cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variation in Diagnoses for Hip Arthroplasty Among New York State Hospitals: Implications for the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Model

Abstract Background The Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement model is designed to minimize costs and improve quality for Medicare patients undergoing joint arthroplasty. The cost of hip arthroplasty (HA) episode varies depending on the preoperative diagnosis and is greater for fracture than for osteoarthritis. Hospitals that perform a higher percentage of HA for OA may therefore have an advantage in the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement model. The purposes of this study are to (1) determine the variability in underlying diagnosis for HA in New York State hospitals, and (2) determine hospital characteristics, such as volume, associated with this. Methods The New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database was used to identify 127,206 primary HA procedures from 2010 to 2014. The data included underlying diagnoses, age, length of stay, and total charges. Hospitals were categorized by volume and descriptive statistics were used. Results OA was the underlying diagnosis for HA for 74.2% of all patients; this was significantly higher for high-volume (89.30%) and medium-volume (74.9%) hospitals than for low-volume hospitals (58.4%, P P Conclusion High-volume hospitals perform a higher ratio of HA cases for OA compared to fracture, which may lead to advantages in patient outcomes and cost. The variation in underlying diagnosis between hospitals has financial implications and underscores the need for HAs to be risk stratified by preoperative diagnosis.
A data mining approach in real-time measurement for polymer additive manufacturing process with exposure controlled projection lithography

Abstract Real-time inspection and part dimensions determination during the manufacturing process can improve production of qualified parts. Exposure Controlled Projection Lithography (ECPL) is a bottom-up mask-projection additive manufacturing (AM) process, in which micro parts are fabricated from photopolymers on a stationary transparent substrate. An in-situ interferometric curing monitoring and measuring (ICM&M) system has been developed to infer the output of cured height. Successful ICM&M practice of data acquisition and analysis for retrieving useful information is central to the success of real-time measurement and control for the ECPL process. As the photopolymerization phenomena occur continuously over a range of space and time scales, the ICM&M data analysis is complicated with computation speed and cost. The large amount of video data, which is usually noisy and cumbersome, requires efficient data analysis methods to unleash the ICM&M capability. In this paper, we designed a pragmatic approach of ICM&M data mining to intelligently decipher part height across the cured part. As a data-driven measurement method, the ICM&M algorithms are strengthened by incorporating empirical values obtained from experimental observations to guarantee realistic solutions, and they are particularly useful in real time when limited resource is accessible for online computation. Experimental results indicate that the data-enabled ICM&M method could estimate the height profile of cured parts with accuracy and precision. The study exemplifies that data mining techniques can help realize the desired real time measurement for AM processes, and help unveil more insights about the process dynamics for advanced modeling and control.
Book review: An Introduction to Default Logic by Philippe Besnard (Springer Verlag, New York, 1989)

One of Hubert Dreyfus's more biting criticisms of Artificial Intelligence has been that its success stories have been largely confined to toy environments. Some researchers are unperturbed by this criticism, apparently believing that an accretion of little success stories will eventually reward us with a cumulative global success story. Others have turned to renewed efforts to understand what Herbert Simon calls "weak methods" of inference, that is methods of inference which do not presuppose specific knowledge of a domain. I too believe that knowledge-poor methods of inference offer greater long-term promise for the development of AI. Philippe Besnard's book is a codification of efforts to formalize one species (genus?) of knowledge-poor reasoning, what has been variously called default, defeasible, and nonmonotonic reasoning.
Unpacking the relationship between CEO share ownership and IPO firm survival

While prior studies have explored the impact of CEO share ownership on IPO firm survival, the mixed findings imply that the association is far more complicated than a simple, direct relationship. W...
Bit-energy: An innovative bitcoin-style distributed transactional model for a competitive electricity market

This paper proposes an innovative Bitcoin-style distributed transactional model, “Bit-Energy,” to enable transparent, auditable, and peer-to-peer energy transactions between active market participants directly without a central intermediary (e.g., distribution system operator) using radically different Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies. The proposed distributed platform is fully compatible with the existing distribution grid infrastructure. Case studies demonstrate the accuracy, robustness, effectiveness, and scalability of the proposed Bit-Energy platform under various operating conditions. The distributed platform contained in this paper can apply to many other smart grid applications.
The associations between anthropometric measurements and left ventricular structure and function: the Echo-SOL Study

Author(s): Ponce, S; Allison, MA; Swett, K; Cai, J; Desai, AA; Hurwitz, BE; Ni, A; Schneiderman, N; Shah, SJ; Spevack, DM; Talavera, GA; Rodriguez, CJ | Abstract: ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to determine associations between anthropometry and echocardiographic measures of cardiac structure and function in Hispanic/Latinos.MethodsA total of 1,824 participants from ECHO-SOL were included. We evaluated associations between echocardiographic measures of left ventricular structure and function and anthropometric measures using multivariable-adjusted linear and logistic regression models adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors.ResultsThe mean age was 56n±n0.17nyears, 57% were women. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 30n±n9.4nkgnm-2, waist circumference (WC) was 100n±n18ncm, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was 0.93n±n0.15. Adjusted analysis showed that 5-unit increment in BMI and 5-cm increase in WC was associated with 3.4n±n0.6 and 1.05n±n0.05ngnm-2.7 (pnln0.05 for both) higher left ventricular (LV) mass index, respectively. Similarly, 0.1-unit increment in WHR was associated with 2.0n±n0.16ngnm-2.7 higher LV mass index (pnln0.01). WHR was associated with 0.22n±n0.08% decrease in ejection fraction (pnln0.05). Concomitantly, 5-unit increment in BMI and WC was associated with increased odds of abnormal LV geometry (odds ratio 1.40 and 1.16, pn=n0.03 and l0.01, respectively); 0.1-unit increment in WHR was associated with increased odds of abnormal LV geometry (odds ratio 1.51, pnln0.01).ConclusionsAmong Hispanic/Latinos, higher anthropometric measures were associated with adverse cardiac structure and function.
Chemoprevention of Lung Cancer with Retinol/Beta-Carotene

Lung cancer is a major health problem in the USA. It is estimated that in 1982, greater than 110,000 deaths were directly attributable to lung cancer.1 In addition to being the most common cause of cancer death in man (and in 1985, women also), lung cancer is unique in that the primary causative agent has been identified. Epidemiologic studies have clearly shown that cigarette smoking is a major etiologic factor in the development of pulmonary neoplasia.2,3,4 Although the public is well aware of this relationship, there has been little success in primary prevention. In general, anti-smoking campaigns are met with apathy and tobacco abuse continues. Because the primary prevention of lung cancer has not yet been possible, alternative methods of prevention are needed for those who are unable or unwilling to give up smoking. The availability of a “chemoprevention drug” for this population would be of significant public health interest.
The relationship between shock severity and the form of the antinociception observed in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats

Three experiments are reported that explore the opioid/nonopioid nature of environmentally induced antinociception in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats. In Experiment 1, the minimum shock intensity and duration that elicits antinociception was established and two alternative descriptions of the tradeoff between shock intensity and duration were evaluated: the coulometric relationship (duration × intensity) and an extension of Stevens’s power law (duration × intensity3.5). The results support the power law. In Experiments 2 and 3, the relationship between shock severity and the form of the antinociception elicited was examined. It was found that the least severe shock schedules produced a naltrexone-insensitive “nonopioid” antinociception. Increasing shock severity elicited an “opioid” antinociception that was attenuated by naltrexone. When shock severity was increased further, the antinociception again became naltrexone insensitive. Implications of the results are discussed.
What Do I Need to Do to Succeed…When I Don't Understand What I'm Doing!?: Developmental Influences on Students' Adaptive Help Seeking

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the developmental influences on students' adaptive help seeking. This chapter focuses on how students respond to academic difficulty. This chapter presents a developmental perspective on the purpose of preachers and peers contribute—through their involvement and support for autonomy and competence—to children's competencies and motivational resources needed for adaptive help seeking. Further work is clearly needed in order to advance our understanding of the development of adaptive help seeking. This chapter suggests three particular topics: “the role of parents,” “the role of culture,” and “research methodology.” This chapter suggests methodological issues. First is the question of construct validity of “adaptive” and others have operationalized adaptiveness according to certain features. A second methodological issue is the need for longitudinal research. This chapter concludes by discussing developmental contributions of two major socializing agents for children—teachers and classmates, with suggestions for future research on help seeking.
What is the Best Way to Induce General Anesthesia in Obese Patients

Induction of anesthesia in obese patients requires an appreciation of their limited oxygen reserves, increased oxygen demands, and exquisite susceptibility to narcotics and sedative hypnotics. The relatively short, safe apneic period can be extended by using evidence-based pre-oxygenation strategies. A basic understanding of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in the obese patient facilitates tracheal intubation and prevents hemodynamic instability secondary to drug overdose. In short, induction of general anesthesia in the obese patient necessitates planning as complications are less forgiving in this patient population.
Other Uterine Sarcomas

Beyond leiomyosarcoma, uterine sarcomas and tumors that contain “sarcoma” in the name (i.e., carcinosarcoma) are well-recognized biological entities. The three nonleiomyosarcoma tumors, (low-grade) endometrial stromal sarcoma, high-grade undifferentiated stromal sarcoma, and mixed Mullerian tumors including carcinosarcoma, are all very different from one another biologically. They are often omitted in discussions of soft tissue pathology as different groups of pathologists generally review such cases in expert centers than those who review soft tissue or bone tumors. Age distribution for adult uterine endometrial stromal tumors is shown in Fig. 21.1.
Changing Practice Across the Care Continuum to Increase Evidence-based Management of Patients with Acute Viral Bronchiolitis

Objectives: Acute viral bronchiolitis is one of the most common and expensive illnesses causing hospitalization of infants and young children. In 2014, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published an updated practice parameter on the diagnosis and management of bronchiolitis to reflect the large body of evidence showing lack of benefit of specific therapies or testing to patient outcomes or length of stay. Despite practice guidelines, overuse of ineffective therapies and unnecessary tests remains common. As part of the AAP Value in Inpatient Pediatrics Network quality improvement (QI) collaborative, Stewardship …
True Returns: Adjusting Stock Prices for Cash Dividends and Stock Splits

Accurately calculated historical returns are critical inputs for investment decisions. We document that data vendors’ adjustments to historical prices for dividends and stock splits result in inaccurate estimations of historical returns. We demonstrate several techniques that can be used to correct the error and estimate the true returns. Our findings pose a challenge for the finance literature that derives conclusions based on the historical returns naively calculated using the adjusted closing prices provided by the data vendors.
Chronic doxorubicin administration impacts satellite cell and capillary abundance in a muscle-specific manner

Anthracycline chemotherapies are effective at reducing disease recurrence and mortality in cancer patients. However, these drugs also contribute to skeletal muscle wasting and dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of chronic doxorubicin (DOX) administration on satellite cell and capillary densities in different skeletal muscles. We hypothesized that DOX would reduce satellite cell and capillary densities of the soleus (SOL) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles, along with muscle fiber size. Ovariectomized female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to receive three bi-weekly intraperitoneal injections of DOX (4 mg∙kg-1 ; cumulative dose 12 mg∙kg-1 ) or vehicle (VEH; saline). Animals were euthanized 5d following the last injection and the SOL and EDL were dissected and prepared for immunohistochemical and RT-qPCR analyses. Relative to VEH, CSA of the SOL and EDL fibers were 26% and 33% smaller, respectively, in DOX (P 0.05). Proliferating satellite cells were unaffected by DOX in the SOL (P > 0.05). In the SOL, MYF5 mRNA expression was increased in DOX (P < 0.05), while in the EDL MGF mRNA expression was reduced in DOX (P < 0.05). Chronic DOX administration is associated with reduced fiber size in the SOL and EDL; however, DOX appeared to reduce satellite cell and capillary densities only in the SOL. These findings highlight that therapeutic targets to protect skeletal muscle from DOX may vary across muscles.
Low-complexity prediction of complex-valued sequences using a novel "residual-as-prediction" method

A method of prediction is presented to aid compression of sequences of complex-valued samples. The focus is on using prediction to reduce the average magnitude of residual values after prediction (not on the subsequent compression of the residual sequence). The prediction method has low computational complexity, so as to keep power consumption in implementations of the method low. The new method presented applies specifically to sequences that occupy a significant percentage of the sampling bandwidth; something that existing, simple prediction methods fail to adequately address. The new method, labeled "residual-as-prediction" here, produces residual sequences with reduced mean magnitude compared to the original sequence, even for sequences whose bandwidth is up to 85% of the sampling bandwidth.
Defeating denial-of-service attacks in a self-managing N-variant system

N-variant systems protect software from attack by executing multiple variants of a single program in parallel, checking regularly that they are behaving consistently. The variants are designed to behave identically during normal operation and differently during an attack. When different behavior (divergence) is detected, N-variant systems self-heal by either rolling back to a safe state or restarting. Unfortunately, an attacker can create a denial-of-service (DoS) attack from a diverging input by using it to force an N-variant system into an endless diverge/restart cycle. This paper describes a defense, CRISPR-Inspired Program Resiliency (Crispy), that automatically protects N-variant systems from such DoS attacks. Crispy mitigates DoS attacks against N-variant systems using an automatic signature generation technique modeled on CRISPR/Cas, the bacterial adaptive immune system. Experiments on two webservers using exploits developed by an independent Red Team showed Crispy protected against 87.5% of DoS attacks with zero false positives. Overhead was minimal and varied according to the number of signatures maintained, which can be tailored to the threat model and performance requirements.
Phenomenology of the human person

Part I. The Form of Thinking: 1. Two ways of saying 'I' 2. Further kinds of declaratives 3. Linguistic syntax and human reason 4. The person as the agent of syntax: predication 5. Reason as public: quotation 6. Grammatical signals and veracity Part II. The Content of Thinking: 7. The content of what is said: essentials and accidentals 8. Properties and accidents reveal what things are 9. Knowing things in their absence: pictures, imagination, and words 10. Mental representations 11. What is a concept and how do we focus on it? Part III. The Body and Human Action: 12. The body and the brain 13. Active perception and declaratives 14. Mental images and lenses 15. Forms of wishing 16. Declaring our wishes and choices Part IV. Ancients and Moderns: 17. Aristotle 18. Thomas Aquinas 19. Conclusion, with Henry James.
Long-term outcome of brain structure in female preterm infants: possible associations of liberal versus restrictive red blood cell transfusions

Preterm infants who receive differential red blood cell (RBC) transfusions at birth may show brain structure differences across development, including abnormalities in white matter (WM) structure a...
Restorying Northern Arapaho Food Sovereignty

Communities in Indian Country across the U.S. are reconnecting to traditional and healthier food sys­tems, often working explicitly for food sovereignty. This paper contributes to these reconnection efforts by (re)telling the story of the Northern Arapaho food system and the path we are creating toward health and our reclamation of Northern Arapaho food sovereignty. With support from my co-author, I approached data gathering and analysis in a blend of traditional native and conventional western research ways. I use the phrase “foreign intrusion” to help re-name eras in our history when our food system was altered by colonialism, forms of physical and cultural genocide, and assimilation. This “restorying” of the food system history of the Northern Arapaho people provides an indigenized frame for understanding our food system history, impacts of intrusion, and paths for reclaiming Indigenous food sovereignty. My methods include interviews with tribal members (N=16), three talking circles (N=14, 11, and 6), autoethnography, seven years of participation and observation in food sovereignty work, and document analysis, in addition to extensive literature reviews. Note: This article was produced under the Food Dignity project. See the earlier supplemental issue dedicated to outcomes from the Food Dignity project. See the press release for this article.
Prehospital Trauma Scene and Transport Times for Pediatric and Adult Patients.

Introduction: Increased out-of-hospital time is associated with worse outcomes in trauma. Sparse literature exists comparing prehospital scene and transport time management intervals between adult and pediatric trauma patients. National Emergency Medical Services guidelines recommend that trauma scene time be less than 10 minutes. The objective of this study was to examine prehospital time intervals in adult and pediatric trauma patients.Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of blunt and penetrating trauma patients in a five-county region in North Carolina using prehospital records. We included patients who were transported emergency traffic directly from the scene by ground ambulance to a Level I or Level II trauma center between 2013-2018. We defined pediatric patients as those less than 16 years old. Urbanicity was controlled for using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid’s Ambulance Fee Schedule. We performed descriptive statistics and linear mixed-effects regression modeling.Results: A total of 2179 records met the study criteria, of which 2077 were used in the analysis. Mean scene time was 14.2 minutes (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.9-14.5) and 35.3% (n = 733) of encounters had a scene time of 10 minutes or less. Mean transport time was 17.5 minutes (95% CI, 17.0-17.9). Linear mixed-effects regression revealed that scene times were shorter for pediatric patients (p<0.0001), males (p=0.0016), penetrating injury (p<0.0001), and patients with blunt trauma in rural settings (p=0.005), and that transport times were shorter for males (p = 0.02), non-White patients (p<0.0001), and patients in urban areas (p<0.0001).Conclusion: This study population largely missed the 10-minute scene time goal. Demographic and patient factors were associated with scene and transport times. Shorter scene times occurred with pediatric patients, males, and among those with penetrating trauma. Additionally, suffering blunt trauma while in a rural environment was associated with shorter scene time. Males, non-White patients, and patients in urban environments tended to have shorter transport times. Future studies with outcomes data are needed to identify factors that prolong out-of-hospital time and to assess the impact of out-of-hospital time on patient outcomes.
Shedding light on “Black Box” machine learning models for predicting the reactivity of HO radicals toward organic compounds

Abstract Developing quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) is an important approach to predicting the reactivity of HO radicals toward newly emerged organic compounds. As compared with molecular descriptors-based and the group contribution method-based QSARs, a combined molecular fingerprint-machine learning (ML) method can more quickly and accurately develop such models for a growing number of contaminants. However, it is yet unknown whether this method makes predictions by choosing meaningful structural features rather than spurious ones, which is vital for trusting the models. In this study, we developed QSAR models for the logkHO values of 1089 organic compounds in the aqueous phase by two ML algorithms—deep neural networks (DNN) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and interpreted the built models by the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method. The results showed that for the contribution of a given structural feature to logkHO for different compounds, DNN and XGBoost treated it as a fixed and variable value, respectively. We then developed an ensemble model combining the DNN with XGBoost, which achieved satisfactory predictive performance for all three datasets: Training dataset: R-square (R2) 0.89–0.91, root-mean-squared-error (RMSE) 0.21–0.23, and mean absolute error (MAE) 0.15–0.17; Validation dataset: R2 0.63–0.78, RMSE 0.29–0.32, and MAE 0.21–0.25; and Test dataset: R2 0.60–0.71, RMSE 0.30–0.35, and MAE 0.23–0.25. The SHAP method was further used to unveil that this ensemble model made predictions on logkHO based on a correct ‘understanding’ of the impact of electron-withdrawing and -donating groups and of the reactive sites in the compounds that can be attacked by HO . This study offered some much-needed mechanistic insights into a ML-assisted environmental task, which are important for evaluating the trustworthiness of the ML-based models, further improving the models for specific applications, and leveraging the implicit knowledge the models carry.
Microfracture Versus Drilling of Articular Cartilage Defects: A Systematic Review of the Basic Science Evidence:

Background:Microfracture (MFx) is one of the most common techniques used for the treatment of articular cartilage defects, although recently there has been a trend toward the use of drilling rather...
Translational Relevance of Mouse Models of Atopic Dermatitis.

The complexity of atopic dermatitis (AD) continues to present a challenge in the appropriate selection of a mouse model because no single murine model completely recapitulates all aspects of human AD. This has been further complicated by recent evidence of the distinct AD endotypes that are dictated by unique patterns of inflammation involving Th1, Th2, Th17, and Th22 axes. A review of currently used mouse models demonstrates that while all AD mouse models consistently exhibit Th2 inflammation, only some demonstrate concomitant Th17 and/or Th22 induction. As the current understanding of the pathogenic contributions of these unique endotypes and their potential therapeutic roles expands, ongoing efforts to maximize a given mouse model’s homology with human AD necessitates a close evaluation of its distinct immunological signature.
Construction of Chimeric Enzymes to Probe Subsite Contributions to Catalytic Specificity

Aspartic proteinases are characterized by a high degree of sequence as well as structural homology.1 The subtle differences in specificity of these enzymes arise from interactions between the side chains of the ligand and the solvent exposed amino acids in the subsites that line the active site cleft. Studies using site-directed mutagenesis have suggested that although specific residues may contribute towards enzymatic efficiency, long range electrostatic interactions may also be involved.2,3 These interactions may arise from the interdependency between subsites that are present on the two domains. The subsites present within the N-terminal domain include S5, S3, S1, and the S2′ while those contributed by the C-terminal domain include S4, S2, S1′ and S3′.
Paternalism and Consent

I begin with an ordinary, everyday example from which I hope to generalize about the justifiability of paternalism and, to a lesser extent, about the difficulties of justifying paternalism in the criminal law. When permitted to eat anything he chooses, 4-year-old Billy skips his vegetables altogether and eats only his ice cream dessert. His father has tried to explain the reasons to eat a balanced diet, but Billy is unmoved, and has not changed his behavior. Suppose his father comes to you for advice about what to do at their next dinner. I stipulate that the father’s only reason for seeking advice is to improve Billy’s health and welfare by ensuring that he eats a more nutritious meal than if left to his own devices. It seems reasonable for you to recommend that Billy not be permitted to eat his ice cream unless and until he finishes his vegetables. Suppose his father decides to follow your advice. This example not only describes a situation in which Billy is treated paternalistically but also represents a relatively clear case in which the paternalistic treatment is justified. In any event, I make these two assumptions about this case.
The blood group I and i antigens of amniotic fluid. I. Association of I and i antigens with blood group A, B and H antigens.

Summary. Human amniotic fluid has been shown to contain blood group i as well as I antigens. Crude extracts of amniotic fluids at 16–23 weeks of gestation were in general more active than those obtained at term. A pool of amniotic fluids which had A, B, H as well as I and i activity was fractionated with an insolubilized anti-I (Group 3 type) immunoadsorbent column. There was evidence for the occurrence of I and i determinants on macromolecules carrying A, B and H determinants, for the fraction specifically retained by the column was enriched by 50–60-fold in I and i activity and by at least 10-fold in A, B and H activity. In the fraction not retained by the column there remained the bulk of the A, B, H activity in addition to I activity of Group 1 type which is known to be distinct from the Group 3 determinant. With the aid of specific immunochemical fractionation procedures, human amniotic fluid should prove useful in structural studies of the several I and i determinants and of their relationship to other blood group determinants.
PORT: Peirce Online Resource Testbeds

This overview of PORT covers the goals to achieve, the institutions involved, and the status of the project. Proposals for funding PORT development are pending, but this preliminary report provides URLs to sites where the work has begun.
A SMFSIA method for the electromagnetic scattering from a two-dimensional (3-D scattering problem) perfectly conducting random rough surface

With the development of the sparse-matrix flat-surface iterative approach (SMFSIA), the Monte Carlo simulations of scattering from two-dimensional (3-D scattering problem) random rough surface problems have become much more efficient. In SMFSIA, the iterative procedure involves multiplication of a very large square matrix with a column vector. The present authors show that this CPU time-consuming procedure can be replaced by the fast Fourier transform (FFT). A numerical example is given by investigating electromagnetic wave scattering using SMFSIA with the fast Fourier transform. This new method provides a faster solution time without sacrificing numerical accuracy. >
Adverse Reactions to Pneumococcal Vaccine in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients with Sickle Cell Disease.

Study Objective To review five cases of severe adverse reactions after vaccination with the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) in pediatric and adolescent patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), and to evaluate the prevalence of adverse reactions to PPSV23 in patients with SCD by analyzing data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Design Case series and retrospective analysis of data from the VAERS. Data Sources Medical records from a tertiary care hospital and the VAERS database. Measurements and Main Results Five cases of severe adverse reactions after vaccination with PPSV23 in pediatric and adolescent patients with SCD (aged 2–22 years) were reviewed. The adverse reactions occurred within 24 hours after immunization, and all five patients required medical attention. Analysis of data from the VAERS found that PPSV23 was the most commonly reported vaccine causing adverse events in patients with SCD, accounting for 62% of all vaccine-induced adverse events. This rate is significantly higher than the rate of adverse events related to PPSV23 in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or asthma (62% vs 16%, p<0.0001). The reported number of adverse reactions in pediatric patients (< 18 years old) with SCD was 4 times higher than that reported in adult patients (18–39 years old) with SCD. Conclusion The risk of developing severe adverse reactions to PPSV23 is greater in patients with SCD than in patients with HIV or asthma, and especially in pediatric and adolescent patients with SCD compared with their adult counterparts. Health care professionals should closely monitor for potential adverse events after PPSV23 vaccination or revaccination in patients with SCD, adhere to the recommended time interval between PCV13 and PPSV23 administration, and possibly consider avoiding simultaneous administration of other vaccines with PPSV23.
One Hundred Years After Its Discovery in Guatemala by Rodolfo Robles, Onchocerca volvulus Transmission Has Been Eliminated from the Central Endemic Zone

We report the elimination of Onchocerca volvulus transmission from the Central Endemic Zone (CEZ) of onchocerciasis in Guatemala, the largest focus of this disease in the Americas and the first to be discovered in this hemisphere by Rodolfo Robles Valverde in 1915. Mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin was launched in 1988, with semiannual MDA coverage reaching at least 85% of the eligible population in > 95% of treatment rounds during the 12-year period, 2000-2011. Serial parasitological testing to monitor MDA impact in sentinel villages showed a decrease in microfilaria skin prevalence from 70% to 0%, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based entomological assessments of the principal vector Simulium ochraceum s.l. showed transmission interruption by 2007. These assessments, together with a 2010 serological survey in children 9-69 months of age that showed Ov16 IgG4 antibody prevalence to be < 0.1%, meeting World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for stopping MDA, and treatment was halted after 2011. After 3 years an entomological assessment showed no evidence of vector infection or recrudescence of transmission. In 2015, 100 years after the discovery of its presence, the Ministry of Health of Guatemala declared onchocerciasis transmission as having been eliminated from the CEZ.
Idiopathic Fibroinflammatory Disease of the Face, Eyelids, and Periorbital Membrane With Immunoglobulin G4–Positive Plasma Cells

Progressive sclerosing orbital pseudotumors are a subset of usually primary and localized idiopathic fibroinflammatory disorders. We report on a 66-year-old man who developed this condition along the facial tissue planes with extension into the orbit and preferential involvement of the periorbital membrane. Fibrocollagenous tissue with scattered lymphoid aggregates without follicle formation dominated the process. There was a light dispersion of B and T lymphocytes and histiocytes in the stroma. Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-positive plasma cells (>35 per high-power field) were identified mostly in the lymphoid clusters, as has been discovered in similar IgG4-related fibrosclerosing conditions of other nonorbital sites. No associated systemic disease emerged during a 20-year clinical course. Previously reported orbital cases of IgG4-positive disease have all involved the lacrimal gland, usually bilaterally, and more closely resembled hypercellular reactive lymphoid hyperplasias with moderate interlobular fibrosis, rather than representing an essentially sclerosing process from the beginning.
Chronology of the Tano Ruins, New Mexico

In the course of archeological investigations pursued in New Mexico under the auspices of the American Museum during the past four years some chronological data have come to light which it seems proper to bring to the attention of students without further delay. The data consist mainly of observations on the strati-graphic relationship of several widely distributed types of pottery. Other facts of importance, such as architectural variation, exist, but these are less convincing and besides seldom immediately useful in determining the relative age of a ruin. This preliminary treatment is therefore deliberately confined to a presentation of the stratigraphy, together with a brief outline of the distinguishable ceramic features and the application of the results thus obtained to the ruins in the limited area under investigation.
The site and nature of provitamin D in birds.

Abstract 1. 1. The preen glands ( glandula uropygialis ) of ducks, geese, and chickens were examined for provitamin D content. No evidence for the occurrence of the provitamin was found. Therefore, the theory that birds obtain their vitamin D through preening no longer can be supported. 2. 2. A study of the distribution of provitamin D in the body of chickens revealed a high concentration in the sterols of the feet. 3. 3. A sample of provitamin D from chicken feet was converted by ultraviolet light into vitamin D. Biological evaluation of this vitamin indicated a high activity for chicks, approximately equal to the activity of vitamin D 3 . It is, therefore, concluded that the natural provitamin D of birds is either 7-dehydrocholesterol or a sterol of very similar structure.
Rectification of the Bias in the Wavelet Power Spectrum

This paper addresses a bias problem in the estimate of wavelet power spectra for atmospheric and oceanic datasets. For a time series comprised of sine waves with the same amplitude at different frequencies the conventionally adopted wavelet method does not produce a spectrum with identical peaks, in contrast to a Fourier analysis. The wavelet power spectrum in this definition, that is, the transform coefficient squared (to within a constant factor), is equivalent to the integration of energy (in physical space) over the influence period (time scale) the series spans. Thus, a physically consistent definition of energy for the wavelet power spectrum should be the transform coefficient squared divided by the scale it associates. Such adjusted wavelet power spectrum results in a substantial improvement in the spectral estimate, allowing for a comparison of the spectral peaks across scales. The improvement is validated with an artificial time series and a real coastal sea level record. Also examined is the previous example of the wavelet analysis of the Nino-3 SST data.
Molecular mechanism of T-cell control of Chlamydia in mice: role of nitric oxide in vivo.

T-cell mediated immunity (CMI) is crucial for protection against genital chlamydial infection in mice. To define the underlying molecular mechanism for this protection, several T-cell clones generated against the Chlamydia trachomatis agent of mouse pneumonitis (MoPn) were analysed in an in vitro model of the mucosal epithelium, the polarized epithelial-lymphocyte co-culture (PELC) system, for immunobiological functions that correlated with chlamydial inhibition. The six clones analysed were classified as protective or non-protective on the basis of their ability to cure genital chlamydial infection in syngeneic mice. The results revealed a direct relationship between the ability of a clone to protect in vivo and to inhibit the multiplication of MoPn in vitro. Also, the protective ability of a clone correlated with its capacity to elaborate relatively high levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and to induce nitric oxide (NO) production. Moreover, neutralizing anti-IFN-gamma antibodies used alone at 50 micrograms/ml or in combination with anti-tumour necrosis-factor (TNF-alpha), and the L-arginine analogue and NO synthase inhibitor, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine monoacetate (MLA), could significantly suppress the ability of protective clones to inhibit MoPn in epithelial cells. The results suggested that the IFN-gamma-inducible NO synthease pathway is important for chlamydial control in mice. Furthermore, IFN-gamma could stimulate infected murine epithelial cells (line TM3) to secrete NO, resulting in inhibition of MoPn growth. However, the degree of MoPn inhibition obtained with IFN-gamma alone was less than that observed when T cells were co-cultured with infected epithelial cells. T-cell-derived NO could partly explain the enhanced chlamydial inhibition when T cells were co-cultured with infected epithelial cells. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that, besides T-cell-derived IFN-gamma, other factors associated with lymphoepithelial interactions are likely to contribute an important role in chlamydial control by T cells in mice.
Evidence for stretch-regulation of fission in a sea anemone

Fission is a natural method of reproduction in some sea anemones. Previous studies implicate various exogenous factors in influencing fission rates in anemone populations, yet little is known of endogenous regulation of fission in anemones. The tensegrity model proposes that mechanical forces drive large-scale processes by acting on the structural scaffolding of tissues to induce and propagate mechanically sensitive responses within cells. In longitudinal fission, stretching of the anemone precedes division. To explore the applicability of the basic premise of the tensegrity model, this study tests whether stretch is a mechanical stimulus involved in regulating longitudinal fission in an anemone. Natural stretching during successful and unsuccessful fission is quantitatively analyzed from time-lapse recordings. Successful fission is characterized by patterned stages of progressive stretch requiring a few hours to complete. In contrast, unsuccessful fission deviates early from this pattern. Treatment with 100 μM gadolinium, a blocker of several types of ion channel including stretch-activated ion channels, inhibits successful fission in anemones in earlier stages of natural stretch but not in later stages. Further, imposing mild artificial stretch onto anemones induces successful fission, whereas imposing more extensive stretch leads to unsuccessful fission. Unsuccessful fission in artificially stretched, or naturally stretched, gadolinium-treated anemones results in an abnormal stretched morphology and scar formation that persist until division, days later. Together, these results support a model in which stretch functions as an early regulatory mechanism in the endogenous control of longitudinal fission in a sea anemone. J. Exp. Zool. 282:344–359, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Quantum Geometry from Coordinate Transformations Relating Quantum Observers

The relativity principle that the law of propagation for light has the same form for all macroscopic observers is extended to include quantum observers; i.e., observers who may be large, but not infinitely large, by comparison with quantum mechanical systems. This leads to the extension of the covariance group from the diffeomorphisms to the conservation group (which is the largest group of coordinate transformations under which conservation laws are covariant statements) and, thus, to the quantum geometry and quantum unified field theory considered in a previous paper.
Aspects of Stability and Quantum Mechanics

In [7] we indicated some results of Rusov and Vlasenko [56, 57] involving Hamiltonian stability and quantization which we summarize here with a somewhat different interpretation. In [56, 57] (which are the same modulo typos and conclusions) one indicates how the work of Chetaev [9–11] (based in particular on classical results of Poincare [52] and Lyapunov [39]) allow one to relate stability of classical systems to quantum mechanics in certain situations. We review here some of the arguments (cf. also [7, 55, 60] for additional material on the Poincare-Chetaev equations). One recalls that holonomic systems involve an agreement of the degrees of freedom with the number of independent variables. Then following [9] consider a holonomic system with Hamiltonian coordinates dqj dt = @H @pj ; dpj dt = @H @qj (1.1)
Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology in the American Anthropologist: Rare but Exquisite Gems

This article explores forensic anthropological and bioarchaeological publishing patterns in the American Anthropologist (n.s.). Early contributions by Harris Hawthorne Wilder on both subjects are considered in detail, including previously unrecognized discussions of taphonomic variables. Articles on forensic anthropology in the American Anthropologist appear only during the first four decades of publication. While relatively well represented in early issues, bioarchaeological articles decrease in number over time. Comparative data from six other journals suggest that their presence has had a profound effect on the American Anthropologist. The impact of the "new" physical anthropology on publishing patterns in bioarchaeology is also assessed. [Keywords: forensic anthropology, funerary archaeology, paleodemography, paleopathology, taphonomy]
Differences in the virulence of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema scarabaei to three white grub species: The relative contribution of the nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria

Abstract Because susceptibility of white grub species to entomopathogenic nematodes differs, we compared the virulence of Photorhabdus temperata and Xenorhabdus koppenhoeferi, the symbiotic bacteria of the nematodes Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema scarabaei, respectively, to the three white grub species, Popillia japonica, Rhizotrogus majalis, and Cyclocephala borealis. Both bacteria were pathogenic to all three grub species even at 2 cells/grub. However, the median lethal dose at 48 h post injection and median lethal time at 20 cells/grub showed that P. temperata was more virulent than X. koppenhoeferi to C. borealis. Although H. bacteriophora is less pathogenic than S. scarabaei to R. majalis and P. japonica, their symbiotic bacteria did not differ in virulence against these two grub species, and they also showed similar growth patterns both in vitro and inside R. majalis larvae at 20 °C. We then tested the pathogenicity of oral- and intrahemocoel-introduced H. bacteriophora to R. majalis to determine whether nematodes are able to successfully vector the bacteria into the hemolymph. Hemocoel injected H. bacteriophora was pathogenic to R. majalis indicating successful bacterial release, but orally introduced H. bacteriophora were not. Dissection of grubs confirmed that the orally introduced H. bacteriophora were unable to penetrate into the hemolymph through the gut wall. We conclude that the low susceptibility of R. majalis to H. bacteriophora is not due to the symbiotic bacteria but rather to the nematode’s poor ability to penetrate through the gut wall and the cuticle to vector the bacteria into the hemolymph.
Luzerne Readvance near Glens Falls, New York

The Woodfordian glacier advanced southward to the terminal moraine on Long Island and then retreated northward up the Hudson Valley. By 15,000 yrs B.P. the ice margin had retreated to the Wallkill Moraine and, after a readvance near Rosendale, New York, retreated a minimum of 130 mi farther north into the Champlain Valley, fronting an expanding Lake Albany. The ice margin then readvanced at least 20 mi into Lake Albany, to the Luzerne Mountain gorge of the Hudson River west of Glens Falls, New York. The type section for the Luzerne readvance is designated as that at the Luzerne Mountain gorge where the Luzerne readvance till occurs, over sands of Glacial Lake Warrensburg, over main Woodfordian till, and over contorted, pre-Woodfordian lacustrine clays. The western margin of the readvance is reconstructed from isolated morainal segments and associated outwash, and from the postulated ice dam for Lake Warrensburg. Pine Log Camp bog, developed in Luzerne readvance outwash, yielded an 8.0 m record. The base of the bog was dated at 13,150 ± 200 yrs B.P. in the herb pollen zone, and the base of the spruce pollen zone was dated at 12,400 ± 200 yrs B.P. The herb pollen zone was identified from several herbs, several grains of the genus Shepherdia, and a 35 percent maximum of nonarboreal pollen. The spruce, pine, and oak pollen zones are all well represented. Rapid encroachment of vegetation, illustrated by the time transgressive spruce zone and kettle morphology, are cited as evidence that bog deposition closely postdates glacial recession. The Luzerne readvance is pre-Port Huron in age and is correlated with the Gowanda Moraine of western New York, the Valley Heads Moraine of central New York and the Mohawk Valley, and the Burlington drift of Vermont. The Bridport readvance in the mid-Champlain Valley is inferred to Be Port Huron in age and is correlated with the Hamburg Moraine in western New York, the Waterloo-Auburn Moraine in central New York, and the Valley Heads Moraine in the Mohawk Valley. The relationship of local glaciers in the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Warrensburg, indicates that local glaciers were active during the Luzerne readvance and also are pre-Port Huron.