cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Heterogeneity of Metal-Line and Lyα Absorption in Galaxy "Halos" at z ~ 0.7

We examine the properties of two galaxy "halos" at z ~ 0.7 in the Ton 153 (z_(em) = 1.01) quasar field. The first absorber-galaxy pair (G1) is a z = 0.672, L_B = 4.3L*_B, E/S0 galaxy probed at D = 58 kpc. G1 is associated with a remarkable five-component Lyα complex having τ_(LL) ≤ 0.4, W_(r)(Lyα) = 2.8 A, and a velocity spread of Δv = 1420 km s^(-1). We find no Mg II, C IV, N V, nor O VI absorption in these clouds and infer metallicity upper limits of -3 ≤ log Z/Z_☉ ≤ -1, depending on assumptions of photoionized or collisionally ionized gas. The second absorber-galaxy pair (G2) is a z = 0.661, L_B = 1.8 L*_B, Sab galaxy probed at D = 103 kpc. G2 is associated with metal-enriched (log Z/Z_☉ ≃ -0.4) photoionized gas having N(H I) ≃ 18.3 (cm^(-2)) and a velocity spread of Δv = 200 km s^(-1). The very different G1 and G2 systems both have gas-galaxy properties inconsistent with the standard luminosity-dependent galaxy "halo" model commonly invoked for quasar absorption line surveys. We emphasize that mounting evidence is revealing that extended galactic gaseous envelopes in the regime of D ≤ 100 kpc do not exhibit a level of homogeneity supporting a standardized halo model. Selection effects may have played a central role in the development of a simple model. We discuss the G1 and G2 systems in the context of ΛCDM models of galaxy formation and suggest that the heterogeneous properties of absorber-galaxy pairs is likely related to the range of overdensities from which galaxies and gas structures arise.
HORMONE STUDIES WITH THE ULTRACENTRIFUGE : I. AN IMPROVED AIR-DRIVEN VACUUM ULTRACENTRIFUGE SUITABLE FOR CONCENTRATION WORK IN BIOLOGICAL EXPERIMENTS.

1. An ultracentrifuge is described in which the rotor is driven by a compressed air turbine, and is spun in an evacuated chamber to minimize friction and heating. The rotating parts are supported by a cushion of air in an air bearing. 2. The centrifuge rotor holds 10 test tubes inclined at 45 degrees to the axis, and has a capacity of 55 cc. It is operated at a maximum speed of 51,000 R.P.M., which develops at the top of the fluid column in the test tubes a centrifugal field of over 100,000 times gravity, and at the bottom of the fluid column a field of over 200,000 times gravity. 3. By means of a reverse turbine, the rotor can be brought to a stop from full speed in a relatively short time. 4. A precession damping device is described, which effectively damps the precession and wobbling of the rotor that usually occurs at certain speeds in machines of this type. 5. A relatively long section of shaft is used between the centrifuge rotor and lower bearings. This prevents vibrations from being appreciably transmitted through the shaft to the lower bearings and driving mechanism, and results in a negligible wear on the bearings. 6. The driving mechanism is designed so that the positions of its parts are adjustable, and so that the driving mechanism may be dismantled without disturbing these adjustments.
Global Processes, Local Consequences: Gender Equity and Health Sector Reform in Peru

This article brings into relief the gendered tensions and contradictions that have resulted from Peru’s neoliberal health sector reforms. Previous studies were clear that economic adjustment had a negative impact on women and gender relations. I show more nuanced effects of neoliberal policies when applied to health sector reforms. To evaluate these policies, I utilize the distinction between redistribution and recognition. I depart from the supposition that policies serve either redistributive or recognition ends and show that single policies can have both types of effects. I conclude that policies based on neoliberal principles in some instances have a negative impact on women, in other instances reify existing unequal gender relations, while in still others open up spaces for positive change. On the whole, however, neoliberal health reforms have had a negative impact on gender equity. In the 1990s the global phenomenon of restructuring economies and systems of governance using neoliberal principles began to reach beyond macroeconomic policy to social policy. Advanced industrialized states started processes of welfare state retrenchment. In Latin America, as economies stabilized following the debt crisis of the 1980s, governments began to apply market principles to their
Decreasing fuel-oil consumption through feedback and social commendation

Abstract The energy crisis of the winter of 1973-74 led to severe shortages of fuel oil for home heating and a government request for voluntary conservation by the oil consumer. This experiment tested two methods of facilitating fuel-oil conservation. Home fuel-oil consumers were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups: feedback of information on rate of oil use, feedback plus commendation for reduced consumption, or a no-treatment control. The consumption rate for the feedback plus commendation group was significantly lower than that of either the informational feedback group or the control group. The informational feedback group did not differ from the control group. The results suggest that feedback alone may not result in oil conservation, but that feedback combined with commendation can produce socially significant savings.
Effect of Image Downsampling on Steganographic Security

The accuracy of steganalysis in digital images primarily depends on the statistical properties of neighboring pixels, which are strongly affected by the image acquisition pipeline as well as any processing applied to the image. In this paper, we study how the detectability of embedding changes is affected when the cover image is downsampled prior to embedding. This topic is important for practitioners because the vast majority of images posted on websites, image sharing portals, or attached to e-mails are downsampled. It is also relevant to researchers as the security of steganographic algorithms is commonly evaluated on databases of downsampled images. In the first part of this paper, we investigate empirically how the steganalysis results depend on the parameters of the resizing algorithm-the choice of the interpolation kernel, the scaling factor (resize ratio), antialiasing, and the downsampled pixel grid alignment. We report on several novel phenomena that appear valid universally across the tested cover sources, steganographic methods, and steganalysis features. This paper continues with a theoretical analysis of the simplest interpolation kernel - the box kernel. By fitting a Markov chain model to pixel rows, we analytically compute the Fisher information rate for any mutually independent embedding operation and derive the proper scaling of the secure payload with resizing. For least significant bit (LSB) matching and a limited range of downscaling, the theory fits experiments rather well, which indicates the existence of a new scaling law expressing the length of the secure payload when the cover size is modified by subsampling.
Apoptosis, neurogenesis, and information content in Hebbian networks

The functional significance of alternate forms of plasticity in the brain (such as apoptosis and neurogenesis) is not easily observable with biological methods. Employing Hebbian dynamics for synaptic weight development, a three-layer neural network model of the hippocampus is used to simulate nonsupervised (autonomous) learning in the context of apoptosis and neurogenesis. This learning is applied to the characters of a pair of related alphabets, first the Roman and then the Greek, resulting in a set of encodings endogenously developed by the network. The learning performance takes the form of a U-shaped curve, showing that apoptosis and neurogenesis favorably inform memory development. We also discover that networks that converge very quickly on the Roman alphabet take much longer to handle the Greek, while networks which converge over an extended timeframe can then adapt very quickly to the new language. We find that the effect becomes increasingly pronounced as the number of neurons in the dentate gyrus layer decreases, and identify a strong correlation between cases where the Roman alphabet is quickly learned and cases where a few neurons saturate many of their weights almost immediately, minimizing participation of other neurons. Cases where learning the Roman alphabet requires more time lead to larger numbers of neurons participating with a larger diversity in synaptic weights. We present an information-theoretic argument about why this implies a better, more flexible learning system and why it leads to faster subsequent correlated Greek alphabet learning, and propose that the reason that apoptosis and neurogenesis work is that they promote this effect
The many faces of fat necrosis in the breast.

OBJECTIVE. This article describes the manifestations of fat necrosis on mammography, sonography, and MRI and correlates the imaging findings with the pathologic findings.CONCLUSION. On imaging studies, the appearance of fat necrosis ranges from typically benign to worrisome for malignancy. Mammography is more specific than sonography, and emphasis should be placed on mammography in making the diagnosis of fat necrosis. In selected cases, MRI may be helpful in showing findings consistent with fat necrosis.
Inhaled NO and Pulmonary Vasodilation

To the Editor: Hare et al1 concluded that inhaled nitric oxide (NO) caused selective pulmonary vasodilation in patients receiving left ventricular assist device support and that this accounted for the increase in mean left atrial pressure, which they considered a beneficial hemodynamic effect. The evidence for pulmonary vasodilation was that pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) decreased. However, pulmonary vasodilation (an observable quantity) and decreased PVR (a calculated quantity) are not synonymous, and either can exist in the absence of the other: PVR (dynes · s · cm−5)=80×(Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure−Mean Left Atrial Pressure)/Cardiac Output.2 In their patients whose mean pulmonary artery pressure (in mm Hg) and cardiac output (in liters per minute) were fixed, NO increased left atrial pressure (LAP), decreasing PVR in the above equation. The authors, previously observing patients without left ventricular assist devices, reported that NO increased left atrial pressure and left ventricular …
High temperature joints manufactured at low temperature

A fluxless bonding process using either indium-silver or tin-copper multilayer composite to produce high temperature joints at relatively low temperature has been developed. The process temperatures for indium-silver and tin-copper system are 210/spl deg/C and 280/spl deg/C, respectively. Joints, which are almost void-free, with melting temperatures of 210/spl deg/C and 415/spl deg/C, respectively, are made. After further annealing at 150/spl deg/C for In-Ag and 280/spl deg/C for Sn-Cu, the re-melting temperature of the joints increases to above 700/spl deg/C. The technique, thus, provides a quantum jump to the post-processing temperature of component fabrication. In either process, the joints are examined using a scanning acoustic microscope to confirm the bonding quality. The joint cross-sections are studied using SEM and EDX to find the microstructure and composition. Upon deposition, In interacts with Ag to become In-AgIn/sub 2/ composite, and Sn interacts with Cu to become Sn-Cu/sub 6/Sns composite. The intermetallic compounds AgIn/sub 2/ and Cu/sub 6/SnS prevent the In and Sn layers from oxidation in atmosphere. Thus no flux is needed. Besides the fluxless feature, the low process temperature would significantly reduce the stresses developed due to thermal expansion mismatch comparing to the otherwise high temperature processes with temperature exceeding the melting temperature. The multilayer bonding method also facilitates precise control of the alloy composition and the joint thickness. The new technique should find applications in the emergent high temperature electronic devices.
Transverse Beam Motion in the Fermilab Booster Accelerator

Measurements are presented of the transverse properties of the booster synchrotron. The principal transverse limitations to operational performance have been due to restricted aperture and improper multiturn injection. In addition to these features, working point, chromaticities, high-intensity effects, and injection matching are discussed.
The role of prescribed burn associations in the application of prescribed fires in rangeland ecosystems

Risk and liability concerns regarding fire affect people's attitudes toward fire and have led to human-induced alterations of fire regimes. This has, in turn, contributed to brush encroachment and degradation of many grasslands and savannas. Efforts to successfully restore such degraded ecosystems at the landscape scale in regions of the United States with high proportions of private lands require the reintroduction of fire. Prescribed Burn Associations (PBA) provide training, equipment, and labor to apply fire safely, facilitating the application of this rangeland management tool and thereby reducing the associated risk. PBAs help build networks and social capital among landowners who are interested in using fire. They can also change attitudes toward fire and enhance the social acceptability of using prescribed fire as a management practice. PBAs are an effective mechanism for promoting the widespread use of prescribed fire to restore and maintain the biophysical integrity of grasslands and savannas at the landscape scale. We report findings of a project aimed at determining the human dimensions of using prescribed fire to control woody plant encroachment in three different eco-regions of Texas. Specifically, we examine membership in PBAs as it relates to land manager decisions regarding the use of prescribed fire. Perceived risk has previously been identified as a key factor inhibiting the use of prescribed fire by landowners. Our results show that perceived constraints, due to lack of skill, knowledge, and access to equipment and membership in a PBAs are more important factors than risk perceptions in affecting landowner decisions about the use of fire. This emphasizes the potential for PBAs to reduce risk perceptions regarding the application of prescribed fire and, therefore, their importance for restoring brush-encroached grasslands and savannas.
Observations on Two Neotropical Swarm-Founding Wasps, Agelaia yepocapa and A. panamaensis (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Abstract In northwestern Costa Rica, Agelaia yepocapa (Richards) nests in cavities within living hollow trees in lower montane mesic forests; A. panamaensis (Cameron) nests in very large cavities in premontane gallery forests. Nests of both species have vertical combs with horizontal cells that face outward from the nest center; the nests have no enclosing envelope. In January 1996, an A. yepocapa colony was in full brood production, while an A. panamaensis colony was in the last stage of colony decline, and a nearby A. panamaensis colony had terminated only weeks before. The appearance of a small aggregation of A. panamaensis in a montane cloud forest site, too small to support a colony as large as those that had recently reached the end of a colony cycle in a nearby premontane gallery forest, suggests that the colony cycle of A. panamaensis in northwestern Costa Rica has a seasonal pattern that includes elevational migration and possible non-nesting quiescence at cool high elevations. Morphometric contr...
Expanding vocational retraining options for injured workers: an experiment in worker choice

BACKGROUND: An innovative self-directed vocational retraining alternative (Option 2) has been offered to eligible Washington State injured workers since 2008. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe: (1) how frequently Option 2 was selected and by whom, (2) the extent to which Option 2 workers used their reserved retraining funds, and (3) how worker satisfaction and employment outcomes for Option 2 workers compared with those of workers undergoing traditional vocational retraining. METHODS: Five-year cohort study involving workers' compensation data, state wage files, and two worker surveys. RESULTS: Fewer than 25% of Option 2 workers used their retraining funds. Retraining fund use was associated with better employment outcomes. Workers who were older, whose preferred language was not English, or who had lower pre-injury wages or less education, were least likely to use Option 2 retraining funds. Many workers chose Option 2 because they thought the approved traditional retraining plan was not a good fit for them. CONCLUSIONS: Self-directed retraining may benefit workers who have the ability, resources, and motivation to independently identify and complete retraining. Additional efforts may be needed to ensure that traditional retraining plans are well-suited to workers' circumstances, and to identify and remove barriers to use of reserved retraining funds. Language: en
Two Cortical Areas Mediate Multisensory Integration in Superior Colliculus Neurons

The majority of multisensory neurons in the cat superior colliculus (SC) are able to synthesize cross-modal cues (e.g., visual and auditory) and thereby produce responses greater than those elicited by the most effective single modality stimulus and, sometimes, greater than those predicted by the arithmetic sum of their modality-specific responses. The present study examined the role of corticotectal inputs from two cortical areas, the anterior ectosylvian sulcus (AES) and the rostral aspect of the lateral suprasylvian sulcus (rLS), in producing these response enhancements. This was accomplished by evaluating the multisensory properties of individual SC neurons during reversible deactivation of these cortices individually and in combination using cryogenic deactivation techniques. Cortical deactivation eliminated the characteristic multisensory response enhancement of nearly all SC neurons but generally had little or no effect on a neuron's modality-specific responses. Thus, the responses of SC neurons to combinations of cross-modal stimuli were now no different from those evoked by one or the other of these stimuli individually. Of the two cortical areas, AES had a much greater impact on SC multisensory integrative processes, with nearly half the SC neurons sampled dependent on it alone. In contrast, only a small number of SC neurons depended solely on rLS. However, most SC neurons exhibited dual dependencies, and their multisensory enhancement was mediated by either synergistic or redundant influences from AES and rLS. Corticotectal synergy was evident when deactivating either cortical area compromised the multisensory enhancement of an SC neuron, whereas corticotectal redundancy was evident when deactivation of both cortical areas was required to produce this effect. The results suggest that, although multisensory SC neurons can be created as a consequence of a variety of converging tectopetal afferents that are derived from a host of subcortical and cortical structures, the ability to synthesize cross-modal inputs, and thereby produce an enhanced multisensory response, requires functional inputs from the AES, the rLS, or both.
Innovation Characteristics Influencing Veterans' Adoption of E-Government Services

Many authors have used the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory of Rogers (1995) to study factors affecting citizen e-Gov adoption. But none of these authors studied the moderating role of the digital divide on the relationship between innovation characteristics and veterans' intention to adopt e-Gov. Our research model postulates that a veteran's intention to adopt e-Gov services is determined by the interaction between the digital divide and five innovation characteristics: relative advantage, perceived compatibility, perceived complexity, subjective norms and perceived risk. Data was collected from 183 veterans in a US state where a government website is designed to deliver e-services to veterans. We found that the digital divide did not moderate the effect of relative advantage and subjective norms on the veteran decision to adopt e-Gov services. However, the digital divide moderates the effect of some factors: perceived compatibility, perceived complexity and perceived risk. Discussion and implicatio...
THE SAFE ZONE FOR ACETABULAR ORIENTATION IN HIP ARTHROPLASTY

BACKGROUND Cup malpositioning remains a common cause of dislocation, wear, osteolysis, and revision. The concept of a “Safe Zone” for acetabular component orientation was introduced more than 35 years ago. The current study assesses CT studies of replaced hips to assess the concept of a safe zone for acetabular orientation. PURPOSE We assessed the orientation of acetabular components revised due to recurrent instability and compared the results to a series of stable hip replacements. METHODS Cup orientation in 21 hips revised for recurrent instability was measured using CT. These hips were compared to a group of 115 stable hips measured using the same methods. Femoral anteversion in the stable hips was also measured. Images to assess femoral anteversion in the unstable group were not available. RESULTS Operative anteversion for the anteriorly unstable hips was significantly higher than in the stable hips (p=.01). Operative anteversion for the posteriorly unstable hips was significantly lower than in the stable hips (p CONCLUSION Using acetabular revision for recurrent instability as the end point, a safe zone for acetabular component orientation does exist. The range is narrower for anteversion than for inclination.
Latino Children’s Mental Health: An Analysis of Risk Factors, Healthcare Access, and Intervention Strategies

Research suggests that Latino children are at an elevated risk for a variety of mental health problems (Flores, Fuentes-Affl ick, Barbot, et al., 2002). Latinos are often vulnerable to the deleterious effects of poverty, institutional racism, community violence and other types of psychosocial stressors, which have been linked to negative mental health outcomes (Flisher, Kramer, Grosser, et al., 1997; Saunders, Resnick, Hoberman, et al., 1994). Furthermore, Latino children are likely to face signifi cant barriers to accessing mental healthcare services, such as limited availability of Spanish- speaking providers, diffi culty obtaining and navigating health insurance, and cultural obstacles, such as the belief that mental illness is a spiritual or religious matter. The current paper will: (1) explore specifi c risk factors for mental health disorders among Latino children; (2) examine barriers to appropriate mental health treatment among Latino children; (3) provide an overview of the types of intervention strategies currently used to address mental health problems among Latino children; and (4) offer recommendations for the development of additional and/or improved methods for the prevention and treatment of mental health disorders among Latino children.
Plasmonic Silver Nanobelts via Citrate Reduction in the Presence of HCl and their Orientation-Dependent Scattering Properties

Silver nanobelts were synthesized without any external seeds or templates using a facile hydrothermal route via citrate reduction in the presence of hydrochloric acid. Both H+ and Cl– ions in HCl are important for the generation of nanobelts. The morphology can be controlled by varying the concentration of HCl and citrate. The obtained nanobelts have 3D orientation-dependent optical properties. By tracking the transportation and rotation of the nanobelts in cells or other biosystems, useful information related to the physical or chemical surroundings may be obtained.
The 2015 Gerard W. Ostheimer Lecture: What’s New in Labor Analgesia and Cesarean Delivery

Every year the Board of Directors of the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology selects an individual to review the literature pertinent to obstetric anesthesiology published the previous calendar year. This individual selects the most notable contributions, creates a syllabus of the articles, and then presents his/her overview in an annual lecture named in honor of the late Gerard W. Ostheimer, a pioneering obstetric anesthesiologist from the Brigham and Women's Hospital. This article reviews the literature published in 2014 focusing on the themes of labor analgesia and cesarean delivery. Its contents were presented as the Gerard W. Ostheimer Lecture at the 47th Annual Meeting of the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology, May 16, 2015, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The syllabus is available as Supplemental Digital Content (http://links.lww.com/AA/B397).
Investigation and analysis on the status of the ban of smoking in public places,relevant awareness and attitude in six types of public places in Qingdao

Objective To understand the status of the ban of smoking in parts of public places in Qingdao,the relevant awareness and the attitude of the employees and so on,and to provide a reference for amending laws.Methods Field observation and questionnaire had been carried out in six types of places including taxis,Chinese restaurants,star-rated hotels,government offices and enterprises,as well as medical institutions,etc.Results The field observation showed that the status of no smoking in medical institutions,government offices,enterprises was obviously better than that in taxis,Chinese restaurants,star-rated hotels.The smoking rate and the passive smoking rate of different places showed significant deviation(P0.01).Both the smoking rate(54.4%) and the passive smoking rate(95%) of the Taxi drivers were the highest.The support levels of overall no smoking in medicine institutions(93.3%) and government agencies(89.1%) were the highest,and the objection levels of star-rated hotels(24.5%) and the taxis(21.2%) were the highest.People in star-rated hotels(66.9%),Chinese restaurants(51.7%) and the taxi trades(50.5%) thought overall forbidding smoking would influence economy benefit significantly.The attitudes of different places showed significant deviation(P0.01).The multi-factor logistic regression analysis showed that the measures of forbidding smoking were influenced by the gender and the attitude that forbidding smoking would influence economy benefit and the awareness.Conclusion Overall forbidding smoking in public places got a higher support level in parts of places.The performance of the policy was blocked by worries about economy benefit.Lawmaking of forbidding smoking should not only be limited to designating places,but also comprehensively consider government reward policies and a smoke control technique support etc.
Kinetics of Receptor-Mediated Uptake and Processing of Interferon-α2a and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α by Human Tumor Cells

AbstractThe kinetics of uptake and processing of recombinant human interferon-a2a (IFN) and recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF) were studied in human epithelial rumor cell lines differing in sensitivity to growth inhibition by IFN and TNF. Concentrations of [125I]IFN or [125I]TNF at the cell surface and internalized by confluent cell monolayers incubated at 37°C were measured as a function of time. Cells incubated with [125I]IFN exhibited transient maxima of surface-associated and internalized [I25I]IFN after 1-2 hr of incubation followed by a steady-state attained after approximately 6 hr of exposure to [125I]IFN. Concentration of [125I]TNF associated with the plasma membrane displayed a maximum within 20 min of incubation. Internalized radioactivity increased with time and did not achieve a steady state. We analyzed the time-dependent concentrations of membrane-associated and internalized cytokines by use of a compartmental model. This model describes changes in concentrations of free surfac...
Cellulosic ethanol—biofuel beyond corn

Abstract This chapter introduces cellulose as an ethanol feedstock, and describes the challenges in the production of cellulosic ethanol, related plant biotechnology, and the processes involved (pretreatment, hydrolysis, fermentation).
Case Report and Review of Literature of Delayed Acute Subdural Hematoma

Background The authors present a case of delayed acute subdural hematoma and review all reported cases in the literature. The focus of this paper is to identify the subset of the population who are at risk, and determine whether they should be admitted for observation in the setting of mild traumatic brain injury. Case Description A 75-year-old woman taking daily aspirin (81 mg) had a fall with loss of consciousness. Her Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 15 at the time of presentation to the emergency department. However, because of her postconcussive symptoms, computed tomography (CT) of the head was obtained, and the results were negative for any intracranial hemorrhage or fractures. She was admitted for workup. The next day, she neurologically deteriorated to a GCS score of 6. CT of the head was reobtained and showed acute, left-sided subdural hematoma with shift and herniation. She was taken to operating room for emergent decompressive craniotomy. Postoperatively, she developed left-sided temporal and occipital intraparenchymal hemorrhage. She died after being placed on comfort care. Conclusion Delayed acute subdural hematoma occurs mainly in the middle-aged or older population who are taking anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy. Most patients have a GCS score of 15 with no loss of consciousness. Neurological deterioration occurs within the first 24 hours for 70% of the patients. Therefore, we recommend admission and observation of these selected group of patients. Due to small reported population of patients, we could not determine whether the patients taking anticoagulant, antiplatelet, or both anticoagulant and antiplatelet medication are at higher risk. In addition, the role of delayed CT of the head without change in the examination result needs to be explored further.
A Gradualist Scenario for Language Evolution: Precise Linguistic Reconstruction of Early Human (and Neandertal) Grammars.

In making an argument for the antiquity of language, based on comparative evidence, Dediu & Levinson (2013) express hope that some combinations of structural features will prove so conservative that they will allow deep linguistic reconstruction. I propose that the earliest stages of syntax/grammar as reconstructed in Progovac (2015a), based on a theoretical and data-driven linguistic analysis, provide just such a conservative platform, which would have been commanded also by Neandertals and the common ancestor. I provide a fragment of this proto-grammar, which includes flat verb-noun compounds used for naming and insult (e.g. rattle-snake, cry-baby, scatter-brain), and paratactic (loose) combinations of such flat structures (e.g. Come one, come all; You seek, you find). This flat, binary, paratactic platform is found in all languages, and can be shown to serve as foundation for any further structure building. However, given the degree and nature of variation across languages in elaborating syntax beyond this proto-stage, I propose that hierarchical syntax did not emerge once and uniformly in all its complexity, but rather multiple times, either within Africa, or after dispersion from Africa. If so, then, under the uniregional hypothesis, our common ancestor with Neandertals, H. heidelbergensis, could not have commanded hierarchical syntax, but “only” the proto-grammar. Linguistic reconstructions of this kind are necessary for formulating precise and testable hypotheses regarding language evolution. In addition to the hominin timeline, this reconstruction can also engage, and negotiate between, the fields of neuroscience and genetics, as I illustrate with one specific scenario involving FOXP2 gene.
Tritium decay helium-3 effects in tungsten

Abstract Tritium (T) implanted by plasmas diffuses into bulk material, especially rapidly at elevated temperatures, and becomes trapped in neutron radiation-induced defects in materials that act as trapping sites for the tritium. The trapped tritium atoms will decay to produce helium-3 (3He) atoms at a half-life of 12.3 years. 3He has a large cross section for absorbing thermal neutrons, which after absorbing a neutron produces hydrogen (H) and tritium ions with a combined kinetic energy of 0.76 MeV through the 3He(n,H)T nuclear reaction. The purpose of this paper is to quantify the 3He produced in tungsten by tritium decay compared to the neutron-induced helium-4 (4He) produced in tungsten. This is important given the fact that helium in materials not only creates microstructural damage in the bulk of the material but alters surface morphology of the material effecting plasma-surface interaction process (e.g. material evolution, erosion and tritium behavior) of plasma-facing component materials. Effects of tritium decay 3He in tungsten are investigated here with a simple model that predicts quantity of 3He produced in a fusion DEMO FW based on a neutron energy spectrum found in literature. This study reveals that: (1) helium-3 concentration was equilibrated to ∼6% of initial/trapped tritium concentration, (2) tritium concentration remained approximately constant (94% of initial tritium concentration), and (3) displacement damage from 3He(n,H)T nuclear reaction became >1 dpa/year in DEMO FW.
The effects of roadway characteristics on farm equipment crashes: a geographic information systems approach

Tractors and other slow-moving self-propelled farm equipment are often used on public roadway to transfer goods from the farm to a market or distributer. Increased roadway exposure has led to a growing concern on the occurrence of farm equipment crashes. This study aims to compare characteristics of road segments with farm equipment crashes to road segments without farm equipment crashes in the state of Iowa. Data were obtained from the Iowa Department of Transportation from 2005 to 2011 on all crashes involving farm equipment, and features of all Iowa roadways. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was used to identify geospatial features, such as road type, speed limit, traffic volume surface type, road and shoulder width of where a crash occurred. Logistic regression models were used to measure the associations between road characteristics and the occurrence of farm equipment crashes. Crude and adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were reported. A total of 1371 farm equipment crashes were reported in Iowa over the 6-year period and geocoded onto a street location. As traffic volume increased, the odds of a crash occurring also increased. Roadways with posted speed limits between 50 and 60 mph were associated with a higher odds of having crashes on them compared to roadways with speeds less than 35 mph (OR = 8.05, 95% CI: 6.59–9.84). Iowa routes (OR = 5.98, 95% CI: 4.97–7.20) had the highest odds of having crashes compared to local routes. Increased road width (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.86–0.94) was associated with a 10% decrease in the odds of a crash. Higher traffic volume, higher posted speed limits, road type, and smaller road widths were associated with the occurrence of farm equipment crashes. Findings from this study can be used to guide policy to improve roadway design and conditions for all road users.
Signal detection using multi-channel seismic data

Abstract We outline a simple signal detection approach for multi-channel seismic data. Our approach is based on the premise that the wave-field spatial coherence increases when a signal is present. A measure of spatial coherence is provided by the largest eigenvalue of the multi-channel data9s sample covariance matrix. The primary advantages of this approach are its speed and simplicity. For three-component data, this approach provides a more robust statistic than particle motion polarization. For array data, this approach provides beamforming-like signal detection results without the need to form beams. This approach allows several options for the use of three-component array data. Detection statistics for three-component, vertical-component array, and three different three-component array approaches are compared to conventional and minimum-variance vertical-component beamforming. Problems inherent in principal-component analysis (PCA) in general and PCA of high-frequency seismic data in particular are also discussed. Multi-channel beamforming and the differences between principal component and factor analysis are discussed in the appendix.
Ultrasound-Guided Surgical Procedures

Ultrasonography plays an integral role not only in diagnostic testing but also in guiding hysteroscopic procedures, ovarian cyst and hydrosalpinx aspiration, difficult intrauterine device insertion and removal, and ART procedures such as oocyte retrieval and embryo transfer. The use of ultrasonography at the time of intrauterine procedures provides visualization of the intrauterine contents as well as the myometrium and may decrease procedure-associated risks, particularly uterine perforation. For hysteroscopic procedures such as uterine septum, myoma, or synechiae resection, operative ultrasonographic guidance provides an alternative to laparoscopy and, as a result, shortens overall operating time, decreases cost, and eliminates the risk of laparoscopy. In addition, performing intrauterine procedures under ultrasonographic guidance may increase the likelihood of completing the procedure in a single operation.
Evaluation of T1/T2 ratios in a pilot study as a potential biomarker of biopsy: proven benign and malignant breast lesions in correlation with histopathological disease stage.

Aim: Early breast cancer detection is important for intervention and prognosis. Advances in treatment and outcome require diagnostic tools with highly positive predictive value. Purpose: To study the potential role of quantitative MRI (qMRI) using T1/T2 ratios to differentiate benign from malignant breast lesions. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 69 women with 69 known or suspicious breast lesions were scanned with mixed-turbo spin echo pulse sequence. Patients were grouped according to histopathological assessment of disease stage: untreated malignant tumor, treated malignancy and benign disease. Results & Discussion: Elevated T1/T2 means were observed for biopsy-proven malignant lesions and for malignant lesions treated prior to qMRI with chemotherapy and/or radiation, as compared with benign lesions. The qMRI-obtained T1/T2 ratios correlated with histopathology. Analysis revealed correlation between elevated T1/T2 ratio and disease stage. This could provide valuable complementary information on tiss...
High-Intensity Exercise and Carbohydrate Supplementation do not Alter Plasma Visfatin

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of high-intensity exercise and carbohydrate supplementation (CHO) on plasma visfatin. On 2 separate days, 10 sprint-trained males (age = 26.4 ± 5.3 yr; Ht = 1.77 ± 0.03 m; Wt = 78.78 ± 9.10 kg; BF% = 13.96 ± 7.28%) completed 4, 3-min bouts of cycling at 50% mean anaerobic power, with 6 min of rest between bouts. On CHO day, subjects ingested 50g of CHO 30 min before exercise. On control day, subjects ingested a sugar-free drink (CON) 30 min before exercise. Blood was drawn before supplementation, 15 min before exercise, before and after each exercise bout, and 15 and 30 min post exercise. Visfatin, glucose, and insulin were determined. Truncal fat was assessed by dual energy x-ray. Visfatin was not significantly different between treatments (CHO vs CON) at any time point (p = 0.163), and was not significantly altered by exercise (p = 0.692). Insulin [25.65 vs 8.35 mU/l, CHO vs CON, respectively] and glucose [138.57 vs 98.10 mg/dl, CHO vs CON, respectively] were significantly elevated after CHO ingestion and remained elevated throughout the first half of exercise. Baseline visfatin was significantly correlated with truncal fat (r2 = 0.7782, p < 0.05). Visfatin was correlated to truncal fat in sprint-trained males, but was not altered by exercise or CHO supplementation.
Prenatal and postnatal evaluation of polymicrogyria with band heterotopia

The coexistence of band heterotopia and polymicrogyria is extremely rare though it has been reported in the presence of corpus callosum anomalies and megalencephaly. We present prenatal and postnatal MRI findings of a rare case of diffuse cortical malformation characterized by polymicrogyria and band heterotopia. Agenesis of the corpus callosum and megalencephaly were also noted. In addition, bilateral closed-lip schizencephaly was identified on postnatal MRI, which has not been previously reported with this combination of imaging findings. Polymicrogyria with band heterotopia can occur and can be diagnosed with fetal MRI. The coexistence of corpus callosum anomalies and megalencephaly comprises a rare phenotype that has been previously described, suggesting an underlying genetic abnormality.
Elevated prostaglandin E 2 post–bone marrow transplant mediates interleukin-1β-related lung injury

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) treats or cures a variety of hematological and inherited disorders. Unfortunately, patients who undergo HSCT are susceptible to infections by a wide array of opportunistic pathogens. Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria can have life-threatening effects in HSCT patients by causing lung pathology that has been linked to high levels of the potent pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Using a murine bone marrow transplant (BMT) model, we show that overexpression of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) post-BMT signals via EP2 or EP4 to induce cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which activates protein kinase A or the exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac) to induce cAMP response element binding-dependent transcription of IL-1β leading to exacerbated lung injury in BMT mice. Induction of IL-1β by PGE2 is time and dose dependent. Interestingly, IL-1β processing post-P. aeruginosa infection occurs via the enzymatic activity of either caspase-1 or caspase-8. Furthermore, PGE2 can limit autophagy-mediated killing of P. aeruginosa in alveolar macrophages, yet autophagy does not have a role in PGE2-mediated upregulation of IL-1β. Reducing PGE2 levels with indomethacin improved bacterial clearance and reduced IL-1β-mediated acute lung injury in P. aeruginosa-infected BMT mice.
Kinase Activity in Recurring Primary Skull Base Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas: Identification of Novel Pathways of Oncogenesis and Potential Drug Targets.

Background Chordomas and chondrosarcomas can occur in the skull base. Currently, 45% of chordomas and 56% of chondrosarcomas recur within 5 years of surgery. The role of adjuvant therapy is highly debated. No pharmacotherapies have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for chordomas or chondrosarcomas. High propensity for recurrence and lack of definitive adjuvant therapy necessitate additional basic science research to identify molecular anomalies associated with recurrent disease. Methods We pooled tumor lysates from patients based on clinical criteria into 4 groups: primary chordomas, primary chordomas that recurred, primary chondrosarcomas, and primary chondrosarcomas that recurred. We used a peptide labeling method, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation, to uniquely identify each tumor group. Phosphorylated peptides were identified and quantified via mass spectroscopy to determine and predict active kinases. Results Six groups of phosphorylated peptides were associated with primary tumors that later recurred. Specific kinases associated with primary chordomas that recurred were FES and FER. Specific kinases associated with primary chondrosarcomas that recurred were FES, FER, SRC family kinases, PKC, ROCK, and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling (JNK, ERK1, p38). Conclusions These data provide clinicians with a means to screen skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas to help identify tumors with a propensity to recur. Many of these kinases can be efficaciously inhibited by Food and Drug Administration–approved drugs that have not yet been used in clinical trials for treatment of skull base chordomas or chondrosarcomas. Validation of kinases identified in this study may advance treatment options for patients with these tumors.
Injury-related falls from bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, and non-motorized scooters in the United States: 2005 - 2014

Purpose : To provide an updated and comparative analysis of injury-related falls from bicycles, skateboards, roller skates and non-motorized scooters. Methods: The study uses two national databases – the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample and the Nationwide Inpatient Sample – and subnational databases for New York, California, and Maryland. Univariate and multivariate analyses (negative binomial regression) are performed to identify effects of age, gender, racial-ethnic background, and region on the incidence of injury-related falls from each of the four devices. Results: The rate of injuries due to falls from bicycles far surpasses the rates due to falls from the other devices. When a measure of “exposure” is taken into consideration, however, the rate of injuries from skateboards outstrips the rates from bicycles or roller skates. The profile of patients who are injured from falls from each of the four devices is distinctive. Asian-Americans are greatly underrepresented among those who suffer a fall-related injury from any of the four devices. The incidence of injuries attributable to falls varies considerably by geographic region. Conclusions: Public health officials need to be mindful that while certain activities such as scootering might be gaining in popularity, the number of injuries sustained from bicycles still dwarfs the number attributable to falls from skateboards, roller skates, and scooters combined. Thus special attention needs to be paid to both prevent falls from bicycles and specific treatment modalities. It is important for public health officials to gather injury data at the local level to allocate prevention and treatment resources more efficiently.
Trends in Drinking Water Nitrate Violations Across the United States

Drinking water maximum contaminant levels (MCL) are established by the U.S. EPA to protect human health. Since 1975, U.S. public water suppliers have reported MCL violations to the national Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). This study assessed temporal and geographic trends for violations of the 10 mg nitrate-N L–1 MCL in the conterminous U.S. We found that the proportion of systems in violation for nitrate significantly increased from 0.28% to 0.42% of all systems between 1994 and 2009 and then decreased to 0.32% by 2016. The number of people served by systems in violation decreased from 1.5 million in 1997 to 200 000 in 2014. Periodic spikes in people served were often driven by just one large system in violation. On average, Nebraska and Delaware had the greatest proportion of systems in violation (2.7% and 2.4%, respectively), while Ohio and California had the greatest average annual number of people served by systems in violation (278 374 and 139 149 people, respectively). Even though s...