cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Call to Stop Treating Doctors Like Delinquent Adolescents and Medical Product Companies Like Criminal Enterprises

The recent focus on conflict of interest seriously misfires by fixating on monetary payoffs while ignoring all the other things that people care about, things that can bias their judgment and lead to wrongdoing. Wrongdoing should be the focus, not the temptations and motivations that sometimes result in it. This essay explores the evidence in support of strong regulations against conflict of interest, and I conclude that corruption fears have resulted in social-distancing policies of drug reps from physicians and they have given us sharply constrained information markets. There is some evidence that this may be disadvantageous to patients. Information market restrictions do promote powerful political and corporate interests. Whether there are compensating benefits in reduced expenditures on drugs and devices remains to be seen. We can only hope that our institutional policies eventually will be revised in a manner that better respects physicians as sophisticated consumers of product marketing and holds them accountable for their choices not their motivational states.
Massive Biliary Dilation after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Is it Ampullary Achalasia?

Background This series of patients with a history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and cholecystectomy presented with symptoms consistent with obstructive biliary disease and massive biliary dilation of ≥15 mm, suggesting a structural cause. Findings from laparoscopic-assisted transgastric (TG) ERCP were a normal-appearing ampulla without structural lesions or stones, suggesting a functional cause instead. Study Design Patients who underwent TGERCP from January 2008 to October 2016 and had a surgical history of RYGB and cholecystectomy were identified from an institutional database. Inclusion criteria was biliary dilation ≥15 mm, age 18 years or older, and no explanatory obstructive pathology. Results Nine female patients met the inclusion criteria. At time of TGERCP, their mean age was 53.9 years, mean BMI was 32.5 kg/m 2 , mean bile duct diameter was 18.1 mm, and all patients experienced abdominal pain. Six patients (66.7%) presented with abnormal liver enzymes, 5 (55.6%) with nausea and/or vomiting, and 4 (44.4%) with earlier episode(s) of acute pancreatitis. Each patient had a normal-appearing papilla of Vater without stones or strictures at the time of TGERCP, with 8 (88.9%) patients experiencing cessation of abdominal pain after biliary sphincterotomy. Conclusions This cohort of patients with a history of RYGB and cholecystectomy presented with massively dilated biliary trees lacking an obstructive disease process and experienced immediate symptom improvement after sphincterotomy. Their surgical history predisposed them to vagal nerve injury, leading to denervation of the sphincter of Oddi, and resulting in tonic contraction of the ampulla, that is, ampullary achalasia.
Why democracy matters: democratic attributes and human well-being

Large disparities exist in the quality of lives among democratic and non-democratic regimes. This paper attempts to explain this variation among democratic regimes by unpacking the concept of democracy and analysing the effect of three core democratic attributes — political representation, citizens’ participation, and electoral competition — on human well-being outcomes. I argue that higher levels of representation, participation, and competition provide incentives for political representatives to perform well in office and enhance the general welfare of the masses. A time-series cross-sectional analysis is used on a global sample of 75 democracies to assess the relationship between the theoretical variables of interest from 1995 to 2013. The findings demonstrate that electoral competition plays an important role in reducing infant mortality within as well as between democratic countries while political representation helps explain disparities in infant mortality between democratic countries. Overall, the paper demonstrates that the role of democratic politics in general extends to the domain of societal well-being.
Mapping in vivo genetic interactomics through Cpf1 crRNA array screening

Genetic interactions lay the foundation of biological networks in virtually all organisms. Due to the complexity of mammalian genomes and cellular architectures, unbiased mapping of genetic interactions in vivo is challenging. Cpf1 is a single effector RNA-guided nuclease that enables multiplexed genome editing using crRNA arrays. Here we designed a Cpf1 crRNA array library targeting all pairwise permutations of the most significantly mutated non-oncogenes, and performed double knockout screens in mice using a model of malignant transformation as well as a model of metastasis. CrRNA array sequencing revealed a quantitative landscape of all single and double knockouts. Enrichment, synergy and clonal analyses identified many unpredicted drivers and co-drivers of transformation and metastasis, with epigenetic factors as hubs of these highly connected networks. Our study demonstrates a powerful yet simple approach for in vivo mapping of unbiased genetic interactomes in mammalian species at a phenotypic level.
Using Self-Directed Search with Blind Adults:

Blind adult members (N = 43; 25 female, 18 male) of a cassette tape-sharing group were administered Holland's Self-Directed Search (SDS) either by cassette tape or with the help of a reader. In bot...
Towards an AADL-Based Definition of App Architecture for Medical Application Platforms

There is a growing trend of developing software applications that integrate and coordinate the actions of medical devices. Unfortunately, these applications are being built in an ad-hoc manner without proper regard for established distributed systems engineering techniques. We present a tool prototype based on the OSATE2 distribution of the Eclipse IDE that targets the development of Medical Application Platform (MAP) apps. Our toolset provides an editing environment and translator for app architectures, i.e., their components and connections. The toolset generates interface definitions and glue code for the underlying MAP middleware, and it supports development of the business logic which the developer must write to complete the application within the same Eclipse-based environment. We also present a clinical scenario as a motivating example, trace its development through the toolset, and evaluate our work based on the experience.
Isolation and characterization of the fall Chinook aquareovirus.

Salmon are paramount to the economy, ecology, and history of the Pacific Northwest. Viruses constitute one of the major threats to salmon health and well-being, with more than twenty known virus species that infect salmon. Here, we describe the isolation and characterization of the fall Chinook aquareovirus, a divergent member of the species Aquareovirus B within the family Reoviridae. The virus was first found in 2014 as part of a routine adult broodstock screening program in which kidney and spleen tissue samples from healthy-appearing, adult fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) returning to a hatchery in Washington State produced cytopathic effects when inoculated onto a Chinook salmon embryo cell line (CHSE-214). The virus was not able to be confirmed by an RT-PCR assay using existing aquareovirus pan-species primers, and instead was identified by metagenomic next-generation sequencing. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing was used to recover the full genome and completed using 3′ RACE. The genome of the fall Chinook aquareovirus contains 11 segments of double-stranded RNA totaling 23.3 kb, with each segment flanked by the canonical sequence termini found in the aquareoviruses. Sequence comparisons and a phylogenetic analysis revealed a nucleotide identity of 63.2% in the VP7 gene with the Green River Chinook virus, placing the new isolate in the species Aquareovirus B. A qRT-PCR assay was developed targeting the VP2, which showed rapid growth of the isolate during the initial 5 days in culture using CHSE-214 cells. This sequence represents the first complete genome of an Aquareovirus B species. Future studies will be required to understand the potential pathogenicity and epidemiology of the fall Chinook aquareovirus.
NOURISH‐T: Targeting Caregivers to Improve Health Behaviors in Pediatric Cancer Survivors with Obesity

Background Obesity rates in pediatric cancer survivors (PCS) are alarmingly high. Although healthy lifestyle changes may prevent future health complications, promoting healthy behaviors in PCS is challenging, and few interventions have successfully addressed this issue. Procedure This randomized control trial evaluated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a parent-focused six-session intervention, NOURISH-T (Nourishing Our Understanding of Role Modeling to Improve Support and Health for Healthy Transitions), compared with enhanced usual care (EUC) on the outcomes of caregiver and PCS anthropometric measurements, eating behaviors, and physical activity. Behavioral and self-report assessments of caregivers and PCS in both conditions were conducted at baseline, postintervention, and at a 4-month follow-up. Results In comparison to no change among EUC caregivers, NOURISH-T caregivers showed small yet significant decreases from baseline through follow-up on BMI, waist-hip ratio, and total daily caloric intake. However, there was no change with regard to daily fat and sugar intake. NOURISH-T caregivers also showed positive changes in their child feeding behaviors, including decreases in pressuring their child to eat and restricting their child's eating and increased eating together as a family. Similarly, decreases in BMI percentile, waist-hip ratio, and sugary beverage consumption were found for NOURISH-T PCS from baseline to postintervention. NOURISH-T PCS also significantly increased their daily steps, whereas EUC PCS decreased their daily steps. Conclusions Results suggest that an intervention targeting parents is feasible and demonstrates preliminary effectiveness. NOURISH-T showed a longer term effect on caregivers, and, although shorter term effect, a positive impact on the PCS themselves. Implications for ways to improve NOURISH-T as an intervention for increasing healthy behaviors of PCS are discussed.
Possible Mechanism for Common Femoral Artery Occlusion with the Perclose Suture Device.

Background Common femoral artery (CFA) occlusion by the Perclose suture device has been rarely reported in the literature. Authors and industry have no proposed mechanism. A review of patients who required operative repair may identify a possible mechanism for CFA occlusion. Methods At a single center, 2 patients were identified with CFA occlusion due to posterior CFA wall suturing. Vessel characteristics, angiographic, and intraoperative findings were reviewed. Results In both patients, the CFA diameter was >5 mm with no evidence of atherosclerotic plaque. Puncture sites by angiogram were near vessel branch points–the inferior epigastric and profunda femoris. Intraoperative findings identified posterior CFA suturing at the origin of a branch vessel as the mechanism for vessel occlusion. Conclusions CFA occlusion by the Perclose device is the result of suture firing into the posterior CFA wall, which requires interposition of the vessel between the footplate and suture needles. The proposed mechanism is anchoring of the footplate in the origin of the branch vessel, which allows for capture of the posterior CFA wall. Technical reasons may include high or low puncture near CFA branches, less than 45° angulation of the device in relation to the CFA, and axial rotation of the device, which may allow for footplate anchoring in the branch vessel origin.
Interaction of Cell Cycle Regulatory Proteins with the Androgen Receptor

Androgen signaling is a key determinant in the development and maintenance of the male reproductive system, and also plays a critical role in associated pathologies such as prostate cancer. The androgen receptor (AR), a member of the steroid receptor (SR) subgroup of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily, modulates gene expression in response to androgens in target tissues including the brain, liver, pituitary gland and prostate (Chang et al., 1995). SRs have a conserved domain structure that includes ligand-independent and ligand-dependent activation functions (AF-1 & AF-2) and a general mechanism of action (White et al., 1998). In response to ligands, SRs undergo a conformational change within the ligand-binding domain (LBD), dissociate from chaperone proteins and form homodimers (White et al., 1998). The activated receptor dimer then enhances target gene expression from response elements within the target gene promoter by modulating the activity of the general transcription machinery (White et al., 1998).
Modelling Creep-Crack Growth Processes in Ceramic Materials

This paper discusses the concepts involved in modelling creep-crack growth. Any cavitation that may be associated with crack propagation will, in general, have a fairly complex influence on the stresses and displacements occurring in the undamaged material. However, there are two limiting types of behaviour that result in significant simplifications to the analysis. If the interaction between the damaged and undamaged regions is negligible, then the crack velocity is dictated by the details of the cavitation. In the opposite limit, the crack velocity is dictated by the deformation of the bulk material. Furthermore, it is important to appreciate that there are a number of different ways to view the cavitation. For example, it can be considered to occur in a damage zone, a bridging zone or a shielding zone, but no matter which approach is adopted, the basic problem is unchanged and will yield the same predictions for the crack velocities. The method of analysis for any of these approaches is fairly well developed but, in all cases, the most important - and least understood - aspect is the mechanism of damage development.
Local Homology and Hilbert Subspaces

In a Lagrangian system associated to a Lagrangian function L : R/ZxTM → R, a periodic orbit γ : R/Z → M produces a critical point of the action functional in any period n ∈ N. Namely, the iterated curve γ[n] is a critical point of A [n]. As we already saw in Section 4.6, critical point theory allows us to investigate the multiplicity of periodic orbits with prescribed period n. On the other hand, if one is interested in the multiplicity of periodic orbits with any period, some additional arguments are needed in order to recognize when an n-periodic orbit is the iteration of a periodic orbit of smaller period.
The reliability, validity, and methodologic quality of measurements used to quantify posterior shoulder tightness: a systematic review of the literature with meta-analysis.

Hypothesis and background Posterior shoulder tightness (PST) has been linked to numerous shoulder pathologies in both the general and athletic populations. Several methods for documenting PST have been described in the literature, which may lend to variability in clinical practice and research. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review with meta-analysis to investigate the reliability, validity, and methodologic quality of methods used to quantify PST. Methods Relevant studies were assessed for inclusion, and selected studies were identified from the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) databases. Data were extracted from the selected studies and underwent methodologic quality assessment and meta-analysis. Results The search resulted in 1006 studies identified, with 18 ultimately retained. Intrarater reliability was reported in 12 studies with a summary intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.93 (95% confidence interval, 0.90-0.95), whereas inter-rater reliability was reported in 6 studies with a summary intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.80-0.94). Validity was reported in 10 studies, all using internal rotation as the convergent standard, and was found to be significant in all but 1 study. Conclusion Current methods used to quantify PST have good reliability but are primarily limited to measures of horizontal adduction of the glenohumeral joint with scapular stabilization. Limitations in using a single measurement technique exist particularly as there may be multiple contributing factors to PST. A more comprehensive approach for quantifying PST is necessary, and suggested components include a cluster of techniques composed of horizontal adduction, internal rotation, and total glenohumeral joint range of motion.
Robotic-assisted Proximal Perineal Urethroplasty: Improving Visualization and Ergonomics.

Abstract Objective To describe the use of the robotic platform for proximal suture placement during perineal urethroplasty in the posterior and proximal anterior urethra. Repair of posterior urethral and proximal bulbar strictures requires deep perineal dissection, making visualization and accurate placement of sutures challenging. The robotic platform has demonstrated benefits in these characteristics in deep pelvic surgery. Methods We report a retrospective review of 10 patients who underwent robotic-assisted urethroplasty at a single institution by a single surgeon in a 1 year period. All patients underwent a standard perineal dissection with robotic-assisted placement of proximal sutures. Postoperative outcomes include urethroplasty leak rate as determined by voiding cystourethrograms, urethroplasty success rate, and perioperative complications. Results The mean age of this cohort was 43 years old (14-68). Average stricture length was 2.2 cm (1.5-3.0 cm) and most frequently in the bulbar urethra (5/10). Seven patients underwent nontransecting urethroplasties while 3 underwent transecting anastomotic repair. At postoperative voiding cystourethrograms, no patient had urinary extravasation. Average set-up time for the robotic portion of the surgery was 15 minutes with 30-45 minutes needed for suture placement. Conclusion Robotic-assisted urethroplasty provides excellent visualization and ergonomics for posterior and proximal bulbar urethral reconstruction. This is particularly helpful in patients with narrow pelvic anatomy and long distances from the perineal skin to the proximal urethral edge. Operative and postoperative outcomes are comparable to the standard approach with improved surgeon comfort and visualization. Additional follow-up is required to assess long-term outcomes in comparison to a standard approach.
Rai: “Educate While Entertaining—Entertain While Educating” in L’ultimo dei Corleonesi, “Niente di personale,” and Il segreto dell’acqua

This chapter acquaints the reader with the history of the television network Rai, Italy’s public service broadcasting company, discussing Rai’s pedagogical and homogenizing entertainment mission. Of all of the Italian networks, Rai is considered the most traditional in its production of mainstream, identifiable fiction. Rai series and miniseries that focus on the mafia also focus on the hero who combats the mafia, and tend to depict criminals as lacking in positive qualities. It also looks at three programs: 1) Alberto Negrin’s made-for-television movie L’ultimo dei Corleonesi (2007) that focuses on the two recent “boss of bosses” of the Sicilian Cosa Nostra: Salvatore “Toto” Riina and Bernardo Provenzano. In analyzing casting, acting, and performance, this chapter demonstrates how the program’s apparently uncomplicated message regarding mafia/antimafia is troubled, and allows for a much more comprehensive consideration of viewer allegiance and sympathy in Rai programs; 2) the episode “Niente di personale” (“Nothing Personal,” Ivano De Matteo, 2010) from the noir crime series Crimini (Crimes, 2006–2010), the only program treated in this book that has a focus on a sympathetic perpetrator with ties to the ’ndrangheta, the mafia of Calabria. It explores the complicated relationship between victimizer and victim and points out that the antihero diverges from almost all of the serial perpetrators discussed in this book because he is not dashing, charismatic, and attractive. Instead, Angelo’s ordinariness is revealed as an intricate fabrication, even though he does receive sympathy from his victim; and 3) Il segreto dell’acqua (Palermo Connection, Renato de Maria, 2011), starring Italian heartthrob actor Riccardo Scamarcio in the role of angst-ridden antiheroic police investigator Angelo Caronia. Interestingly, Il segreto dell’acqua blatantly foregrounds Scamarcio’s earlier teen star roles through a persistent focus on his face—in particular his eyes—and his body. This chapter forwards that Angelo Caronia is a polyvalent and complex protagonist at odds with the more unidimensional hero who is traditionally the focus of Rai programming, and takes into account how acting, performance, stardom, and reception open up the series to interesting conversations regarding the unconventional representation of heroic antiheroes on Italy’s public broadcasting network.
Persistence of fire-killed conifer snags in California, USA

Coarse woody debris has numerous functions in forest ecosystems, including wildlife habitat, fuel loading, and nutrient cycling. Standing dead trees, or snags, are particularly important resources for wildlife, and guidelines for snag recruitment and retention are integral parts of forest management. However, snag persistence is not well understood and existing models are poorly validated. We monitored fire-killed conifer snag persistence after four California wildfires and one prescribed fire. Species sampled included white fir (Abies concolor [Gord. & Glend.] Lindl. ex Hildebr.), incense-cedar (Calocedrus decurrens [Torr.] Florin), Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi [Balf.]), sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana Douglas), and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Lawson & C. Lawson var. ponderosa C. Lawson). Fire-injured trees that survived at least one year post fire were monitored for 10 years after they died. We developed two sets of species-specific snag persistence rates: a simplified model based only on time since death, and a full model that included tree characteristics. The primary factors affecting persistence rates in all models were snag age (years since death) and species. Secondary factors included diameter at breast height, time between fire and tree death, and crown injury. Snag persistence rates decreased with snag age. Yellow pine snags (a combined group of ponderosa pine and Jeffrey pine) fell significantly faster than any other species. Larger-diameter snags persisted longer than smaller-diameter snags for all species. Incense-cedar trees that survived longer post fire persisted longer as snags. This study provides land managers with guidance on snag longevity, which can aid in planning for long-term wildlife habitat, fuel loading estimates, and forest structural diversity.
Severe thermoregulatory deficiencies in mice with a deletion in the titin gene TTN.

ABSTRACT Muscular dystrophy with myositis (mdm) mice carry a deletion in the N2A region of the gene for the muscle protein titin (TTN), shiver at low frequency, fail to maintain body temperatures (Tb) at ambient temperatures (Ta)
Simultaneous Renewal: An Inclusive Approach to Collaboration and Teaming

Collaboration goes beyond direct service provision. It is critical for effective personnel preparation and professional development as well as high-quality program implementation to close the gap between research and practice in early childhood contexts. Simultaneous renewal provides a framework for continuity from teacher preparation, inclusive teaching practices, and professional development to engage all stakeholders in teaming processes that promote child outcomes and improve teacher practice simultaneously.
An Inactivated Influenza Virus Vaccine Approach to Targeting the Conserved Hemagglutinin Stalk and M2e Domains

Universal influenza virus vaccine candidates that focus on the conserved hemagglutinin (HA) stalk domain and the extracellular domain of the matrix protein 2 (M2e) have been developed to increase the breadth of protection against multiple strains. In this study, we report a novel inactivated influenza virus vaccine approach that combines these two strategies. We inserted a human consensus M2e epitope into the immunodominant antigenic site (Ca2 site) of three different chimeric HAs (cHAs). Sequential immunization with inactivated viruses containing these modified cHAs substantially enhanced M2e antibody responses while simultaneously boosting stalk antibody responses. The combination of additional M2e antibodies with HA stalk antibodies resulted in superior antibody-mediated protection in mice against challenge viruses expressing homologous or heterosubtypic hemagglutinin and neuraminidase compared to vaccination strategies that targeted the HA stalk or M2e epitopes in isolation.
Associations between race, discrimination, community violence, traumatic life events, and psychosis-like experiences in a sample of college students

Self-report tools of psychosis-like experiences contribute to the understanding of psychosis and may aid in identification and prevention efforts across the severity spectrum. Current tools are likely limited by biases, leading to potential systematic health disparities. Principal component analyses in diverse samples of community participants reporting psychosis-like experiences may aid in the detection of measurement biases. The current study evaluated the fit of a two-component model for the Prime Screen, a self-report psychosis-like experiences measure, in a sample of Black (n = 82) and White (n = 162) community participants, and subsequently evaluated the relation of these components with measures of mental well-being, traumatic life experiences, community violence, and experiences of discrimination. Analyses indicated limited support for a two-component model of the Prime Screen, with four of the items showing high cross-loading across both components ("poor fit" items). Although many Prime Screen items correlated with mental well-being as expected, correlations between item scores and mental well-being were non-significant for poor fit items. Community violence emerged as a significant predictor of some individual item scores for both good and poor fit items, while discrimination predicted only some poor fit item scores. Results highlight the potential limitations of current self-report tools of psychosis-like experiences, as well as possible considerations for improvement for use in diverse populations.
The Structural-Functional Theory of Family and Kinship*

After consideration of the many possible functions of kinship systems, the author adopts a definition that does not refer directly to functions: a kinship system is an elaborate institutional patte...
Impact of Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation on Early Outcomes after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Background and aim of the study Tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) is often not taken into consideration in the prognostication of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Accordingly, its impact on such patients remains relatively poorly defined. The study aim was to explore the effect of TR and parameters of right ventricular (RV) function on outcomes in patients undergoing TAVR. Methods Baseline demographic and echocardiographic data were collected for 460 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR at the authors' institution between 2012 and 2015. A retrospective analysis was performed to determine the association of TR with all-cause mortality in these patients. The primary endpoint was 30-day rate of all-cause mortality and/or hospital re-admission. Results Among 460 patients included in the study analysis there were 25 deaths and 40 re-admissions. Univariate analysis showed that a higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score, severe preoperative mitral and tricuspid regurgitation were associated with statistically significant higher 30-day mortality and/or re-admission rates. On multivariate analysis, STS score (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.012-1.126), moderate TR (OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.52-6.87) and severe TR (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.04-6.04) were identified as significant independent predictors of all-cause mortality. Conclusions The severity of TR is a strong independent parameter predictive of death at 30 days. Therefore, parameters of RV function such as TR should be incorporated into predictive models for patients undergoing TAVR.
The Effectiveness of Multiple-Choice Type Flashcards for the Identification of Fish Species

Mobile learning apps such as Duolingo have allowed millions of students to study new subjects that they might not otherwise be able to. One study mode utilized in mobile learning is a digital "flashcard," a tool used by students for studying and memorizing content both in and out of the traditional classroom. Here I investigate whether a multiple-choice type flashcard, which asks the user to identify the picture from one of 4 options, performs better than a digital flashcard to help users identify pictures of fake, cartoon fish. The results of the study so far are inconclusive, not finding statistically significant differences in quiz scores between participants who use the standard flashcards and those who used the multiple-choice flashcard. However, the results may indicate that participants who studied using the multiple-choice flashcard achieved similar scores while studying less on average than those who studied using the standard flashcards.
The Interpretable Dictionary in Sparse Coding.

Artificial neural networks (ANNs), specifically deep learning networks, have often been labeled as black boxes due to the fact that the internal representation of the data is not easily interpretable. In our work, we illustrate that an ANN, trained using sparse coding under specific sparsity constraints, yields a more interpretable model than the standard deep learning model. The dictionary learned by sparse coding can be more easily understood and the activations of these elements creates a selective feature output. We compare and contrast our sparse coding model with an equivalent feed forward convolutional autoencoder trained on the same data. Our results show both qualitative and quantitative benefits in the interpretation of the learned sparse coding dictionary as well as the internal activation representations.
A Life Lived Across Continents: The Global Microhistory of an Armenian Agent of the Compagnie des Indes Orientales, 1666–1688

In 1666, French finance minister Jean-Baptiste Colbert hired Martin di Marcara Avachinz, an Armenian merchant who had lived in Iran and India, as an agent for his newly established Compagnie des Indes orientales. In 1669, shortly after the Armenian had secured a royal edict from the sultan Of Golconda to set up a French trading center in the port of Masulipatam, he was summarily arrested, tortured, and sent to France by his superior Francois Caron. This article provides a close reading of the legal briefs or factums produced during the sensational trial that followed Marcara’s release from prison in 1675. In tracing a “global microhistory” of his life across continents, it seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of early modern long-distance trade in the Indian Ocean, comparing the network of the CIO and other joint-stock corporations with the “stateless” nature of the trade diaspora of Armenian merchants from the township of New Julfa on the outskirts of the Safavid capital Isfahan. Finally, the article considers the role of factums in early modern France and explores how the “exceptionally normal” story of Marcara’s life provides a useful window onto French perceptions of the Orient and the fear induced by communities such as Armenian and Indian merchants, bankers, and brokers.
Abstract 14768: Echocardiographic Strain Outcomes of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patients With Chemotherapy Induced Cardiomyopathy

Introduction: Several chemotherapy agents, especially anthracyclines, are associated with the development of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. When chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy (CHIC) is associat...
Late durability of mitral repair for ischemic versus nonischemic functional mitral regurgitation

Abstract Background Concerns regarding long-term durability of surgical repair for functional mitral regurgitation are based on short-term data, with few comparisons of ischemic (IMR) versus non-ischemic (NIFMR) etiology. Methods 788 consecutive patients receiving mitral repair for functional mitral regurgitation were evaluated from a prospectively maintained database. Patients with other surgical procedures were included. Propensity score matching was used to compare outcomes in IMR versus NIFMR. Results Unmatched IMR patients tended to be older men with greater comorbidities. 198 matched pairs of IMR versus NIFMR patients had similar demographics with relatively preserved ejection fraction 40±13% and end-systolic diameter 4.3±1.1cm. Concomitant coronary revascularization occurred in 70% of matched IMR patients. All patients received an annuloplasty ring, usually 24-26 mm. Heart failure class improved from 2.8 preop to 1.5 at 5 years (P =2+) mitral regurgitation (27±4% v 26±4%, P=0.4), severe regurgitation (10±3% v 8±2%, P=0.5), and mitral reoperation (3±1% v 3±1%, P=0.4) were not different between IMR v NIFMR. Recurrent moderate regurgitation was associated with heart failure readmission but not with mortality. Conclusions In propensity-matched patients, IMR versus NIFMR had worse survival but similar repair durability, with moderate regurgitation in 27% at 10 years and rare severe regurgitation or mitral reoperation. In selected patients with relatively preserved function, mitral repair for IMR or NIFMR can improve symptoms with durable mild regurgitation in most patients out to 10 years.
Association of Rural and Critical Access Hospital Status With Patient Outcomes After Emergency Department Visits Among Medicare Beneficiaries.

Importance Rural US residents disproportionately rely on emergency departments (ED), yet little is known about patient outcomes after ED visits to rural hospitals or critical access hospitals (CAHs). Objective To compare 30-day outcomes after rural vs urban ED visits and in CAHs, a subset of rural hospitals. Design, Setting, and Participants This propensity-matched, retrospective cohort study used a 20% sample of national Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries from January 1, 2011, to October 31, 2015. Rural and urban ED visits were matched on demographics, patient prior use of EDs, comorbidities, and diagnoses. Thirty-day outcomes overall and stratified by 25 common ED diagnoses were evaluated, with similar analysis of CAHs vs non-CAHs. Data were analyzed from February 15, 2020, to May 17, 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were ED revisits with and without hospitalization. Results The matched cohort included 473 152 rural and urban Medicare beneficiaries with a mean (SD) age of 75.1 (7.9) years (59.1% and 59.3% women, respectively; 86.9% and 87.1% White, respectively). Medicare beneficiaries at rural vs urban EDs experienced similar all-cause 30-day mortality (3.9% vs 4.1%; effect size, 0.01), ED revisits (18.1% vs 17.8%; effect size, 0.00), and ED revisits with hospitalization (6.0% vs 8.1%; effect size, 0.00). Rural ED visits were associated with more transfer (6.2% vs 2.0%; effect size, 0.22) and fewer hospitalizations (24.7% vs 39.2; effect size, 0.31). Stratified by diagnosis, patients in rural EDs with life-threatening illnesses experienced more transfer with 30-day mortality similar to that of patients in urban EDs. In contrast, mortality differed for patients in rural EDs with symptom-based diagnoses, including chest pain (odds ratio [OR], 1.54 [95% CI, 1.25-1.89]), nausea and vomiting (OR, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.26-2.24), and abdominal pain (OR, 1.73 [95% CI, 1.42-2.10]). All findings were similar for CAHs. Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this cohort study of rural ED care suggest that patient mortality for potentially life-threatening conditions is comparable to that in urban settings. Further research is needed to understand the sources of greater rural ED mortality for symptom-based conditions. These findings underscore the importance of ensuring access to treatment of life-threatening conditions at local EDs in rural communities, which are increasingly endangered by hospital closures.
Coherence and collective behavior in Bose-Einstein condensates

Bose-Einstein condensed atomic gases are a new class of quantum fluids with many novel properties. This new subfield overlaps with condensed matter physics in the study of many-body physics, and with quantum optics since Bose condensates are sources for beams of coherent atoms — atom lasers. The talk will discuss examples from both areas. The study of quantized vortices and superfiuidity illustrate the condensed matter physics aspect, and the study of coherence and matter-wave amplification are examples for the area of atom optics.
STRESSES AND STRAINS IN REINFORCED CONCRETE

STRESSES AND STRAINS IN REINFORCED CONCRETE ARE DETERMINED BY THREE-DIMENSIONAL PHOTOELASTIC ANALYSIS OF MODELS. THE MODELS SIMULATE THE STEEL REINFORCEMENT BY NEAR RIGID RODS IN A LESS RIGID MATRIX. STRESSES AND STRAINS ARE OBTAINED AT THE INTERFACE OF THE TWO MATERIALS AND IN THE INTERIOR OF THE MATRIX. THREE MODELS ARE ANALYZED: A SINGLE ROD IN A LARGE MASS, TWO RODS IN A BEAM, AND A ROD WITH A HOOK AT EACH END IN A BEAM. THE STRUCTURES ARE ANALYZED FOR BOTH SHRINKAGE LOADING AND MECHANICAL LOADING. RECENTLY DEVELOPED TECHNIQUES, WHICH EXTEND THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL PHOTOELASTIC METHOD TO ANALYSIS OF THESE TWO MATERIAL BODIES, ARE PRESENTED. /ASCE/
Spatial Electron Clouds at Fractional and Multiple Magneto-optical Resonances

We solve numerically the relativistic Liouville equation for the phase space density of an atom in a uniform static magnetic field and a laser field. If the cyclotron frequency that is associated with the magnetic field is tuned slightly above a multiple or a fraction of the frequency of the laser field, the electron’s dynamics becomes resonant and its velocity can approach the speed of light. We compare the spatial electron distributions at these resonances with those obtained from the corresponding non-relativistic calculations and find the formation of stable ring-shaped distributions at the multiple resonances. The fractional resonances are characterized by figure-eight or propeller-shaped distributions.
Cult collectors: Nostalgia, fandom and collecting popular culture, by Lincoln Geraghty

Review of Lincoln Geraghty, Cult Collectors: Nostalgia, Fandom and Collecting Popular Culture. New York: Routledge, 2014. $39.95 (224p) ISBN 978-0-415-61766-6.
Boost integrated push-pull rectifier with power factor correction and output voltage regulation using a new digital control technique

An integrated converter is a synthesized converter based on the overall system integration, which is simplified by the system objective and can implement the system functions similar to the discrete converters. An integrated converter consists of converter sets; each converter set has a special function defined by the designer. A family of DC/DC boost based integrated rectifiers with two active switches can be derived by the integration concept. A boost+push-pull integrated converter is introduced and derived. To regulate the output voltage and shape the input current, a new simple digital control method is applied. In contrast to the conventional analog control methods, the principal idea of this new digital control algorithm is to use real-time analysis and estimate the required on time of the switches based on the value of the output voltage, input inductor current, and input voltage. The high capacitor voltage stress caused by the compatibility of the integration can be reduced by two methods. Pulse regulation control method is used to control this converter. Simulation results are presented.
Grid Web Services and Application Factories

This paper describes an implementation of a Grid Application Factory Service that is based on a component architecture that utilizes the emerging Web Services standards. The factory service is used by Grid clients to authenticate and authorize a user to configure and launch an instance of a distributed application. This helps us solve the problem of building reliable, scalable Grid applications, by separating the process of deployment and hosting from application execution. The paper also describes how these componentbased applications can be made compatible with the Open Grid Service Architecture(OGSA) and how OGSA concepts enhance the usability of the component framework.
Mobility and teletraffic issues in wireless personal communications

Personal communications and next generation wireless networks pose challenging problems in performance modeling and analysis due to type and pattern of source mobility, radio propagation and fading effects, interference environment, reduced cell sizes, call delivery, dynamic resource assignment and heterogeneity of traffic. In this paper, we discuss issues in mobility and teletraffic characterization of mobile sources. We note that the system architecture plays an important role in determining the overall system performance.
Assessing Disability Glare Potential of Reflections from New Construction: Case Study Analysis and Recommendations for the Future

Disability glare, or visual impairment due to extreme brightness or contrast, can be caused by intense reflections from new constructions onto existing transportation or building infrastructure located nearby. A case study analyzed a disability glare hazard at an airport created by the installation of a large array of photovoltaic panels between an air traffic control tower and the aircraft taxiway. The panels reflected blinding quantities of daylight into the control tower, produced temporary afterimages, and dangerously obscured taxiing aircraft. The existing FAA guidelines for installation of solar technologies are discussed relative to their shortcomings in identifying the glare hazard. High dynamic range photography was used to analyze the glaring situation at the airport. The authors proposed a maximum brightness threshold of 30,000 cd/m2 based on the physiology of human vision and the brightness of tasks necessary for air traffic controllers at the case study airport. Detailed reflectivity and thre...
Learning likelihoods for labeling (L3): a general multi-classifier segmentation algorithm

PURPOSE: To develop an MRI segmentation method for brain tissues, regions, and substructures that yields improved classification accuracy. Current brain segmentation strategies include two complementary strategies. Multi-spectral classification techniques generate excellent segmentations for tissues with clear intensity contrast, but fail to identify structures defined largely by location, such as lobar parcellations and certain subcortical structures. Conversely, multi-template label fusion methods are excellent for structures defined largely by location, but perform poorly when segmenting structures that cannot be accurately identified through a consensus of registered templates. METHODS: We propose here a novel multi-classifier fusion algorithm with the advantages of both types of segmentation strategy. We illustrate and validate this algorithm using a group of 14 expertly hand-labeled images. RESULTS: Our method generated segmentations of cortical and subcortical structures that were more similar to hand-drawn segmentations than majority vote label fusion or a recently published intensity/label fusion method. CONCLUSIONS: We have presented a novel, general segmentation algorithm with the advantages of both statistical classifiers and label fusion techniques.
Bayesian social learning in linear networks of agents with random behavior

In this paper, we consider the problem of social learning in a network of agents where the agents make decisions onK hypotheses sequentially and broadcast their decisions to others. Each agent in the system has a private observation that is generated by one of the hypotheses. All the observations are independently generated from the same hypothesis. We study a setting where the agents randomly choose to make decisions prudently or non-prudently. A prudent decision is based on the private observation of the agent and all the previous decisions, whereas a non-prudent decision relies only on the private observation of the agent. We present a Bayesian learning method for the agents that exploits the information from other decisions. We analyze the asymptotical property of this system. A proof is presented that with the proposed decision policy, the posterior probability of the true hypothesis converges to one in probability. Simulation results are also provided.
Short Stem Metaphyseal-Engaging Femoral Implants: A Case-Controlled Radiographic and Clinical Evaluation with Eight Year Follow-Up

A prospective comparison of 148 hips in 139 consecutive patients treated with an off-the-shelf uncemented metaphyseal engaging (91–105 mm) stem and 69 hips in 61 patients treated with a custom uncemented metaphyseal engaging short stem was conducted to evaluate the mid-term clinical and radiographic results of an off-the-shelf metaphyseal-engaging short stem implant. All implants were radiographically stable with proximal bony in-growth. There was no significant difference in post-operative HHS (P <. 001) or WOMAC scores (P < .001) between cohorts. An off-the-shelf short femoral stem designed to fit and fill the metaphysis provides reliable fixation up to eight years with equivalent clinical and radiographic results to a customized implant.
The Changing Roles of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

The 2000 U.S. Census reported there were 158.9 million people ages 30 and older living in households in the United States, of whom 5.8 million (or 3.6%) were co-resident grandparents, defined as living with grandchildren younger than 18. Among these findings, 2.4 million (42%) were also grandparent caregivers. It is estimated that 1 in 10 grandparents will be the primary caregiver for at least 6 months for a grandchild before the child's eighteenth birthday. This article will discuss some of the challenges and hardships that these grandparents are faced with while raising their grandchildren. In addition, some attention to practice and policy are looked at to provide assistance to grandparents and kinship that may be raising relatives. There will be financial burden, worry, health issues, and freedom restrictions for this population. Many of these families may not be aware of programs, services, and resources that are available to them.
Comparison of cyanide exposure markers in the biofluids of smokers and non-smokers

Cyanide is highly toxic and is present in many foods, combustion products (e.g. cigarette smoke), industrial processes, and has been used as a terrorist weapon. In this study, cyanide and its major metabolites, thiocyanate and 2-amino-2-thiazoline-4-carboxylic acid (ATCA), were analyzed from various human biofluids of smokers (low-level chronic cyanide exposure group) and non-smokers to gain insight into the relationship of these biomarkers to cyanide exposure. The concentrations of each biomarker tested were elevated for smokers in each biofluid. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found for thiocyanate in plasma and urine, and ATCA showed significant differences in plasma and saliva. Additionally, biomarker concentration ratios, correlations between markers of cyanide exposure, and other statistical methods were performed to better understand the relationship between cyanide and its metabolites. Of the markers studied, the results indicate plasma ATCA, in particular, showed excellent promise as a biomarker for chronic low-level cyanide exposure.