cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Valley-Selective Linear Dichroism in Layered Tin Sulfide

Valley-related physics, optics, and electronics have been extensively investigated in transition metal dichalcogenides with a honeycomb lattice such as molybdenum disulfide. Their photoemission properties exhibit a circular dichroism due to energy degenerate but inequivalent valleys located at K and K′ in momentum space. Recently linear dichroism was observed in few-layer black phosphorus with highly anisotropic in-plane optical properties. Here, we report a novel valley-selective linear dichroism of the photoluminescence in layered thin-film tin sulfide (SnS). We identified two PL emission peaks, exhibiting an orthogonal linear dichroism, arising from two inequivalent valleys in the energy band. The photon emission from the Γ-X valley is completely x-polarized, while in contrast, the photon emission from the Γ-Y valley is purely y-polarized. This unique valley-selective linear dichroism in SnS is further confirmed by the band-edge absorption measurements along the Γ-X and Γ-Y directions, respectively. Ou...
Another Proof of Beal's Conjecture

Beal's Conjecture : The equation za = xb+yc has no solution in relatively prime positive integers x; y; z with a, b and c odd primes at least 3. A proof of this longstanding conjecture is given.
Nurses and health-promoting self-care: Do we practice what we preach?

Aims To examine the health-promoting behaviours performed by registered nurses (RNs), as well as workplace factors that influence participation in those behaviours. Background Nurses have high levels of overweight/obesity and may not be engaging in health-promoting self-care. Methods A cross-sectional Web-based survey collected information from 335 RNs regarding their physical activity, sedentariness and fruit/vegetable consumption. Results More than half were overweight (34.1%) or obese (23.4%), and 80.1% were "sedentary" (≥3 hr sitting/day), particularly those working outside of direct patient care in management, research and education. Only 47.2% consumed 5+ servings of fruits/vegetables daily. Nurses who enjoyed their jobs (higher levels of compassion satisfaction) reported higher levels of physical activity (p = 0.03) and fruit/vegetable consumption (p = 0.02). Conclusion RNs who work outside of direct patient care might be at increased risk for sedentariness and obesity. RNs who enjoy their jobs may experience less stress and have more energy to exercise and to prepare/consume healthy meals. Implications for nursing management Nurse managers should practice self-care by engaging in exercise, proper nutrition and demonstrating work-life balance, both to protect their own health and to serve as role models for RNs in direct patient care.
Employers as Consumers of Healthcare.

Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway, and JP Morgan Chase shocked the industry with its announcement to join forces to cut healthcare costs and improve healthcare services for its employees. This is just the latest of employer efforts to disrupt the industry by the creation of alternative healthcare delivery
Wolf‐triggered trophic cascades and stream channel dynamics in Olympic National Park: a comment on East et al. (2017)

East et al. (2016) concluded that long-term channel widths and braiding of Olympic National Park rivers were significantly influenced by peak flow magnitude and were inversely associated with a slow decline in the abundance of Roosevelt Elk (Cervus elaphus) over a period of 65 years. We consider some of their results and conclusions to be in error since the effects of highly altered riparian plant communities, effects that began after the extirpation of gray wolves (Canis lupus) in the early 1900s and which became increasingly severe during the remainder of the 20th century, were largely ignored or misrepresented. Overall, we conclude that the evidence provide by East et al. (2016) does not diminish the importance of trophic cascades whereby the loss of an apex predator allowed a native large herbivore to increasingly alter riparian plant communities over time, thus contributing to increased channel widths and braiding of the park's rivers.
Characterization of the Phosphorylation Site of GRTH/DDX25 and Protein Kinase A Binding Interface Provides Structural Basis for the Design of a Non-Hormonal Male Contraceptive.

Gonadotropin Regulated Testicular Helicase (GRTH/DDX25), expressed in the male gonad, is essential for the completion of spermatogenesis. Our early studies revealed a missense mutation (R242H) of GRTH in 5.8% of Japanese patient population with azoospermia. Transfection of the mutant GRTH construct in COS-1 cells leads to loss of the 61 kDa cytoplasmic phospho-species. Mice with knock-in of the human GRTH mutation are sterile and lack sperm with normal androgen and mating behavior. These findings provide an avenue for the development of a non-hormonal male contraceptive. Using site directed mutagenesis and a site-specific phospho-antibody, we have identified T239, structurally adjacent to the patient’s mutant site as the GRTH phospho-site. Molecular modelling provided structural basis for the role of R242 and other critical solvent-exposed residues at the GRTH/PKA interface (E165/K240/D237), on the control of GRTH phosphorylation at T239. Single or double mutations of these residues caused marked reduction or abolition of the phospho-form. These effects can be ascribed to critical disruptions of intramolecular H-bonds at the GRTH/PKA interface, which leads to modest but consequential structural changes that can affect PKA catalytic efficiency. Inhibition of phosphorylation may be achieved by small, drug-like molecules that bind to GRTH and reconfigure the GRTH/PKA interface.
Interleukin-17A promotes inflammation and hepatocellular injury during obstructive cholestasis

In patients with cholestatic liver disease, serum bile acid concentrations are increased resulting in hepatic inflammation, injury, and fibrosis. The molecular mechanism by which cholestasis stimul...
Predicting metallic glass formation from properties of the high temperature liquid

Abstract Glass formation is an interesting phenomenon in condensed matter. Many studies have shown that the reduced glass transition temperature, Tg/Tl (where Tg and Tl are the glass transition and liquidus temperature), and the liquid fragility, m, play an important role in metallic glass formation. The combination of these parameters can lead to a predictive formula for the maximum casting thickness for the glass. However, Tg and m can only be determined after the glass is made. Here, a new prediction formula is given that uses only properties of the high temperature liquid. The method works well in most, but not all, cases. It fails when the atomic structures of the liquid and primary crystallizing phases are similar; this lowers the crystal nucleation barrier and makes glass formation more difficult. We first demonstrate the importance of including the liquid and crystal structures in a truly predictive method for glass formation.
Pelvic floor physical therapy in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction in women.

Purpose of reviewTo describe the principles of pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT), review the evidence for PFPT as a treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction, and summarize the current recommendations for PFPT as a first-line conservative treatment option for pelvic floor disorders.Recent findingsPe
Nationwide trends in the use of subtotal cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis.

Abstract Background Subtotal cholecystectomy is a viable alternative approach to the proverbial “difficult” gallbladder. To date, only a few studies have observed the establishment of those bail-out procedures as an increasingly common surgical practice. The purpose of this study is to assess nationwide trends of subtotal cholecystectomy through evaluation of operative variables and patient- and institution-level characteristics in procedure preference. Methods Data were obtained from the National Inpatient Sample for the years between 2003 and 2014. Patients with acute cholecystitis were categorized based on the ninth revision International Classification of Disease Clinical Modification procedure codes for open total, laparoscopic total, open subtotal, or laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy. Any patient younger than 18 years of age or with a preoperative stay >1 week was excluded. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate significant patient- and institution-level characteristics associated with the performance of subtotal cholecystectomy. Results A total of 290,855 patients were evaluated. During the study period, the rate of open and laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy sharply increased (0.10% of all cholecystectomy procedures to 0.52% and 0.12% to 0.28%, respectively). The conversion rate from laparoscopic to open total cholecystectomy decreased from 10.5% to 7.6%. Subtotal cholecystectomies were performed at significantly higher rates in men (odds ratio: 1.95, P Conclusion Growing trends in the use of subtotal cholecystectomy suggest evolving surgical practices for acute cholecystitis. Our data suggests that several patient- and hospital-level characteristics might play a deciding role in procedure preference.
SEVERE INTRAMYOCARDIAL CALCIFICATION: MORE THAN JUST MITRAL ANNULAR CALCIFICATION

Intramyocardial calcification extending outside mitral annulus is a uncommon phenomenon. A 57 year old female with a history of Renal failure (RF) s/p bilateral renal transplant, coronary artery disease, primary degenerative mitral valve (MV) disease s/p repair was referred to our valve clinic for
Consequences of Going-Concern Opinion Inaccuracy at the Audit Office Level

This paper examines whether inaccurate going-concern opinions negatively affect the audit office's reputation. Assuming that clients perceive the incidence of going-concern opinion errors as a syst...
Enabling Ultrahigh-Aspect-Ratio Silicon Nanowires Using Precise Experiments for Detecting the Onset of Collapse.

Top-down patterning along with metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) can enable the fabrication of highly controlled wafer-scale silicon nanowires (Si-NWs). Maximizing the NW aspect ratio, while a...
Review of Cooking Data: Culture and Politics in and African Research World, by Crystal Biruk (Duke University Press, 2018)

Book Review Book Review ;Cooking Data: Culture and Politics in an African Research World, by Crystal (Cal) Biruk (Duke University Press, 2018) Angela Okune University of California, Irvine aokune@uci.edu An ethnography of survey research in Malawi, Cooking Data traces the social lives of numbers, demonstrating how the making of quantitative global health data requires a sociotechnical knowledge infrastructure to manage the people, places, and things that characterize the messiness of fieldwork. The book’s middle three chapters in particular foreground the expertise and importance of fieldworkers who are key to ensuring that data collection proceeds smoothly and that produced data is deemed objective, clean, and consumable, as determined by survey research standards. Building on work from science and technology studies that has revealed the ways in which classification systems and standards are politically and ethically charged, Biruk complicates the assumed binary categories of “raw” and “cooked” data, illustrating the co-production of quantitative health data and their social worlds. At a time when trust in numbers is increasingly shaken, Biruk offers nuanced insights on the production of numbers that prompts discussion about the role of feminist science studies to both critically examine how numbers attain their authority and simultaneously build capacity for fact-based decision making in a post-truth era where powerful leaders intentionally spread harmful misinformation. Book Review Book Review ;Cooking Data: Culture and Politics in an African Research World, by Crystal (Cal) Biruk (Duke University Press, 2018) Angela Okune University of California, Irvine aokune@uci.edu An ethnography of survey research in Malawi, Cooking Data traces the social lives of numbers, demonstrating how the making of quantitative global health data requires a sociotechnical knowledge infrastructure to manage the people, places, and things that characterize the messiness of fieldwork. The book’s middle three chapters in particular foreground the expertise and importance of fieldworkers who are key to ensuring that data collection proceeds smoothly and that produced data is deemed objective, clean, and consumable, as determined by survey research standards. Building on work from science and technology studies that has revealed the ways in which classification systems and standards are politically and ethically charged, Biruk complicates the assumed binary categories of “raw” and “cooked” data, illustrating the co-production of quantitative health data and their social worlds. At a time when trust in numbers is increasingly shaken, Biruk offers nuanced insights on the production of numbers that prompts discussion about the role of feminist science studies to both critically examine how numbers attain their authority and simultaneously build capacity for fact-based decision making in a post-truth era where powerful leaders intentionally spread harmful misinformation.
Comparing Activity Trackers With vs. Without Alarms to Increase Postoperative Ambulation: A Randomized Control Trial.

Early ambulation is a key component to postoperative recovery; however, measuring steps taken is often inconsistent and nonstandardized. This study aimed to determine whether an activity tracker wi...
Friendship influence moderating the effect of a web-based smoking prevention program on intention to smoke and knowledge among adolescents.

Abstract Purpose Web-based tobacco prevention programs for adolescents have stressed human-computer interaction, but they have not yet extensively applied social interactivity (i.e., computer-mediated or face-to-face interactions). This study examines if prior tendencies for positive social influence (PSI), negative social influence (NSI), and having friends who smoke (HFS) moderate the success of a web-based program for smoking prevention. Methods Participants were 101 adolescents (aged 12–18 years) from the ASPIRE-Reactions study, a randomized controlled trial comparing a program called ASPIRE with its text-based version. Knowledge of tobacco consequences and intention to smoke were assessed at baseline and end-of-treatment. Tendency for PSI (i.e., avoid tobacco when advised by friends) and NSI (i.e., accept tobacco when offered by friends) were measured at baseline. Repeated-measures mixed-effect modeling was used for hypothesis-testing. Results While controlling for ASPIRE effects, both NSI and PSI predicted lower intention to smoke. Adolescents with high NSI were more likely to show a group difference with respect to change in intention to smoke, but not knowledge. Although not significant, this moderation effect was observed in the expected direction with PSI, predicting intention to smoke and knowledge. HFS significantly moderated the effect of ASPIRE on knowledge. Associations with depression and internet use are also described. Conclusion The results suggest that adolescents with high tendencies for NSI may particularly benefit from web-based interventions such as ASPIRE. Also, web-based interventions may benefit from peer-to-peer interactions, boosting PSI. While current web-based programs include human-computer interaction as their main feature, this study suggests considering social interactivity.
Imaging of Ampullary and Periampullary Conditions

The ampulla of Vater is formed by the union of the pancreatic duct and the common bile duct and is also known as hepatopancreatic ampulla or hepatopancreatic duct. The ampulla is surrounded by a muscular valve known as the sphincter of Oddi, which controls the flow of bile and pancreatic juices into the duodenum in response to food. The ampulla is also an important embryological landmark as it marks the anatomical transition from foregut to the midgut. Because of this, it is a watershed zone where the blood supply changes from the celiac axis to the superior mesenteric artery. Radiologic evaluation of the ampulla and the periampullary region is challenging because it requires an understanding of the embryology, the normal appearance, and different anatomic variants. Also, a wide variety of pathologies can occur in this region. The purpose of this review is to present the normal anatomy of the ampulla and the periampullary region on different imaging modalities and to summarize the imaging features of the common variants, and benign and malignant ampullary and periampullary conditions. Understanding of the normal anatomical appearance and variants along with the knowledge of common pathologic conditions affecting the ampulla and periampullary conditions can help radiologists in making accurate diagnosis resulting in optimum patient care.
Upright Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Cervical Flexor/Extensor Musculature and Cervical Lordosis in Females After Helmet Wear.

Introduction Addition of head-supported mass imparts greater demand on the human neck to maintain functionality. The same head-supported mass induces greater demand on the female spine than the male spine because female necks are comparatively slender. Prevalence of neck pain is greater in military than civilian population because of the head-borne mass (among other factors). The goal of this study is to determine quantifiable parameters related to muscle geometry using female human volunteers and upright magnetic resonance imaging. Materials and methods Young healthy subjects were consented. Demographics and head-neck anthropometry were recorded. For all the 7 subjects, the T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the neutral sitting position was obtained immediately following donning and after 4 hours of continuous wear of standard issued military helmet, while seated in the same posture for 4 hours. Cross-sectional areas of sternocleidomastoid and multifidus muscles from C2-C7, overall and segmental Cobb angles (C2-T1), and centroid and radius of each muscle were calculated. Data were compared with determine differences with the continuous helmet wear. Results There were level specific changes in morphological parameters for each of the muscles. Significant difference (P 0.05) in muscle centroid radii between the pre- and posttest conditions. Conclusions Alterations in muscle geometries were muscle specific and level specific: sternocleidomastoid was significant at the upper level, whereas multifidus was significant at the mid-lower cervical spine segments. The insignificant difference in the Cobb angles was attributed to length of time of continuous helmet wear attributed and sample size. Helmet wear can lead to morphometric alterations in cervical flexor/extensor musculature in females.
Associations Between Personality and End-of-Life Care Preferences Among Men With Prostate Cancer: A Clustering Approach

Abstract Context Increased focus on patient-centered care models has contributed to greater emphasis on improving quality of life at the end of life through personalized medicine. However, little is known about individual-level factors impacting end-of-life care preferences. Objectives To examine whether the five-factor model of personality explains variation in preferences for end-of-life care in men with prostate cancer. Methods Two hundred twelve men with a prostate cancer diagnosis (mean age = 62 years) completed a measure of the five-factor model of personality—spanning the personality dimensions of neuroticism, agreeableness, extraversion, openness, and conscientiousness—and reported on end-of-life care preferences. Cluster analyses were used to partition the sample into groups with similar care preferences. Analyses of variance and Chi-square tests were used to evaluate differences in care preferences among the groups. Results Cluster analyses revealed three groups of participants: "comfort-oriented patients," "service-accepting patients," and "service-reluctant patients." Most (67%) were comfort oriented, preferring palliative care and opposing life support services. A subset of patients were service accepting (17%), preferring both palliative care and life support, or were service reluctant (16%), preferring neither. Service-reluctant patients endorsed significantly higher levels of neuroticism (emotional instability and negativity) than comfort-oriented patients. Comfort-oriented patients endorsed significantly higher levels of agreeableness than service-accepting patients and service-reluctant patients. Conclusion Findings suggest that personality traits are associated with specific health care preferences. Individuals high on neuroticism are likely to report reluctance toward all forms of end-of-life care and may benefit from in-depth information about the process and likely outcomes of receiving life support and palliative care services.
Distribution of resting spores of the Lymantria dispar pathogen Entomophaga maimaiga in soil and on bark

Cadavers of late instar Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth) larvae killed by the fungal pathogen Entomophaga maimaiga predominantly contain resting spores (azygospores). These cadavers frequently remain attached to tree trunks for several weeks before they detach and fall to the ground. Density gradient centrifugation was used to quantify resting spores in the soil and on tree bark. Titers of resting spores were extremely high at 0–10 cm from the base of the tree and the number decreased with distance from the trunk of the tree. Titers were also highest in the organic layer of the soil with numbers decreasing precipitously with increasing depth in the soil. While resting spores were obtained from tree bark, densities per unit area were much lower than those found in the organic soil layer at the base of the tree. Field bioassays were conducted with caged L. dispar larvae to compare infection levels with distance from the tree trunk as well as on the trunk. Highest infection levels were found at 50cm from the tree base with lowest infection on the tree trunk at 0.5 m height, although we expected the highest infection levels among larvae caged at the bases of trees, where highest spore titers occurred. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that L. dispar larvae exposed to resting spore- bearing soil at the soil surface became infected while larvae exposed to soil with resting spores buried at least 1 cm below the surface did not become infected.
Low power real time electronic neuron VLSI design using subthreshold technique

We discuss a VLSI electronic neuron circuit that implements the Hindmarsh and Rose neuron model. Magnitude and time scaling techniques are employed for a 2 V power supply operation. A subthreshold operation technique and a single MOS resistor are used to minimize area and power consumption. Output bursts of the electronic neuron can be modulated dynamically by varying the input voltage level. The circuit is designed using a 0.25 /spl mu/m CMOS standard process, and the total power dissipation is 163.4 /spl mu/watt.
Prolonged remission in chorea complicating Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID) with Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin (SCIG) infusions (P3.034)

Background: Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) can be complicated by neurological disease. The efficacy of intravenous and/or subcutaneous immunoglobulin is unclear in these conditions. We report a case of chorea complicating CVID that responded initially to high dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) followed by subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG). Methods: The patient records were reviewed and data on infusion doses and types as well as immunoglobulin G levels were noted. A Medline search for neurological complications of CVID was conducted. Results: This patient presented at age 18 with acute onset chorea athetosis. Clinical and neurological evaluations were negative for structural and/or infectious disease. Very low serum levels of IgG and IgA, 373 mg/dl and 46 mg/dl were seen associated with CSF mononuclear pleocytosis and hypogammaglobulinemia. She was given high dose IVIG for 5 days with improvement of IgG to 809 mg/dl and complete remission of her neurological symptoms. As her IgG levels dropped back to 559 mg/dl her symptoms resurfaced. She was given another 5 day course of IVIG with significant improvement. She remained on monthly injections of IVIG for 3 years and was transitioned to subcutaneous therapy due to her active lifestyle. SCIG has resulted in prolonged remission of her neurological symptoms and she notes significant improvement in quality of life. She has had minimal adverse effects and receives routine maintenance doses of SCIG (100 mg/Kg/week). Conclusions: A plethora of neurological complications such as meningoencephalitis, progressive multifocal leukoencephalitis, polymoyositis and neuropathy have been reported with CVID- but this is the first reported case of chorea responsive to weekly SCIG at replacement dosages. Further studies are required. Disclosure: Dr. Kaur has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cristiano has nothing to disclose. Dr. Krishnaswamy has received personal compensation for activities with Baxter International as an advisory board member.
Low frequency variability in fall precipitation across the United States

[1] Precipitation and streamflow have increased across the United States during the 20th century, with the largest increases observed in the fall. In this study, we apply the multitaper method with singular value decomposition (MTM-SVD) multivariate spectral analysis to characterize the space-time variability of fall precipitation over the United States from 1895 to 2004. MTM-SVD analysis of precipitation demonstrates the presence of statistically significant secular and decadal signals. The decadal signal in fall precipitation, with a period of approximately 12 years, is large and spatially correlated across most of the central United States. The secular signal, with a period greater than 55 years, is weaker, much less spatially correlated and is strongest in the eastern United States. The decadal and secular variations increased in magnitude after 1950, the period when many previous studies have identified large linear trends. Linear trends in fall precipitation are found to be more spatially consistent with the pattern of decadal variations than the secular variations, suggesting that increasing decadal variations in precipitation after 1950 have contributed to large linear trends reported by several previous studies. Our results suggest that the strong spatial correlation in decadal precipitation variations across the central United States are associated with a large SLP gradient across North America that is conducive for southerly flow from the Gulf of Mexico. Secular variations in SLP associated with precipitation over the United States are located primarily in the high latitudes, and are not consistent with correlated variations in precipitation across the central United States.
Visualizing Race and Embodiment in Cyberspace

When the esteemed Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. was arrested in his own home by Cambridge police in July 2009, many people were outraged and logged on to the Internet to find more information. Among the “information” that Web users could find were multiple written accounts and visual images of the incident. There was a photo—taken by a neighbor—of Gates handcuffed on his own front porch and visibly, understandably, angry. There were the grainy mug shots—released by Cambridge police—of Gates looking humiliated and resigned. And there were photos of Sergeant James Crowley, the arresting officer, looking defiant (he refused to apologize). During the days in late July when this story first broke, one primary source of information was TheRoot.com, a Web site of multiple blogs about African American life and culture created by Gates himself (now owned by the Washington Post). Gates should never have been arrested, and the charges against him were dropped the next day, but the importance of the Internet and in particular the circulation of visual images via the Internet are why I begin with this incident. These visual cultures of the Internet, in which images are part of the information we seek online, and the emergence and immense popularity of racially themed Web sites created by, for, and about people of color, such as TheRoot.com, are the main focus of Lisa Nakamura’s latest book. For some, the text-only Internet seemed to hold the promise of an escape from embodiment, and along with it the mirage of escape from gender and racial identity; there is an oft-referenced television commercial from the Internet’s early days, in which the viewer is invited to imagine the online world as a place “where there is no gender, no race” (which Nakamura discusses in her earlier work). Yet, as Nakamura demonstrates in this volume, the Internet’s visual cultures—from Facebook to YouTube to avatars to video games—insist on visual representations of the embodied, gendered, and racialized self online.
Locomotor Adaptability Task Promotes Intense and Task-Appropriate Output From the Paretic Leg During Walking

Abstract Objective To test the hypothesis that participants with stroke will exhibit appropriate increase in muscle activation of the paretic leg when taking a long step with the nonparetic leg compared to during steady-state walking, with a consequent increase in biomechanical output and symmetry during the stance phase of the modified gait cycle. Design Single-session observational study. Setting Clinical research center in an outpatient hospital setting. Participants Adults with chronic poststroke hemiparesis (N=15). Interventions Participants walked on an instrumented treadmill while kinetic, kinematic, and electromyogram data were recorded. Participants performed steady-state walking and a separate trial of the long-step adaptability task in which they were instructed to intermittently take a longer step with the nonparetic leg. Main Outcome Measures Forward progression, propulsive force, and neuromuscular activation during walking. Results Participants performed the adaptability task successfully and demonstrated greater neuromuscular activation in appropriate paretic leg muscles, particularly increased activity in paretic plantarflexor muscles. Propulsion and forward progression by the paretic leg were also increased. Conclusions These findings support the assertion that the nonparetic long-step task may be effective for use in poststroke locomotor rehabilitation to engage the paretic leg and promote recovery of walking.
Burkina Faso's infrastructure : a continental perspective

Infrastructure contributed 1.3 percentage points to Burkina Faso's annual per capita gross domestic product (GDP) growth over the past decade, much of it due to improvements in information and communication technology (ICT). Raising the country's infrastructure endowment to that of the region's middle-income countries (MICs) could boost annual growth by more than 3 percentage points per capita. Today, Burkina Faso's infrastructure indicators look relatively good when compared with other low-income countries (LICs) in Africa. Burkina Faso has made significant progress in developing its infrastructure in recent years. The rapid modernization of the ICT sector, around 60 percent of the population lives within range of a global system for mobile communications (GSM) cell-phone signal. The expansion of safe water and sanitation technologies in urban areas since the late 1990s and the establishment of a system for funding road maintenance (by reducing the cost of road travel) should pay long-term dividends to the economy. The Africa Infrastructure Country Diagnostic (AICD) has gathered and analyzed extensive data on infrastructure across almost all African countries, including Burkina Faso. The results have been presented in reports covering different areas of infrastructure including ICT, irrigation, power, transport and water and sanitation and various policy areas, including investment needs, fiscal costs, and sector performance.
Heat-Resistant Polymers

The intensive interest in heat-resistant polymers results from new technological processes requiring higher use temperatures for development. Thermally stable or high performance polymers dictate high melting (softening) temperatures, resistance to oxidative degradation at elevated temperature, resistance to other (nonoxidative) thermolytic processes, and stability to radiation and chemical reagents. A number of thermally stable polymers have been synthesized, but in general the types of structures that impart thermal resistance also result in poor processing characteristics. Attempts to overcome this problem have largely been concentrated on the incorporation of flexible groups into the backbone or the attachment of stable pendent groups. Among the class of polymers claimed to be thermally stable only a few have achieved technological importance, some of which are polyamides, polyimides, polyquinoxalines, polyquinolines, and polybenzimidazoles. Of these, polyimides have been the most widely explored. Keywords: Heat-resistant polymers; Polyimides; Synthesis; Properties; Polyquinoxalines; Applications; Films; Polyquinolines; Hexafluoroisopropylidene-containing polymers; Hexafluoroisopropoxy group; Polyoxadiazoles
High-resolution imaging of the human esophagus and stomach in vivo using optical coherence tomography☆☆☆

Abstract Background: Optical coherence tomography is a new, high spatial–resolution, cross-sectional imaging technique. We investigated the ability of optical coherence tomography to provide detailed images of subsurface structures in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Methods: Optical coherence tomography was performed during routine upper GI endoscopy on 32 patients including 20 patients with Barrett's esophagus. An endoscopic mucosal biopsy was obtained immediately after imaging and was used for histopathologic correlation. Results: Optical coherence tomography provided clear delineation of layers of the normal human esophagus extending from the epithelium to the longitudinal muscularis propria. Gastric mucosa was differentiated from esophageal mucosa, Barrett's esophagus was differentiated from normal esophageal mucosa, and esophageal adenocarcinoma was distinguished from normal esophagus and Barrett's esophagus. Conclusions: Optical coherence tomography allows visualization of the subsurface architectural morphology of the upper GI tract. The diagnostic information provided by this new imaging modality suggests that it may be a useful adjunct to endoscopy.
CTRP8 and CTRP9B are novel proteins that hetero-oligomerize with C1q/TNF family members

C1q/TNF family comprises over thirty secreted multimeric proteins that play diverse and important roles in immune, endocrine, skeletal, neuronal, reproductive, sensory, and vascular systems. Here we describe two novel human C1q/TNF family members, designated as CTRP8 and CTRP9B. Both genes are absent in the mouse genome. CTRP8 is expressed predominantly in lung and testis. In addition to forming homotrimers, CTRP8 also forms heteromeric complexes with C1q-related factor (CRF). CRF is a secreted multimeric protein that forms heteromeric complexes with CTRP1, CTRP9, and CTRP10. Although human CTRRP9A and CTRP9B share 98% amino acid identity, they are encoded by distinct genes and are biochemically distinct. While CTRP9A is robustly secreted as a multimeric protein, CTRP9B requires physical association with CTRP9A or adiponectin for its secretion. We propose here that combinatorial association between C1q/TNF family members is a possible mechanism to generate an expanded repertoire of functionally distinct ligands with altered function and/or receptor specificity.
Potential inhalation exposure and containment efficiency when using hoods for handling nanoparticles

Inhalation exposure to airborne nanoparticles (NPs) has been reported during manual activities using typical fume hoods. This research studied potential inhalation exposure associated with the manual handling of NPs using two new nanoparticle-handling enclosures and two biological safety cabinets, and discussed the ability to contain NPs in the hoods to reduce environmental release and exposure. Airborne concentrations of 5 nm to 20 μm diameter particles were measured while handling nanoalumina particles in various ventilated enclosures. Tests were conducted using two handling conditions and concentrations were measured using real-time particle counters, and particles were collected on transmission electron microscope grids to determine particle morphology and elemental composition. Airflow patterns were characterized visually using a laser-light sheet and fog. The average number concentration increase at breathing zone outside the enclosure was less than 1,400 particle/cm3 for each particle size at all tested conditions and the estimated overall mass concentration was about 83 μg/m3 which was less than the dosage of typical nanoparticle inhalation exposure studies. The typical front-to-back airflow was used in the studied hoods, which could potentially induce reverse turbulence in the wake region. However, containment of NPs using studied hoods was demonstrated with excellent performance. Smoke tests showed that worker’s hand motion could potentially cause nanoparticle escape. The challenge of front-to-back airflow can be partially overcome by gentle motion, low face velocity, and front exhaust to reduce nanoparticle escape.
Solution structure and intramolecular exchange of methyl-cytosine binding domain protein 4 (MBD4) on DNA suggests a mechanism to scan for mCpG/TpG mismatches

Unlike other members of the methyl-cytosine binding domain (MBD) family, MBD4 serves as a potent DNA glycosylase in DNA mismatch repair specifically targeting mCpG/TpG mismatches arising from spontaneous deamination of methyl-cytosine. The protein contains an N-terminal MBD (MBD4MBD) and a C-terminal glycosylase domain (MBD4GD) separated by a long linker. This arrangement suggests that the MBD4MBD either directly augments enzymatic catalysis by the MBD4GD or targets the protein to regions enriched for mCpG/TpG mismatches. Here we present structural and dynamic studies of MBD4MBD bound to dsDNA. We show that MBD4MBD binds with a modest preference formCpG as compared to mismatch, unmethylated and hydroxymethylated DNA. We find that while MBD4MBD exhibits slow exchange between molecules of DNA (intermolecular exchange), the domain exhibits fast exchange between two sites in the same molecule of dsDNA (intramolecular exchange). Introducing a single-strand defect between binding sites does not greatly reduce the intramolecular exchange rate, consistent with a local hopping mechanism for moving along the DNA. These results support a model in which the MBD4MBD4 targets the intact protein to mCpG islands and promotes scanning by rapidly exchanging between successive mCpG sites which facilitates repair of nearby mCpG/TpG mismatches by the glycosylase domain.
FINE STRUCTURE OF THE IMMOBILE DINOCOCCALEAN CYSTODINIUM BATAVIENSE (DINOPHYCEAE)1

The fine structure of the immobile stage of C. bataviense Klebs reveals several features which may prove helpful in understanding the parameters of the order Phytodinales. The cell covering is confluent with no thecal plates. Neither external membranes nor pores are present. The pusule tubules and collecting chamber have no external opening via flagellar pores or canals. The cell is highly vacuolate with a tonoplast-like membrane delimiting the pusule system from the cytoplasm in the interior of the cell. Polyvesicular bodies, mitochondria with enlarged matrices containing electron-dense bodies, vesicles which may contain flagellar hairs, crystals, and large accumulation bodies are present.
Metabolism of long-chain isoprenoid alcohols. Incorporation of phytol and dihydrophytol into the lipids of rat brain.

Abstract [U-14C]Phytol (3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec-2-en-1-ol) and [U-14C]dihydrophytol (3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadecanol) were administered intracerebrally to 18-day-old rats and incorporation of radioactivity into brain lipids was determined after 6 and 24 h. Radioactivity from [U-14C]phytol was found in free phytenic (3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec-2-enoic), phytanic (3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadecanoic) and pristanic (2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadecanoic) acids, in phytanic and pristanic acid moieties of neutral and polar lipids, and in esters of phytol. In addition, evidence is presented for the utilization of phytol to form 1-O-phytenyl-2-acyl glycerophosphatides. Radioactivity from [U-14C]dihydrophytol was found in free phytanic and pristanic acids, the corresponding acyl groups of neutral and polar lipids, esters of dihydrophytol and 1-O-phytanyl-2-acyl glycerophosphatides. Incorporation of either substrate into O-alkylglycerols was very low, and labeled branched-chain alk-1-enylglycerols could not be detected.
Decreased competiveness of the foodborne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni during Co-culture with the hyper-ammonia producing anaerobe Clostridium aminophilum

Campylobacter spp. are a leading bacterial cause of human foodborne illness. When cocultured in anaerobic Bolton broth with the hyper-ammonia producing bacterium, Clostridium aminophilum, ammonia accumulation was greater and final growth of Campylobacter jejuni was reduced (CFU ≥ 1.4 log10/mL) compared to that obtained by pure culture controls. Co-culture with the less active ammonia-producing saccharolytic Prevotella albensis had no effect on final C. jejuni concentrations. When co-cultured similarly except with the addition of 10 μmol/L monensin, monensin-susceptible Cl. aminophilum was reduced by 2 to 4 log10 CFU/mL and concentrations of C. jejuni, which is insensitive to monensin, did not differ from its pure culture control. These results suggest that in the absence of added monensin, the hyper ammonia-producing Cl. aminophilum may be able to outcompete asaccharolytic C. jejuni for amino acid substrates and that this competitive ability was eliminated by addition on monensin.
Publish now, judge later

A proposal to address the problem of too many conference submissions and not enough time for reviewers to carefully evaluate each one.
Subdivision surfaces: a new paradigm for thin-shell finite-element analysis

We develop a new paradigm for thin-shell finite-element analysis based on the use of subdivision surfaces for (i) describing the geometry of the shell in its undeformed configuration, and (ii) generating smooth interpolated displacement fields possessing bounded energy within the strict framework of the Kirchhoff–Love theory of thin shells. The particular subdivision strategy adopted here is Loop's scheme, with extensions such as required to account for creases and displacement boundary conditions. The displacement fields obtained by subdivision are H2 and, consequently, have a finite Kirchhoff–Love energy. The resulting finite elements contain three nodes and element integrals are computed by a one-point quadrature. The displacement field of the shell is interpolated from nodal displacements only. In particular, no nodal rotations are used in the interpolation. The interpolation scheme induced by subdivision is non-local, i.e. the displacement field over one element depend on the nodal displacements of the element nodes and all nodes of immediately neighbouring elements. However, the use of subdivision surfaces ensures that all the local displacement fields thus constructed combine conformingly to define one single limit surface. Numerical tests, including the Belytschko et al. [10] obstacle course of benchmark problems, demonstrate the high accuracy and optimal convergence of the method.
The Solubility of Silica in Hydrogen Beidellite1

Electrodialyzed suspensions of clay minerals are viewed generally as insoluble silicates in which the exchange complex is saturated with hydrogen. An investigation of the relative activities of different exchangeable ions on beidellite clay brought to light the fact that a freshly prepared hydrogen clay containing a trace of the non-adsorbed chloride ion, when filtered, yielded a solution containing the chloride ion in association with silica rather than with hydrogen.
Effects of viscoelasticity of bulk polymer solution on the surface modes as probed by laser light scattering

The effects of surface tension, surface dilational modulus, stress relaxation time, and shear stress modulus on the surface laser light scattering (SLLS) spectrum of polymer solutions are investigated. The capillary wave component is significantly affected by both the stress relaxation time and the amplitude of the shear stress modulus. At moderate concentration, before crossing over to the elastic regime, a strong quasielastic component dominates the SLLS spectrum in polymer solution. In the viscoelastic regime, the capillary wave component of the SLLS spectrum is suppressed by the increase of the surface dilational modulus. The decrease of the surface tension gives rise to an effect similar to that caused by increasing the dilational modulus. However, at high polymer concentration in the elastic regime, the dilational modulus has only a negligible effect on the SLLS spectrum, in contrast to the effect of surface tension.
Intergovernmental fiscal cooperation in growing metropolitan economies

Considerable pessimism has been expressed recently about the long-term fiscal problems facing the major metropolitan areas of the U.S., in particular the central cities. However, recent demographic trends and interregional migration patterns suggest that a more optimistic scenario may be in store. A new climate may be developing for intrametropolitan fiscal cooperation, especially in the newer and fast-growing SMSA's. This conclusion is based on several interrelated events: (1) the common fiscal and socio-economic histories of cities and suburbs in the growing regions of the country; (2) the increased concern for tax equity on the part of the more revenue-elastic state governments; (3) the pursuit within many states of a more progressive public expenditure structure with respect to human services.
The Difference Between the Psychology and the Epistemology of Perception

Consider a statement of the form “y perceives a Phi-x” — say “I see a tree” or “He hears a bell”. An analysis of such a statement that would, I think, elicit widespread agreement is that it asserts one thing essentially subjective and implies another more or less objective. The subjective proposition is that the subject is in a certain state (condition or activity) describable as a state of “perceiving a Phi-x”. The objective proposition is that there is something describable as “being a Phi-x” that he is perceiving. Thus, the statement “I see a tree” is false if I am not in a tree-seeing condition, and also false if there is no tree where I claim to see it. Similarly, “He hears a bell” is not true unless he is in a particular sort of hearing condition and there is a bell.
Antibiotics and potato ring rot in Alaska

Agri-mycin 100, Terramycin, amimycin, and bacitracin at various concentrations, and in some cases with 1% glycerol added, were tested for their effectiveness in controlling potato ring rot. Ring rot was reduced with both Agri-mycin 100 and Terramycin. Effective control was obtained only with Agri-mycin 100 at uneconomically high rates. At these rates, phytotoxicity was evident. Amimycin was completely ineffective. There was some evidence that bacitracin might increase infection although this was though to be an indirect effect. The pH of the treating solution did not appear to alter the effectiveness of Agri-mycin 100 or Terramycin.