (CCD) declines during old age in animals and people as well as in AD. Neuroangiogenic (NAG) factors initiate and maintain capillaries in the brain. Thus a waning level of these factors and the ensuing declining CCD would lead to local areas of reduced oxygen and glucose and result in impaired synaptic and neuronal function. The NAG hypothesis developed here proposes that the age-linked decline in CCD is a terminal condition in SDs, including many cases of AD. This age-linked decline is independent of any other of the various pathologies proposed as causing AD and listed in Table 1. Waning NAG factors would render the SDs a deficiency condition, somewhat like falling androgen levels in aging males. A logical corollary of this hypothesis is that chronic replacement therapy with recombinant forms of NAG factors may arrest the age-linked decline in CCD and prevent further loss of memory and mental deterioration. A transnasal route of therapy seems the most practical one for general use in the large aging populations.
Reduction of intra-channel four-wave mixing using subcarrier multiplexing

We have proposed to decrease the effects of intrachannel four-wave mixing in high data-rate systems by replacing each channel with two subcarrier multiplexed channels. This method trades off spectral efficiency for propagation distance, and it performs best for systems in which there is a large amount of pulse overlap. Consequently, the method may be useful when installed systems are upgraded to higher per-channel data rates.
A Fluorophotometric Study of the Effect of Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty on Aqueous Humor Dynamics

Fluorophotometry and tonography were used before and after argon laser trabeculoplasty to measure aqueous humor dynamics in 15 eyes of 14 patients. A new fluorophotometric method used to measure true outflow facility showed that it increased from a mean pretreatment value of 0.016 µl/min/mm Hg to a mean posttreatment value of 0.075 μl/min/mm Hg. Similarly, total outflow facility, measured tonographically, increased from 0.112 µl/min/mm Hg to 0.151 µl/min/mm Hg. Uveoscleral flow decreased after laser therapy; however, this was secondary to the decrease in intraocular pressure. No effect was found on the rate of aqueous humor production. We concluded that the primary effect of argon laser trabeculoplasty was to increase true outflow facility, thereby decreasing intraocular pressure.
The emerging role of norepinephrine in cognitive dysfunctions of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, affecting 1% of the population over age 60. In those patients cognitive dysfunction is a persistent issue that impairs quality of life and productivity. Neuropathological studies demonstrate significant damage in brain regions outside the nigral dopamine (DA) system, including early degeneration of locus coeruleus norepinephrine (LC-NE) neurons, yet discussion of PD and treatment focus has remained dopaminergic-based. Motor symptoms benefit from DA replacement for many years, but other symptoms including several cognitive deficits continue unabated. Recent interest in non-DA substrates of PD highlights early involvement of LC-NE neurons and provides evidence for a prodromal phase, with cognitive disturbance, even in sporadic PD. We outline insights from basic research in LC-NE function to clinical and pathological evidence highlighting a role for NE in PD cognitive dysfunction. We propose that loss of LC-NE regulation, particularly in higher cortical regions, critically underlies certain cognitive dysfunctions in early PD. As a major unmet need for patients, research and use of NE drugs in PD may provide significant benefits for cognitive processing.
Soil boron and selenium removal by three plant species

High concentrations of boron (B) and selenium (Se) naturally found in the environment are detrimental to sustainable agriculture in the western USA. Greenhouse pot experiments were conducted to study B and Se uptake in three different plant species; Brassica juncea (L.) Czern (wild brown mustard), Festuca arundinacea Schreb. L. (tall fescue), and Brassica napus (canola) were grown in soil containing naturally occurring concentrations of 3.00 mg extractable B kg−1 and 1.17 mg total Se kg−1 soil. During the growing season, four intermediate harvests were performed on wild mustard and tall fescue. Final harvest I consisted of harvesting wild mustard, canola, and clipping tall fescue. Final harvest II consisted of harvesting wild mustard, which had been planted in soil in which wild mustard was previously grown, and harvesting previously clipped tall fescue. The greatest total amount of above ground biomass and below surface biomass was produced by tall fescue. Plants were separated into shoots and roots, weighted, and plant tissues were analyzed for total B and Se. The highest concentrations of tissue B were recovered in shoots of wild mustard and canola at final harvest I, while roots from tall fescue contained the highest concentrations of B irrespective of the harvest. Tissue Se concentrations were similar in all plants species. Soils were analyzed for residual B and Se. Extractable soil B concentrations at harvest times were lowered no less than 32% and total Se no less than 24% for all three species. The planting of wild mustard, canola, or tall fescue can reduce water-extractable B and total Se in the soil.
Investigation of micro-electrical properties of Cu2ZnSnSe4 thin films using scanning probe microscopy

Abstract We report on a local potential and resistance mapping of Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) films using nm-resolution electrical scanning probe microscopies of scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy and scanning spreading resistance microscopy. We have conducted a comparative study with high-performance Cu2(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) film. Both CZTSe and CIGSe were deposited by co-evaporation of elements in vacuum. The results show that the microelectrical properties of the two polycrystalline materials are similar-higher potential and lower resistance on the grain boundaries (GBs) than on grain surfaces-suggesting inverted GB carrier polarity of these films. The consistent GB properties in contrast to the large difference in photovoltaic output of the two materials suggest that factors other than the GBs are responsible for the low photovoltaic output of CZTSe device.
Salvage cryotherapy after failed radiofrequency ablation for Barrett’s esophagus–related dysplasia is safe and effective

Background Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective treatment for Barrett's esophagus (BE) dysplasia. For patients with dysplasia refractory to RFA, data are limited regarding efficacy of endoscopic therapy. Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of cryotherapy in patients with BE dysplasia who failed RFA. Design Single-center, retrospective, cohort study. Setting Tertiary-care center between 2006 and 2013. Patients Patients with BE and low-grade dysplasia (LGD), high-grade dysplasia (HGD), or intramucosal carcinoma (IMC) were referred for RFA every 2 to 3 months. Response was determined by complete eradication of dysplasia (CE-D). Interventions Patients without CE-D or those with recurrent dysplasia after initial eradication were offered cryotherapy. Main Outcome Measurements Eradication of dysplasia and/or cancer. Secondary outcome, eradication of intestinal metaplasia. Results A total of 121 patients underwent RFA for BE dysplasia (55% HGD, 26% LGD, 17% IMC, 2% indefinite dysplasia). After a median of 3 RFA sessions, 75% (n = 91) had CE-D. Patients without CE-D were more likely to have a longer BE length (7 cm vs 4 cm; P = .004) and a hiatal hernia (83% vs 55%; P = .005). Sixteen patients (14 with failed CE-D and 2 with recurrent dysplasia) were offered cryotherapy and had endoscopic follow-up. Seven (57%) had HGD before cryotherapy (6 with LGD, 2 with IMC, and 1 with indefinite dysplasia). After cryotherapy, 12 (75%) had CE-D, and 5 (31%) had eradication of intestinal metaplasia. Of patients with IMC, 100% had CE-D. Three patients developed strictures that responded to dilation. Limitations Single center, retrospective nature of study. Conclusion For patients with refractory dysplasia or recurrent dysplasia after RFA, salvage cryotherapy is a safe and effective endoscopic therapy.
On Choosing Among Several Experimental Treatments and a Control

The two classical selection approaches in comparing experimental treatments with a control are combined to form an integrated approach. In this integrated approach, there is a preference zone (PZ) and an indifference zone (IZ), and the concept of a correct decision (CD) is defined differently in each of these zones. In the PZ, we are required to select the best treatment for a correct decision (CD1) but in the IZ, we define any selected subset to be correct (CD2) if it contains the best treatment among all the experimental treatments and the controlled treatment. We propose a single-stage procedure R to achieve the selection goals CD1 and CD2 simultaneously with certain probability requirements. It is shown that both the probability of a correct decision under PZ, P(CD1 | PZ), and the probability of a correct decision under IZ, P(CD2 | IZ), satisfy some monotonicity properties and the least favorable configuration in PZ and the worst configuration in IZ are derived by these properties. We also derive formulas for the probabilities of correct decision and provide a brief table to illustrate the magnitude of the procedure parameters and the common sample sizes needed for various probability requirements and configurations.
A multiple ion uptake model

SUMMARY A model is developed which describes uptake of Ca, Mg, K, NO3, Cl, and SO4. The electrical neutrality of plant and soil are maintained through exchange of H or OH at the root-soil interface, constant partial pressure of CO2 and non-exchangeable H reaction with the soil cation exchange complex. An important innovation in this model is the inclusion of electrical neutrality as a condition for plant, soil and soil solution. The uptake of cations is a function of both concentration of anions in solution and the suite of exchangeable cations. The model emphasizes an important role for CO2 in soil chemistry and plant nutrition. Presently, the model is most useful for generating research hypotheses. Perhaps the most important hypothesis is that something about as complicated as the present model will be required to model multiple ion uptake and crop yields.
Accelerated expansion of laser-ablated materials near a solid surface.

A dynamic source effect that accelerates the expansion of laser-ablated material in the direction perpendicular to the target is demonstrated. A self-similar theory shows that the maximum expansion velocity is proportional to {ital c}{sub {ital s}}/{alpha}, where 1{minus}{alpha} is the slope of the velocity profile and {ital c}{sub {ital s}} is the sound speed. Numerical hydrodynamic modeling is in good agreement with the theory. A dynamic partial ionization effect is also studied. With these effects, {alpha} is reduced and the maximum expansion velocity is significantly increased over that found from conventional models. {copyright} {ital 1995 The American Physical Society.}
Tryptophan Biosynthesis in Cell Cultures of Nicotiana tabacum

Some of the general features of the pathway for l-tryptophan biosynthesis in cell cultures of Nicotiana tabccum var. Wisc. 38 have been investigated. The results of both isotope competition and direct-labeling experiments show that shikimic acid, anthranilic acid, indoleglycerol phosphate, and indole can serve as precursors to l-tryptophan in these cells, indicating that, in terms of its biochemical intermediates, the pathway is similar to that described for the bacteria and fungi.