cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using a written cueing hierarchy to improve verbal naming in aphasia

Background: For some individuals with aphasia, writing has been used as an alternative modality for communicating (e.g., Clausen & Beeson, 2003; Lustig & Tompkins, 2002). In some investigations where writing ability was treated; post‐treatment and/or anecdotal reports indicated that verbal naming ability also improved for participants with aphasia (e.g., Beeson, Rising, & Volk, 2003; Kiran, 2005). In some recent studies, investigators have reported that written naming cueing can improve verbal naming ability (DeDe, Parris, & Waters, 2003; Hillis, 1989). This investigation was conducted as a master's thesis by the third author. The authors are especially grateful to the participants for their time and commitment in participating in the study. Aims: The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a written cueing treatment programme on verbal naming ability in two adults with aphasia. Method & Procedures: Treatment involved using a written cueing hierarchy, which was modelled after Copy and R...
Immunogenicity of Deoxycholate-disrupted Endotoxins

A comparison of the immunogenicity of sodium deoxycholate-disrupted lipopolysaccharides from Escherichia coli cell walls revealed that these fragments, which are nonimmunogenic in the rabbit, have some activity in the mouse. This relationship was independent of the route of immunization and sex, but in both species immunogenicity was restored by dilution or dialysis. Adsorption of disrupted lipopolysaccharides onto bentonite particles or administration with methylated bovine serum albumin and Freund's adjuvant did not appreciably augment activity in vivo. It is postulated that in the mouse the requirements for immunogenicity of these lipopolysaccharides are either less stringent with regard to the three-dimensional structure of the antigen, or that a reaggregation to toxic, native lipopolysaccharides may occur in vivo.
Adenovirus-mediated transfer of the 1-cys peroxiredoxin gene to mouse lung protects against hyperoxic injury

1-Cys peroxiredoxin (1-cysPrx) is a novel antioxidant enzyme that has been shown to reduce a broad spectrum of peroxides including phospholipid hydroperoxides. We tested the hypothesis that adenovi...
IRRADIANCE, DAYLENGTH AND TEMPERATURE EFFECTS ON ZOOSPOROGENESIS IN COLEOCHAETES CUTATA (CHAROPHYCEAE)

Using a factorial design, we investigated the effects of 150 different combinations of irradiance, daylength and temperature on zoosporogenesis in Coleochaete scutata. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that irradiance and daylength did not .significantly influence the response, out that temperature was highly significant. Exposure of thalli to 20°C for one to several days is sufficient to induce zoospore production in C. scutata and several other northern temperature species of Coleochaete. Results of the factorial experiment correlate well with field observations on the seasonal occurrence of asexual reproduction in several Coleochaete species. A technique based on results of this factorial study is described for using zoospores to obtain morphologically normal, unialgal cultures of Coleochaete .sp. It was concluded that the factorial approach to investigation of environmental control of zoosporogenesis can be a powerful tool for understanding natural algal population dynamics, as well as controlling growth and reproduction of algae in the laboratory.
Temporal Variability of the Energy Balance of Thick Arctic Pack Ice

Abstract The temporal variability of the six terms of the energy balance equation for a slab of ice 3 m thick is calculated based on 45 yr of surface meteorological observations from the drifting ice stations of the former Soviet Union. The equation includes net radiation, sensible heat flux, latent heat flux, bottom heat flux, heat storage, and energy available for melting. The energy balance is determined with a time-dependent 10-layer thermodynamic model of the ice slab that determines the surface temperature and the ice temperature profile using 3-h forcing values. The observations used for the forcing values are the 2-m air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed, the cloud fraction, the snow depth and density, and the albedo of the nonponded ice. The downwelling radiative fluxes are estimated with parameterizations based on the cloud cover, the air temperature and humidity, and the solar angle. The linear relationship between the air temperature and both the cloud fraction and the wind speed i...
Finding Phylogenetically Informative Genes by Estimating Multispecies Gene Entropy

Although entropy and relative entropy (K-L distance) are widely applied in many bioinformatics areas, there is no method given to compute the multispecies gene entropy yet. This paper presents the first multispecies gene entropy estimation method from the data mining point of view. In this study, a self-organizing map (SOM) is employed to mine a multispecies gene set to obtain the probability distribution of each gene in the feature space, which is the approximation of its corresponding probability distribution in the original sequence space. The multispecies gene entropy is computed by the probability distribution of a gene in the feature space. The phylogenetic applications of the multispecies gene entropy are investigated in an example of resolving incongruence between gene trees and species trees. It is found that genes with nearest K-L distances to the minimum entropy gene are more likely to be phylogenetically informative. A K-L distance based gene concatenation approach under gene clustering is proposed to resolve the gene tree and species tree problem. Under the same testing dataset, the K-L distance based approach not only avoids the ad-hoc mechanism of the original gene concatenation method but also is easy to extend to other dataset and free from prohibitive phylogenetic computing from large number of taxa.
A comparison of aztreonam and two regimens of gentamicin in a rabbit model of intra-amniotic infection and sepsis.

OBJECTIVE To compare aztreonam in a standard dose with two gentamicin doses in the early treatment of experimental intra-amniotic infection in rabbits induced by intracervical inoculation with Escherichia coli. METHODS Timed pregnant rabbits on day 21 (70% of gestation) were inoculated intracervically with 10(4)-10(5) colony-forming units of E coli. After inoculation, the animals were treated with one of three regimens: 1) aztreonam at 90 mg/kg/day ("standard" dose in humans), 2) gentamicin at 4.5 mg/kg/day ("standard" dose in humans), or 3) higher-dose gentamicin at 6.0 mg/kg/day, each given in three divided doses daily. Outcomes included fever, delivery, and presence of a live fetus. At necropsy, cultures were taken from endometrium, amniotic fluid, and blood. Data were analyzed by Fisher exact test because the expected cell size was fewer than five. RESULTS Compared with rabbits treated with aztreonam, those treated with gentamicin 4.5 mg/kg/day delivered significantly more often (P = .002), had more positive cultures (P < .001), and had significantly fewer live fetuses (P < .001). Compared with rabbits treated with gentamicin 6.0 mg/kg/day, those treated with gentamicin 4.5 mg/kg/day delivered more often (P = .003), had fewer live fetuses (P = .02), and had more positive cultures (P = .02). There were no significant differences between the aztreonam and gentamicin 6.0 mg/kg/day groups. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates in an animal model that aztreonam and gentamicin at 6.0 mg/kg/day are more effective than gentamicin at 4.5 mg/kg/day (a dose that is widely used empirically in humans) in the early treatment of experimental intra-amniotic infection in rabbits. Aztreonam was as effective as gentamicin at 6.0 mg/kg/day. In this rabbit model, in which intra-amniotic infection is accompanied by maternal sepsis, 4.5 mg/kg/day of gentamicin was not adequate for the treatment of severe maternal infection.
Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases

Many lines of evidence suggest that mitochondria have a central role in ageing-related neurodegenerative diseases. Mitochondria are critical regulators of cell death, a key feature of neurodegeneration. Mutations in mitochondrial DNA and oxidative stress both contribute to ageing, which is the greatest risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. In all major examples of these diseases there is strong evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction occurs early and acts causally in disease pathogenesis. Moreover, an impressive number of disease-specific proteins interact with mitochondria. Thus, therapies targeting basic mitochondrial processes, such as energy metabolism or free-radical generation, or specific interactions of disease-related proteins with mitochondria, hold great promise.
The reliability of associative norms

Three experiments provided information about the test-retest reliabilities of the product on and rating methods of determining individual and group associative values. The relative ranking of verbal stimuli by groups of S s was followed a week later by a similar relative ranking. Furthermore, the relative rankings via the production method were similar to rankings via the rating method. Considerable unreliability, however, was found for individual S s and individual verbal stimuli. Comparisons of the production and rating methods also provided evidence that the methods are not equivalent for individual S s or individual verbal stimuli.
Seguin, Edward Constant

American internist and neurologist Edward Constant Seguin (1843–98) was born in Paris and came to the United States in 1848 with his father, the physician and educator Edouard Seguin (1812–80). The younger Seguin was appointed Professor at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York in 1871, where he established a clinic in 1873 and later a department for nervous diseases, among the first established in the United States. Over the course of his career, Seguin published an influential set of articles in which he reviewed instructive cases from the literature, and added his own, relevant to the localization of cerebral and spinal centers or pathways, particularly for motor function, language, and vision. Seguin’s work was critical in mapping the retrochiasmal optic pathways. In 1886 Seguin gave the first description of hemianopic hallucinations, which he suggested were due to irritable cortex adjacent to the lesion producing partial seizures. Seguin is also eponymously remembered with ‘Seguin's signal’ (or Seguin’s sign), that is, an involuntary localized muscle contraction before a generalized tonic–clonic seizure. Sadly, Seguin’s life and career were greatly affected by a family tragedy in 1882, when his wife murdered their three children and then committed suicide. Seguin never recovered from this tragedy.
Growth Hormone Therapy in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) , initially described by Prader, Willi, and Labhart in 1956, is characterized by obesity, hypotonia, hyperphagia, delayed motor skill acquisition, short stature, mental retardation, hypothalamic dysfunction, and hypogonadism. This article reviews causes of and potential treatments for impaired growth, body composition, and physical function observed in children with PWS. Growth failure due to PWS is an approved indication for recombinant human growth hormone (hGH) therapy, with disordered body composition being an additional hGH indication in Europe. Treatment of these children has not only improved stature but has also raised awareness of non-height effects of hGH therapy – improvements in body composition and increased physical strength and function and increased energy expenditure – which may exceed linear growth promotion in importance. hGH treatment benefits must be weighed against potential adverse effects, including rare occurrences of sudden death. This review summarizes recent evidence relevant to an informed benefit-risk analysis of hGH therapy in children with PWS.
Living on the edge: Simulations of bacterial outer-membrane proteins

Gram-negative bacteria are distinguished in part by a second, outer membrane surrounding them. This membrane is distinct from others, possessing an outer leaflet composed not of typical phospholipids but rather large, highly charged molecules known as lipopolysaccharides. Therefore, modeling the structure and dynamics of proteins embedded in the outer membrane requires careful consideration of their native environment. In this review, we examine how simulations of such outer-membrane proteins have evolved over the last two decades, culminating most recently in detailed, highly accurate atomistic models of the outer membrane. We also draw attention to how the simulations have coupled with experiments to produce novel insights unattainable through a single approach. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Membrane Proteins edited by J.C. Gumbart and Sergei Noskov.
Multi-acoustic lens design methodology for a low cost C-scan photoacoustic imaging camera

We have designed and implemented a novel acoustic lens based focusing technology into a prototype photoacoustic imaging camera. All photoacoustically generated waves from laser exposed absorbers within a small volume get focused simultaneously by the lens onto an image plane. We use a multi-element ultrasound transducer array to capture the focused photoacoustic signals. Acoustic lens eliminates the need for expensive data acquisition hardware systems, is faster compared to electronic focusing and enables real-time image reconstruction. Using this photoacoustic imaging camera, we have imaged more than 150 several centimeter size ex-vivo human prostate, kidney and thyroid specimens with a millimeter resolution for cancer detection. In this paper, we share our lens design strategy and how we evaluate the resulting quality metrics (on and off axis point spread function, depth of field and modulation transfer function) through simulation. An advanced toolbox in MATLAB was adapted and used for simulating a two-dimensional gridded model that incorporates realistic photoacoustic signal generation and acoustic wave propagation through the lens with medium properties defined on each grid point. Two dimensional point spread functions have been generated and compared with experiments to demonstrate the utility of our design strategy. Finally we present results from work in progress on the use of two lens system aimed at further improving some of the quality metrics of our system.
The Gram Stain: The Century-Old Quintessential Rapid Diagnostic Test

Although described over 100 years ago, the Gram stain in the setting of the contemporary clinical microbiology laboratory still remains the prototype rapid test rivaling other modalities such as fluorescein-conjugated monoclonal antibodies and nucleic acid probes for diagnostic purposes. Often underused and abused and nearly abandoned as a diagnostic adjunct, this simple staining technique in the hands of an experienced viewer with an eye toward subtleties and the unexpected is without peer for the recognition of a multitude of infectious agents.
Lymphoid Areas in Endocrine Glands of Fowl

Abstract DURING the course of our studies of the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal and sex glands of domestic fowl, we have made cytologic preparations of one or more of these glands from each of 2,387 control and experimental fowl and have been impressed with the large number of abnormal growth areas which we found; with the fact that the areas are more numerous in experimental birds; and with the discovery that they may, in some instances, arise from cells of the thymus, which, in the fowl, lies in contact with the thyroid. Cells of the abnormal growths multiply, invade and destroy the normal glandular tissue and in this respect the growths are neoplastic. Of the 2,387 birds only 174 or those in which 2 or more glands were studied have been included in this report. Even an examination of 2 glands from each bird is far from a complete analysis of the . . .
Terminal loop cutaneous ureterostomy: a method of urinary drainage in kidney transplantation.

AbstractA non-functional and permanently damaged lower urinary tract is no longer a contraindication to kidney transplantation. In patients with this disorder the ureter commonly is drained by an intestinal conduit. We have used terminal loop cutaneous ureterostomy as a method of urinary drainage in 3 patients with cadaver kidney transplants who have been followed for up to 8 years. The technique of terminal loop cutaneous ureterostomy and a report of these cases are presented.
Interbody Fusion Through the Transpsoas Approach

The transpsoas approach offers many advantages and provides a minimally invasive surgical corridor to the anterior and lateral thoracolumbar spine. However, as with any surgical approach, proper patient selection and sound surgical indication, in addition to meticulous surgical technique, are keys to good surgical outcomes. The spine surgeon should understand the limitations and potential complications of the transpsoas approach and have a frank preoperative discussion with patients. The transpsoas approach is a valuable and important tool for spine surgeons, in addition to the anterior and posterior approaches. It can provide excellent outcome in appropriately selected patients with the right indications.
Abstract 468: Delayed tumor growth in breast cancer is associated with reduced activity of the a2 isoform of vacuolar ATPase

In cancer cells, vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase), a multi-subunit enzyme, is expressed on the plasma as well as vesicular membranes and critically influences metastatic behavior. The soluble, cleaved N-terminal domain of a2 isoform of V-ATPase (a2NTD) is associated with in vitro induction of both tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) phenotype and activity in macrophages. This activity caused us to further investigate the role of a2NTD in cancer progression. We evaluated the effects of the knock down of a2 isoform (a2V) in tumor cells and the concomitant tumor microenvironment in the 4T-1 mouse breast cancer model. In vitro experiments showed that macrophages co-cultivated with a2V knocked down (sh-a2) tumor cells produced lower amounts of tumorigenic factors and have a reduced ability to suppress T cell activation and proliferation compared to control tumor cells. Furthermore, sh-a2 4T1 or control 4T-1 cells were inoculated into female Balb/c mice to generate mammary tumors. Data analysis showed that tumor growth in mice inoculated with sh-a2 4T-1 cells was delayed up to ten fold compared to control (mean±SD: 1.3 ± 1.15 vs 13.96 ± 4.06, P>0.01) at day 8 after inoculation. The expression of TAM associated molecules like mannose receptor-1 or CD206, IL-10, Arginase-1, matrix metalloproteinase and vascular endothelial growth factor were significantly down regulated in tumors from sh-a2 inoculated mice compared to control (P Citation Format: Gajendra K. Katara, Arpita Kulshrestha, Alice Gilman-Sachs, Kenneth D. Beaman. Delayed tumor growth in breast cancer is associated with reduced activity of the a2 isoform of vacuolar ATPase. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 468. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-468
Efficient Excitation of High-Frequency Exchange-Dominated Spin Waves in Periodic Ferromagnetic Structures

Ferromagnetic resonance and spin waves have been used in miniaturized devices for rf and microwave applications, but large magnetic bias fields are required for the high frequencies at which most satellites operate, for example. Exploiting perpendicular standing spin waves in an innovative way, the authors excite spin-wave resonance at frequencies above 20 GHz with bias fields below 100 Oe, which can be realized with small, lightweight permanent magnets, or electromagnets with current sources that would not require cooling.
Drop Height and Volume Control the Mobility of Long‐Runout Landslides on the Earth and Mars

Long-runout landslides are landslides with volumes of 105 m3 or more, which move much farther from their source than expected. The observation that Martian landslides are generally less mobile than terrestrial landslides offers important evidence regarding the mechanism responsible for the high mobility of long-runout landslides. Here we simulate landslides as granular flow using a soft-particle discrete element model. We show that while surface gravity plays a negligible role, observed differences in fall height naturally reproduce the observed differences in mobility of Martian and terrestrial landslides. We also demonstrate that landslides on Iapetus may fit this trend. Our simulations do not include any fluid and indicate that a mechanism similar to acoustic fluidization can explain the high mobility of long-runout landslides. This implies that long-runout landslides on Mars should not be considered as evidence for ice, saturated clays, or liquid water.
Stochastic modelling of wireless energy transfer

This study investigates the efficiency of a new method of powering remote sensors by the means of wireless energy transfer. The increased use of sensors for data collection comes with the inherent cost of supplying power from sources such as power cables or batteries. Wireless energy transfer technology eliminates the need for power cables or periodic battery replacement. The time and cost of setting up or expanding a sensor network will be reduced while allowing sensors to be placed in areas where running power cables or battery replacement is not feasible. This paper models wireless channels for power and data separately. Smart scheduling for the data channel is proposed to avoid transmitting data on a noisy channel where the probability of data loss is high to improve power efficiency. Analytical models have been developed and verified using simulations.
A novel quantitative real-time PCR diagnostic assay for seal heartworm (Acanthocheilonema spirocauda) provides evidence for possible infection in the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus)

The distinct evolutionary pressures faced by Pinnipeds have likely resulted in strong coevolutionary ties to their parasites (Leidenberger et al., 2007). This study focuses on the phocid seal filarial heartworm species Acanthocheilonema spirocauda. A. spirocauda is known to infect a variety of phocid seals, but does not appear to be restricted to a single host species (Measures et al., 1997; Leidenberger et al., 2007; Lehnert et al., 2015). However, to date, seal heartworm has never been reported in grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) (Measures et al., 1997; Leidenberger et al., 2007; Lehnert et al., 2015). The proposed vector for seal heartworm is Echinophthirius horridus, the seal louse. Seal lice are known to parasitize a wide array of phocid seal species, including the grey seal. With the advent of climate change, disease burden is expected to increase across terrestrial and marine mammals (Harvell et al., 2002). Accordingly, increased prevalence of seal heartworm has recently been reported in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) (Lehnert et al., 2015). Thus, the need for improved, rapid, and cost-effective diagnostics is urgent. Here we present the first A. spirocauda-specific rapid diagnostic test (a quantitative real-time PCR assay), based on a highly repetitive genomic DNA repeat identified using whole genome sequencing and subsequent bioinformatic analysis. The presence of an insect vector provides the opportunity to develop a multifunctional diagnostic tool that can be used not only to detect the parasite directly from blood or tissue specimens, but also as a molecular xenomonitoring (XM) tool that can be used to assess the epidemiological profile of the parasite by screening the arthropod vector. Using this assay, we provide evidence for the first reported case of seal heartworm in a grey seal.
Preclinical Labor-and-Delivery Shadowing: The Impact on Medical Students' Perceptions of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Objective We sought to determine the impact of preclinical exposure (shadowing) to labor and delivery (L&D) on medical students' perceptions of obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN). Study Design We administered a written survey to rising third-year medical students at a single center prior to any clerkship. We described motivation/deterrents for shadowing among students, and experiences/perceptions of those students who shadowed. Results In total, 119/136 (86%) students completed the survey. Of those, 29% participated in shadowing on LD p Conclusion Students who have L&D shadowing exposure report very positive experiences and express desire for increased opportunities. OB/GYN departments may consider increasing availability of L&D shadowing opportunities for preclinical medical students.
The Electric Power System

For better or for worse, civilization is a goddess to whom we all pay tribute, and foremost among our payments is the use of electric power.
Archetypes of community wildfire exposure from national forests of the western US.

Abstract Risk management typologies and their resulting archetypes can structure the many social and biophysical drivers of community wildfire risk into a set number of strategies to build community resilience. Existing typologies omit key factors that determine the scale and mechanism by which exposure from large wildfires occur. These factors are particularly important for land managing agencies like the US Forest Service, which must weigh community wildfire exposure against other management priorities. We analyze community wildfire exposure from national forests by associating conditions that affect exposure in the areas where wildfires ignite to conditions where exposure likely occurs. Linking source and exposure areas defines the scale at which cross-boundary exposure from large wildfires occurs and the scale at which mitigation actions need to be planned. We find that the vast majority of wildfire exposure from national forests is concentrated among a fraction of communities that are geographically clustered in discrete pockets. Among these communities, exposure varies primarily based on development patterns and vegetation gradients and secondarily based on social and ecological management constraints. We describe five community exposure archetypes along with their associated risk mitigation strategies. Only some archetypes have conditions that support hazardous fuels programs. Others have conditions where managing community exposure through vegetation management is unlikely to suffice. These archetypes reflect the diversity of development patterns, vegetation types, associated fuels, and management constraints that exist in the western US and provide a framework to guide public investments that improve management of wildfire risk within threatened communities and on the public lands that transmit fires to them.
Patient isolation for infection control and patient experience.

ObjectiveHospitalized patients placed in isolation due to a carrier state or infection with resistant or highly communicable organisms report higher rates of anxiety and loneliness and have fewer physician encounters, room entries, and vital sign records. We hypothesized that isolation status might adversely impact patient experience as reported through Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) surveys, particularly regarding communication.DesignRetrospective analysis of HCAHPS survey results over 5 years.SettingA 1,165-bed, tertiary-care, academic medical center.PatientsPatients on any type of isolation for at least 50% of their stay were the exposure group. Those never in isolation served as controls.MethodsMultivariable logistic regression, adjusting for age, race, gender, payer, severity of illness, length of stay and clinical service were used to examine associations between isolation status and “top-box” experience scores. Dose response to increasing percentage of days in isolation was also analyzed.ResultsPatients in isolation reported worse experience, primarily with staff responsiveness (help toileting 63% vs 51%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.77; P = .0009) and overall care (rate hospital 80% vs 73%; aOR, 0.78; P < .0001), but they reported similar experience in other domains. No dose-response effect was observed.ConclusionIsolated patients do not report adverse experience for most aspects of provider communication regarded to be among the most important elements for safety and quality of care. However, patients in isolation had worse experiences with staff responsiveness for time-sensitive needs. The absence of a dose-response effect suggests that isolation status may be a marker for other factors, such as illness severity. Regardless, hospitals should emphasize timely staff response for this population.
20 – Nervous System

Neuroanatomic comparisons between rodents and humans are complicated by the phylogenetic distance between the species. Rodent and human brains differ markedly in size and organization, particularly in the functional and structural arrangement of the cerebral cortex. This chapter highlights major differences in the nervous system between rodents and humans, emphasizing divergence in their gross and microscopic anatomy as well as their regional organization; some functional variations are also noted. Major brain regions discussed are, from rostral to caudal, the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, hippocampus, diencephalon (thalamus and hypothalamus), mesencephalon (midbrain), cerebellum, and brain stem (pons and medulla). Ancillary brain structures described are the pineal and pituitary glands, circumventricular organs, ventricular structures (choroid plexus and ependyma), and brain vasculature. Spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system are also examined.
Meeting Survivors Where They Are: The Vital Role of Trauma-Informed and Competent Clinicians in Primary Care

For adult survivors of adverse childhood experiences, primary care is the entryway to treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is estimated 25% of adult primary care patients have PTS...
Assessing the ratio of means as a causal estimand in clinical endpoint bioequivalence studies in the presence of intercurrent events

In clinical endpoint bioequivalence studies, the observed per-protocol (PP) population (compliers and completers in general) is usually used in the primary analysis for equivalence assessment. However, intercurrent events, ie, missingness and noncompliance, are not properly handled. The resulting estimand is not causal. Previously, we proposed the first causal framework to assess equivalence in the presence of missing data and noncompliance. We proposed a causal survivor average causal effect (SACE) estimand for the difference of means (DOM). In equivalence assessment, DOM is not as widely used as the ratio of means (ROM). However, no existing formula links the observed PP estimand to the SACE estimand for ROM as exists for DOM. Herein, we propose a similar causal framework for ROM using the principal stratification approach, one of the strategies recommended by the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) E9 R1 addendum. We quantify the bias of the observed ROM PP estimand for the SACE estimand, which provides a basis to identify three conditions under which the two estimands are equal. We propose a sensitivity analysis method to evaluate the robustness of the current PP estimator to estimate the SACE estimand. We extend Fieller's confidence interval for the SACE estimand using ROM, which can be applied to many settings. Simulation demonstrates that the PP estimator is biased in either directions and may inflate type 1 error and/or change power when the three identified conditions are violated. Our work can be applied to comparative clinical biosimilar studies.
Efficiency Improvement of Planar Silicon Solar Cells Utilizing Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance of Silver Nanoparticles

In this work we develop a time- and cost-effective method of fabricating an antireflection structure on Si solar cells utilizing the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Ag nanoparticles (NPs). Covered with an Al 2 O 3 layer to prevent degradation, the NP decorated Si solar cell exhibits a broadband light absorption enhancement, having a low weighted average spectral reflectance (Rave) value of 9.5%, and exhibits the highest absolute gain of 19.2% in external quantum efficiency (EQE) at 700 nm and an overall 20% relative increase in power efficiency (η) compared to the reference Si solar cell without NPs.
A Transesophageal Echocardiogram Finding: From Infection to Malignancy

Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is illustrated by thrombi deposition on normal heart valves without the presence of bacteremia. It typically occurs in the setting of chronic debilitating diseases such as cancer or autoimmune disease. The pathogenesis involves an endothelial injury in the presence of a hypercoagulable state secondary to the effects of circulatory cytokines, which triggers platelet deposition. It usually forms on the upstream atrial surface of the mitral and tricuspid valves and the ventricular surface of the pulmonic and aortic valves and occurs most commonly in the fourth to eighth decades of life with no specific gender predisposition. These vegetations have a distinct morphology that varies from infective endocarditis (IE). Cerebrovascular lesions due to NBTE have a distinctive pattern of multiple, widely distributed small and large strokes on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We present a case of a 78-year-old man who was initially diagnosed as pneumonia and IE; he underwent a trans-esophageal echocardiogram (TEE), which revealed Libman-Sacks findings that have changed his diagnosis to lung cancer. We aim to highlight the characteristic TEE findings of NBTE to help clinicians search for underlying etiologies, including malignancies if NBTE is suspected.
Consultation-Liaison Psychologists’ Role in Medical Education

Pediatric medical education is evolving considerably alongside shifts in the scope of practice, educational needs, and instructional methods. Innovative and interprofessional approaches to medical education are increasingly relied upon to cover historically under-addressed content areas, yet training often remains inadequate. Pediatric consultation-liaison (CL) psychologists are well positioned to fill many of the gaps between expected and actual learner outcomes. In what follows, current learners, learning needs, and approaches to education are reviewed. Thereafter, medical education opportunities for psychologists and strategies to promote sustainable medical education involvement are highlighted. Supporting tables provide quick references to sample medical education activities for psychologists within and outside of the medical unit. The chapter ends with a hypothetical case review that outlines the roles of three CL psychologists in a pediatric residency program.
Astrocytic Modulation of Neuronal Activity in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus: Insights from Mathematical Modeling:

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus consists of a highly heterogeneous neuronal population networked together to allow precise and robust circadian timekeeping in mammals. While the critical importance of SCN neurons in regulating circadian rhythms has been extensively studied, the roles of SCN astrocytes in circadian system function are not well understood. Recent experiments have demonstrated that SCN astrocytes are circadian oscillators with the same functional clock genes as SCN neurons. Astrocytes generate rhythmic outputs that are thought to modulate neuronal activity through pre- and postsynaptic interactions. In this study, we developed an in silico multicellular model of the SCN clock to investigate the impact of astrocytes in modulating neuronal activity and affecting key clock properties such as circadian rhythmicity, period, and synchronization. The model predicted that astrocytes could alter the rhythmic activity of neurons via bidirectional interactions at tripartite synapses. Specifically, astrocyte-regulated extracellular glutamate was predicted to increase neuropeptide signaling from neurons. Consistent with experimental results, we found that astrocytes could increase the circadian period and enhance neural synchronization according to their endogenous circadian period. The impact of astrocytic modulation of circadian rhythm amplitude, period, and synchronization was predicted to be strongest when astrocytes had periods between 0 and 2 h longer than neurons. Increasing the number of neurons coupled to the astrocyte also increased its impact on period modulation and synchrony. These computational results suggest that signals that modulate astrocytic rhythms or signaling (e.g., as a function of season, age, or treatment) could cause disruptions in circadian rhythm or serve as putative therapeutic targets.
Developing a survivorship care plan (SCP) delivery process for patients and primary care providers serving poor, rural, and minority patients with cancer

Survivorship care plans (SCPs) summarize patients’ treatment and act as an education and communication tool between oncologists and primary care providers (PCPs). But creation and delivery of SCPs are challenging, labor intensive, and costly. The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNM CCC) treats a poor, rural, and minority patient population, and our purpose was to implement and evaluate a process to create and deliver SCPs to patients and PCPs. Providers placed an electronic SCP order, basic information was imported, and staff compiled treatment details. Flagged SCPs were then ready for delivery, providers approved of and delivered the SCP at the next encounter, and the SCP was sent to the PCP. By April 2020, 283 SCPs were ordered, 241 (85.2%) were created by the designated staff, and 97 (34.2%) were given to patients after definitive therapy for breast cancer (59.1%), gynecological cancers (10.8%), prostate cancer (7.4%), colorectal cancer (5.1%), and lymphomas (4.8%). Of 97 SCPs eligible to be sent to PCPs, 75 (77.3%) were mailed or sent via EMR. Of the 41 (48.9%) SCPs sent via mail or fax, only 8 (8.3%) were received and 5 (5.2%) integrated. This study shows that SCPs can be delivered to patients in a poor, rural, and minority patient population but that PCP receipt and integration of SCPs are poor. Future efforts need to ensure that an oncologist to PCP education and communication tool is able reach and be integrated by PCPs.
Assessment of low-stress and rolling contact abrasion of WC-based overlays for the restoration of undercarriage components

Abstract A significant fraction of operational cost in oil sands mining is directly or indirectly related to undercarriage component wear. One of the strategies to minimize the cost is to repair/rebuild the worn components. Recent advancement of welding technology offers an economical way to achieve this goal. Depending on the involved wear mechanisms, the selection of appropriate overlay material can considerably extend the service life of worn undercarriage components. Due to their excellent wear resistance, tungsten carbide based overlays is a unique choice for this purpose. In this study, three WC-based overlays with different carbide types were selected for evaluation. Wear resistance was assessed via low-stress abrasion (ASTM G65 ) and rolling contact abrasion (RCA). RCA tests were conducted with two slip ratios, where 0.3% slip ratio simulates pure rolling/high-stress contact fatigue, and a 3.0% slip combines fatigue and abrasion as observed in undercarriage components. Based on the wear test results, it was found that, despite their good low-stress abrasion resistance, WC-based overlays display high rolling contact abrasion damage and is not suitable for the restoration of undercarriage components. SEM observation on wear scars correlates the wear performance with carbide type and corresponding mechanisms.
Determinants of Bidder Gains from Domestic Versus Cross Border Acquisitions: The Impact of Five Governance Indicators

This study investigates the short run net value gains generated to US bidders’ shareholders that engaged in M&A in domestic versus foreign target firms. The main focus is on the examination of voice and accountability, political stability, rule of law, regulatory quality and control of corruption. While other important deal and firm specific characteristics are incorporated in the analysis, the main findings show that bidders of domestic target firms do not outperform the ones of foreign firms. Further analysis shows that cross-border acquisitions in low voice and accountability, low political stability, and low control of corruption generate higher net value gains to their shareholders compared to domestic M&A. The above findings are highly sensitive to several transaction and firm specific factors. More specifically, the listing status of the target firm, the method of payment and the relative size of the deal, are highly important in describing the distribution of short run bidders’ gains. Overall, this study offers an important contribution to the literature of M&A, as it investigates the recently released factors that discussed above. Several important and practical implications are also provided and discussed across this study.
Searching for Paumanok: A Study of Library of Congress Authorities and Classifications for Indigenous Long Island, New York

Long Island is a case in point of the United States settler state landscape co-opting Indigenous peoples and places for naming geographies, beaches, and spaces. Despite ubiquity, the historic Indig...
Sixty hertz subthalamic deep brain stimulation improves freezing of gait with less attenuation of beta band power than 140Hz stimulation (P4.071)

Objective: Characterize the effects of STN deep brain stimulation (DBS) location and frequency on neural and kinematic recordings during freezing of gait (FOG) in freely moving Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients Background: FOG can be characterized by subthalamic neural features such as lower beta band (13–30 Hz) power during movement. STN DBS attenuates beta band power and may not control FOG over the long term. Design/Methods: Synchronized STN Local Field Potentials (LFPs) and gait kinematics were recorded in 13 PD patients, off-medication, performed: forward walking (FW), stepping-in-place (SIP), and turning and barrier course (TBC) tasks. Tasks were completed during NO, 60Hz and 140Hz DBS in randomized order on dorsal electrodes on clinical settings. The SIP task was completed during randomized 60 and 140Hz DBS on ventral electrodes in 9 subjects. Results: 60 and 140Hz DBS significantly decreased the number of freezing episodes (FEs) compared to the off stimulation state in all tasks. Gait arrhythmicity and asymmetry showed greater improvement during 60Hz compared to 140Hz DBS during the TBC. There was less attenuation of the movement beta band during 60Hz DBS as compared to 140Hz DBS (p=0.001). Results demonstrated a decrease in % of task freezing during DBS on the most ventral electrodes when compared to the more dorsal electrode on both frequencies. Conclusions: 1. 60Hz STN DBS improved FOG while maintaining more beta power during movement than 140Hz DBS. 2. STN DBS through the ventral electrode was superior to more dorsal STN DBS at both 60 and 140 Hz. Neural and kinematic data suggests that FOG may respond better to lower frequency, ventral STN DBS. Disclosure: Dr. Anidi has nothing to disclose. Dr. O9Day has nothing to disclose. Dr. Afzal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Syrkin-Nikolau has nothing to disclose. Dr. Velisar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bronte-Stewart has nothing to disclose.
Comparative analysis of soybean processing and employment generation by private and cooperative units - A study of Kota district of Rajasthan

The present study was undertaken to compare the season-wise purchases, processing and employment generation by private and cooperative soybean processing units in Kota district in Rajasthan. The study revealed that the demand for soybean by both private and cooperative plants was distributed across the seasons i.e., peak (Oct.-Jan.), mid (Feb.-May) and lean (June-Sept.); however, both the plants purchases maximum quantity during peak season due to low price. The total purchases by both private and cooperative processing plants increased during the study period (2004–05 to 2008–09) indicating growing demand for processing. Farmers could get price advantage if they could store and sell during lean season. However, average purchases of soybean by private unit were higher in all the three seasons compared to cooperative. Both the private as well as cooperative plants purchased maximum quantity of soybean in peak season because of low price. The quantity of purchased soybean and processing and sale of soya products by both plants decreased from peak to lean season and therefore, the employment generated by them also decreased from peak to lean season. However, the total quantity of purchased soybean and processing and sale of soya products were more in private unit compared to cooperative unit and therefore, the total employment generated by private unit was comparatively higher than the cooperative unit. Irregular supply of electricity, inadequate labour availability, low demand for soya products and inadequate supply of raw material were the major constraints for both private and cooperative plants. The study revealed the need for more investments in both private and cooperative processing sector to augment purchasing and processing capacities and generate more employment.
A Mechanically Verified Application for a Mechanically Verified Environment

We have developed a verified application proved to be both effective and efficient. The application generates moves in the puzzle-game Nim and is coded in Piton, a language with a formal semantics and a compiler verified to preserve its semantics on the underlying machine. The Piton compiler is targeted to the FM9001, a recently fabricated verified microprocessor. The Nim program correctness proof makes use of the language semantics that the compiler is proved to implement. Like the Piton compiler proof and FM9001 design proof, the Nim correctness proof is generated using Nqthm, a proof system sometimes known as the Boyer-Moore theorem prover.
West African Women in Exile: City, University and Dislocated Village

This paper has evolved from conversations with sisters from “Home.” We mourn our “Exile.” With enthusiasm of a born-again [Christian], we return “Home” with our degrees, earnest and eager to “work.” Then we come face to face with socio-political constraints of our nations. Run squarely afoul of Senior Lecturers who remained in the trenches while we were abroad, frolicking in the lands of plenty. Our personal expectations, our family pressures, societal restrictions on women are some of our greatest enemies. Things we took for granted before are now luxuries. Assigned readings being fulfilled are dependent not only on financial resources of students but the availability of books in the libraries and the country. Simple needs, xeroxing machines and paper, faxes, and now complex telecommunication systems and computers, are seen as extravagant and often are prohibitive. Intellectual famine confronts us with all its grisly remnants; empty library shelves, university censorship and hoarding. Books on the illegal market at twice the price offer little salvation. Defeated or overwhelmed by it all, we send out triplicate resumes and write all former professors to come to our aid in getting us the heck out of our “Homes” as soon as possible. We come back to former host countries, to universities where we are able to earn a decent wage and maintain a tolerable standard of living.