cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Refusing a “City without Slums”: Moroccan slum dwellers' nonmovements and the art of presence

Abstract In June 2018, as a result of a program known as “Villes Sans Bidonvilles” (VSB) or “Cities without Slums,” the Kingdom of Morocco declared 58 of 85 cities across the country as slum-free. This paper analyzes the “pockets of resistance” that the Kingdom of Morocco has faced in the implementation of the VSB program. I assert that the contestations and acts of resistance pursued by slum-dwellers are an art of presence – “the ability of the subaltern subjects to assert their collective will in spite of all odds, to circumvent the constraints, utilizing what is possible, and discover new spaces within which to make themselves heard, seen, felt and realized” (Bayat, 2017:111). The art of presence is “the fundamental movement in the life of nonmovements,” therefore I combine the two concepts to argue that slum-dwellers responded to the VSB in incremental/spontaneous and organized/strategic ways, and in doing so they forced the authorities to change their approach against all odds. Using two case studies, I demonstrate how slum dwellers' responses to the rehousing scheme delayed the VSB process by a number of years, and in fact made the authorities offer a resettlement option (recasement) that was preferable to the residents. As slum dwellers resisted the intervention of the state and used tactics of refusal, protest, and grassroots organizing, they turned urban space into a site of contention, and made claims to that space despite being “dispersed, unorganized and atomized” (Bayat, 2017:106). The social ‘nonmovement’ of the slum-dwellers led to tangible benefits for them, and led to the “socialization of the state” through the replacement of the government rehousing program with a resettlement scheme that they preferred. They therein resisted the state's attempt to make them invisible, eradicate their built environment and inculcate them into proper neoliberal development subjects. Their resistance was not a form of radical, insurgent citizenship, but rather a form of “deradicalized dissent” that amended the existing order instead of producing a new one. Against all odds, the art of presence of the slum-dwellers induced a dramatic change in housing policy in their favor.
In Vitro models for thrombogenicity testing of blood-recirculating medical devices.

Introduction: Blood-recirculating medical devices, such as mechanical circulatory support (MCS), extracorporeal membrane oxygenators (ECMO), and hemodialyzers, are commonly used to treat or improve...
On mass conservation and solvability of the discretized variable-density zero-Mach Navier-Stokes equations

Abstract This paper presents a study of a variable-density zero-Mach Navier-Stokes discretization and subtle difficulties associated with the pressure. A consistent compatibility condition between the temperature and velocity is first derived. It is shown that one can accurately and efficiently solve all primitive variables with the uniform order of accuracy of the specified discretization and time-marching schemes. It is shown that higher density ratios than those commonly reported are achievable, and it is, in part, traced to the solvability of the pressure Poisson equation. Numerical properties are assessed with the method of manufactured solutions, and several classical testing cases are carried out to validate the code, ranging from variable-density mixing problems to premixed flames with forcing.
Fighting for survival: responding to state capacity and terror group end

The well-established argument in the literature suggests that the higher state capacity is associatedwith the lower chance of experiencing civil conflict or higherchance of defeating the violent no...
Refinement of the Protein Immunomarking Technique for Mark-Capture Research.

A follow-up study was conducted to further evaluate the marking efficiency of broadcast spray applications of egg albumin (from chicken egg whites) on Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in alfalfa. Previous research recorded exceptional marking efficiency (e.g. > 95% of the population) on H. convergens when using relatively high concentrations (ranging from 10 to 50%) of chicken egg whites. This study examines marking efficiency of egg whites using lower concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0%. We used sentinel cadaver and free-roaming beetles to measure protein mark acquisition (and retention) of each protein concentration by direct contact with the spray application and residual contact with protein residue on the plant tissue, respectively. The vertical distribution of the protein mark was also determined by sampling the upper and lower portions of the alfalfa canopy. The data indicated, regardless of the egg white treatment, that the backpack sprayer provided uniform coverage of egg albumin on the alfalfa plants and sentinel beetles. Also, almost every free-roaming beetle acquired a mark within 24 h after contact exposure to protein marked plants. This study shows that very low concentrations of egg albumin is enough for marking arthropods directly in the field.
Enhancing WNT Signaling Restores Cortical Neuronal Spine Maturation and Synaptogenesis in Tbr1 Mutants

Tbr1 is a high-confidence autism spectrum disorder (ASD) gene encoding a transcription factor with distinct pre- and postnatal functions. Postnatally, Tbr1 conditional knockout (CKO) mutants and constitutive heterozygotes have immature dendritic spines and reduced synaptic density. Tbr1 regulates expression of several genes that underlie synaptic defects, including a kinesin (Kif1a) and a WNT-signaling ligand (Wnt7b). Furthermore, Tbr1 mutant corticothalamic neurons have reduced thalamic axonal arborization. LiCl and a GSK3β inhibitor, two WNT-signaling agonists, robustly rescue the dendritic spines and the synaptic and axonal defects, suggesting that this could have relevance for therapeutic approaches in some forms of ASD.
A Nonoscillatory Second-Order Time-Stepping Procedure for Reaction-Diffusion Equations

After a theory of morphogenesis in chemical cells was introduced in the 1950s, much attention had been devoted to the numerical solution of reaction-diffusion (RD) partial differential equations (PDEs). The Crank–Nicolson (CN) method has been a common second-order time-stepping procedure. However, the CN method may introduce spurious oscillations for nonsmooth data unless the time step size is sufficiently small. This article studies a nonoscillatory second-order time-stepping procedure for RD equations, called a variable- method, as a perturbation of the CN method. In each time level, the new method detects points of potential oscillations to implicitly resolve the solution there. The proposed time-stepping procedure is nonoscillatory and of a second-order temporal accuracy. Various examples are given to show effectiveness of the method. The article also performs a sensitivity analysis for the numerical solution of biological pattern forming models to conclude that the numerical solution is much more sensitive to the spatial mesh resolution than the temporal one. As the spatial resolution becomes higher for an improved accuracy, the CN method may produce spurious oscillations, while the proposed method results in stable solutions.
Genome-wide Studies Reveal the Essential and Opposite Roles of ARID1A in Controlling Human Cardiogenesis and Neurogenesis from Pluripotent Stem Cells

Background: Early human heart and brain development simultaneously occur during embryogenesis. Notably, in human newborns, congenital heart defects strongly associate with neurodevelopmental abnormalities, suggesting a common gene/complex underlying both cardiogenesis and neurogenesis. However, due to lack of in vivo studies, the molecular mechanisms that govern both early human heart and brain development remain elusive. Results: Here, we report ARID1A, which is a DNA-binding-subunit of the SWI/SNF epigenetic complex, controls both neurogenesis and cardiogenesis from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) via employing distinct mechanisms. Knockout of ARID1A (ARID1A-/-) led to spontaneous differentiation of neural cells together with globally enhanced expression of neurogenic genes in undifferentiated hESCs. Additionally, when compared with WT hESCs, cardiac differentiation from ARID1A-/- hESCs was prominently suppressed, whereas neural differentiation was significantly promoted. Whole genome-wide scRNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and ChIP-seq analyses revealed that ARID1A was required to open chromatin accessibility on promoters of essential cardiogenic genes, and temporally associated with key cardiogenic transcriptional factors T and MEF2C during early cardiac development. However, during early neural development, transcription of most essential neurogenic genes was dependent on ARID1A, which could interact with a known neural restrictive silencer factor REST/NRSF. Conclusions: We uncovered the opposite roles by ARID1A to govern both early cardiac and neural development from pluripotent stem cells. Global chromatin accessibility on cardiogenic genes is dependent on ARID1A, whereas transcriptional activity of neurogenic genes is under control by ARID1A, possibly through ARID1A-REST/NRSF interaction.
Predicting Gaps in Usage in a Phone-Based Literacy Intervention System

Educational technologies may help support out-of-school learning in contexts where formal schooling fails to reach every child, but children may not persist in using such systems to learn at home. Prior research has developed methods for predicting learner dropout but primarily for adults in formal courses and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), not for children’s voluntary ed tech usage. To support early literacy in rural contexts, our research group developed and deployed a phone-based literacy technology with rural families in Cote d’Ivoire in two longitudinal studies. In this paper, we investigate the feasibility of using time-series classification models trained on system log data to predict gaps in children’s voluntary usage of our system in both studies. We contribute insights around important features associated with sustained system usage, such as children’s patterns of use, performance on the platform, and involvement from other adults in their family. Finally, we contribute design implications for predicting and supporting learners’ voluntary, out-of-school usage of mobile learning applications in rural contexts.
Solvent co-injection with steam-assisted gravity drainage process performance evaluation–New analytical treatment in relation to constant injection rate

Abstract Steam-based enhanced oil recovery methods like Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) for extracting extremely heavy oils and bitumen are energy intensive and require high steam volumes with steam generation resulting in significant greenhouse gas emission. The oil industry has resorted to adding solvent to steam aiming to overcome these limitations. A new analytical model is developed for describing solvent co-injection with steam (solvent-SAGD) process in relation to constant injection rate, for the first time, based on the combination of an overall solvent mass balance, heat balance and volumetric oil displacement and Darcy's oil rate using a mixture viscosity model as a function of temperature and solvent concentration ahead of a moving vapor-oil front which satisfy the equilibrium in the system. The objectives of this work are to evaluate the performance of the solvent-SAGD process by predicting; vapor chamber growth, oil production rate, solvent production rate, solvent loss (or solvent retention) rate, and the effect of solvent type and concentration on the process. The mechanism of oil recovery by steam with added solvent is not clear. Given the controversy regarding the use of solvents with steam, by developing the new mathematical approach, this study is intended to explain whether solvent-SAGD process increases oil recovery compared to SAGD or not. If any, which solvent results in better recovery. The results of this approach give a better understanding of the oil production mechanism during the solvent-SAGD process by interconnecting vapor chamber conditions and the conditions of heated and diluted oil ahead of the moving vapor-oil interface. The results show that mass transfer occurs over a scale of centimeters, while heat transfer scale is of the order of meters. The rate of solvent retention increases over time, while the production rates of solvent and bitumen decrease. Also, it is shown that the solvent-SAGD process which is a combination of heat and mass transfer would yield a higher oil recovery, if viscosity reduction from dilution at a lower temperature is greater than viscosity reduction by temperature in the SAGD process, for the same total injection rate.
Synthesis, crystal chemistry, and optical properties of two methylammonium silver halides: CH3NH3AgBr2 and CH3NH3Ag2I3

Two novel ternary compounds from the pseudobinary CH3NH3X–AgX (X = Br, I) phase diagrams are reported. CH3NH3AgBr2 and CH3NH3Ag2I3 were synthesized via solid state sealed tube reactions and the crystal structures were determined through a combination of single crystal and synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction. Structurally, both compounds consist of one-dimensional ribbons built from silver-centered tetrahedra. The structure of CH3NH3AgBr2 possesses orthorhombic Pnma symmetry and is made up of zig-zag chains where each silver bromide tetrahedron shares two edges with neighboring tetrahedra. The tetrahedral coordination of silver is retained in CH3NH3Ag2I3, which has monoclinic P21/m symmetry, but the change in stoichiometry leads to a greater degree of edge-sharing connectivity within the silver iodide chains. With band gaps of 3.3 eV (CH3NH3Ag2I3) and 4.0 eV (CH3NH3AgBr2) the absorption onsets of the ternary phases are significantly blue shifted from the binary silver halides, AgBr and AgI, due in part to the decrease in electronic dimensionality. The compounds are stable for at least one month under ambient conditions and are thermally stable up to approximately 200 °C. Density functional theory calculations reveal very narrow valence bands and moderately disperse conduction bands with Ag 5s character. Bond valence calculations are used to analyze the hydrogen bonding between methylammonium cations and coordinatively unsaturated halide ions. The crystal chemistry of these compounds helps to explain the dearth of iodide double perovskites in the literature.
From Profit to Polity: A U.S. Water Utility’s Transition to a Government-Shareholder Model

The Pennichuck Corporation, located in New Hampshire, U.S., provides a unique opportunity to explore the rare structural transition from investor-ownership to a government-shareholder model for a long-standing regional water utility. In early 2012, concluding a ten-year dispute, the City of Nashua leveraged its power of eminent domain to become Pennichuck’s sole shareholder not by a taking but by a stock purchase agreement transferring the entirety of the company’s regulated and unregulated assets. We draw on primary documentation and data to review the terms of the transaction and contrast the ex-ante and ex-post models. Utility operations and state economic regulation remained constant over the transition, thus controlling for their potential effects. Our descriptive analysis of time-series financial and other data provides evidence of outcomes, including the lower cost of capital and operations. This information-rich case illustrates the arduous process of public acquisition, calling into question the institutionalized policy asymmetry favoring private over public acquisitions, which undermines structural competition.
Well-being: Diversified perspectives in search of operational definitions.

well-being is a multi-faceted concept that should be an operational domain. The territory is claimed by many disciplines and professionals who usually emphasize their own unique perspective. Econom...
Forgoing plans for alcohol and cannabis use in daily life: Examining reasons for nonuse when use was planned in a predominantly white college student sample

Background The reasons for college students to abstain from alcohol and cannabis use on a given day can inform efforts to prevent or intervene in those behaviors. Research on reasons for alcohol nonuse remains in its nascent stages and no study to date has examined reasons for cannabis nonuse on a given day. Here we examine reasons for nonuse among college students after they planned to use alcohol and/or cannabis. Methods College students (N = 341; Mage = 19.79; 53% women; 74% White) from 3 universities completed 54 days of data collection across which approximately 50% were nonuse days. Each morning, participants indicated whether they planned to use that day; nonuse reasons were assessed the next morning, if applicable. Generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to disentangle within- and between-person effects. Results On a given nonuse day (at the within-person level), "work" and "school" were reasons associated with having no plan to use alcohol and "to feel in control" was linked to having no plan to use cannabis. "Did not want to get high" was related to forgoing plans (did not use when originally planned) for alcohol use at the within-person level. At the between-person level, "no desire" was associated with no plans for alcohol or cannabis use and "did not want to get high" was related to no plans for cannabis use. "School" and "could not get" were related to forgoing plans for alcohol and cannabis use, respectively, at the between-person level. Conclusion An examination of earlier intentions for alcohol and/or cannabis use on nonuse days yielded novel findings on the intention-behavior gap. Reasons for nonuse can inform intervention and prevention strategies (e.g., those involving social norms or just-in-time adaptive efforts) for alcohol and cannabis use on college campuses.
14. Experimental Methods in Continental Heat Flow

Publisher Summary Heat flow measurements are made for a number of purposes and the techniques vary depending on the intended use. Because the internal processes of the earth are thermally driven, heat flow measurements are typically used to study tectonics. Regional heat flow values contain information on the thermal structure of the lithosphere and some aspects of the geochemistry of the crust. This chapter discusses the equipment for measurement of temperature, thermal conductivity, and heat production from radioactive decay. It describes the equipment associated with well testing and reservoir evaluation and/or determination of various water flow parameters. These methods are generally regarded as a part of reservoir engineering and/or hydrology. The chapter deals with temperature measuring equipment, with thermal conductivity measuring equipment, and with heat production measuring equipment.
An Axiomatic View of Statistical Privacy and Utility

Privacy" and \utility" are words that frequently appear in the lit- erature on statistical privacy. But what do these words really mean? In recent years, many problems with intuitive notions of privacy and utility have been un- covered. Thus more formal notions of privacy and utility, which are amenable to mathematical analysis, are needed. In this paper we present our initial work on an axiomatization of privacy and utility. We present two privacy axioms which describe how privacy is aected by both post-processing data and by randomly se- lecting a privacy mechanism. We present three axioms for utility measures which also describe how measured utility is aected by post-processing. Our analysis of these axioms yields new insights into the construction of privacy denitions and utility measures. In particular, we characterize the class of relaxations of dier- ential privacy that can be obtained by changing constraints on probabilities; we show that the resulting constraints must be formed from concave functions. We also present several classes of utility metrics satisfying our axioms and explicitly show that measures of utility borrowed from statistics can lead to utility paradoxes when applied to statistical privacy. Finally, we show that the outputs of dier- entially private algorithms are best interpreted in terms of graphs or likelihood functions rather than query answers or synthetic data.
Rupture of aneurysm of the circle of Willis in the newborn.

A case of spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage from an aneurysm of the circle of Willis is reported in the male of newborn twins. The smaller female twin died earlier with similar symptoms and signs, but no intracranial autopsy was performed.
Not Guilty by Association: Why the Taint of Their "Blank Check" Predecessors Should Not Stunt the Growth of Modern Special Purpose Acquisition Companies

During the 1980s, "blank check" companies were prominent vehicles for fraud and abuse in the penny stock market. These companies largely disappeared as a result of regulatory backlash in the 1990s, but a new type of company with a similar structure has taken their place in the securities market: the Special Purpose Acquisition Company ("SPAC"). Much like their blank check predecessors, SPACs have no operations; they merely issue securities with the intent of using the proceeds for merging with or acquiring another company. Although SPACs have enjoyed increased prominence in the market, regulators continue to view them with considerable skepticism. In addition to promulgating regulations forcing SPACs to disclose more information to potential investors, the Securities and Exchange Commission deliberately moves slowly in processing SPAC deals, with the hope of curbing the pace of SPAC offerings. This Note argues that continuing to treat SPACs similarly to the blank check companies of the 1980s is a misguided strategy because the characteristics of the two, once one looks beyond their basic structure, differ significantly. This Note also emphasizes that SPACs may be the only method of raising capital for smaller emerging companies. It thus conchides that any efforts to thwart the SPAC structure itself reflect an erroneous attempt to protect investors, at the expense of allowing this latest Wall Street innovation to facilitate capital formation.
Social Relationships and Health: The Toxic Effects of Perceived Social Isolation

Research in social epidemiology suggests that the absence of positive social relationships is a significant risk factor for broad-based morbidity and mortality. The nature of these social relationships and the mechanisms underlying this association are of increasing interest as the population gets older and the health care costs associated with chronic disease escalate in industrialized countries. We review selected evidence on the nature of social relationships and focus on one particular facet of the connection continuum – the extent to which an individual feels isolated (i.e., feels lonely) in a social world. Evidence indicates that loneliness heightens sensitivity to social threats and motivates the renewal of social connections, but it can also impair executive functioning, sleep, and mental and physical well-being. Together, these effects contribute to higher rates of morbidity and mortality in lonely older adults.
Thermally Activated Martensite: Its Relationship to Non‐Thermally Activated (Athermal) Martensite

The classification of martensitic displacive transformations into athermal, isothermal or anisothermal is discussed. Athermal does not mean 'no temperature dependence' as is often thought, but is best considered to be short for the notion of no thermal activation. Processes with no thermal activation do not depend on time, as there is no need to wait for sufficient statistical fluctuations in some specific order parameter to overcome an activation barrier to initiate the process. Clearly, this kind of process contrasts with those that are thermally activated. In the literature, thermally activated martensites are usually termed isothermal martensites, suggesting a constant temperature. Actually such martensites also typically occur with continuous cooling. The important distinctive feature of these martensites is that they are thermally activated and hence are distinguishable in principle from athermal martensites. A third type of process, anisothermal, has been introduced to account for those transformations which are thought to be thermally activated but which occur on continuous cooling. They may occur so rapidly that they do not appear to have an incubation time, and hence could be mistakenly called an athermal transformation. These designations will be reviewed and discussed in terms of activation energies and kinetic processes of the variousmore » martensitic transformations.« less
Extended LineSets: a visualization technique for the interactive inspection of biological pathways

Biologists make use of pathway visualization tools for a range of tasks, including investigating inter-pathway connectivity and retrieving details about biological entities and interactions. Some of these tasks require an understanding of the hierarchical nature of elements within the pathway or the ability to make comparisons between multiple pathways. We introduce a technique inspired by LineSets that enables biologists to fulfill these tasks more effectively. We introduce a novel technique, Extended LineSets, to facilitate new explorations of biological pathways. Our technique incorporates intuitive graphical representations of different levels of information and includes a well-designed set of user interactions for selecting, filtering, and organizing biological pathway data gathered from multiple databases. Based on interviews with domain experts and an analysis of two use cases, we show that our technique provides functionality not currently enabled by current techniques, and moreover that it helps biologists to better understand both inter-pathway connectivity and the hierarchical structure of biological elements within the pathways.
Spreading uniformity of granular bulk‐blended fertilizer

Abstract This study was conducted to measure the field variability in nutrient rate of bulk blended granular fertilizer that was spread with a double‐spinner, ground driven spreader. The objective was to determine if such variation affected corn (Zea mays L.) yield and nutrient concentrations. Studies were conducted at two sites in Kentucky during 1987 to test the agronomic effects of varying granule size of urea (U) and diammonium phosphate (DAP) when they were blended with muriate of potash (KC1) to prepare a bulk‐blended mixed fertilizer. The control (uniform blend) blend components were all of the same granule size (2.0–3.36 mm). Two blends of identical analysis were prepared by using smaller (1.4–2.0 mm) granule sized U (fine urea) or DAP. Each of the three blend treatments was spread in swath widths of 12.19 m. Measurements were made every 2.44 m across the swath to measure rate of nutrient application, 10‐leaf stage growth of corn, ear leaf, nutrient concentration of com, harvest stand population, ...
On the action ofβ-melanocyte stimulating hormone (β-MSH) on spontaneous electric discharge of the transparent knife fish,G. eigenmannia

L'hormone melanophoretiqueβ-MSH, a des concentrations de 0.1 a 0.2µg/ml dans l'eau de l'aquarium, produit une diminution de la frequence des modifications spontanees de l'amplitude des decharges electriques du poissonG. eigenmannia. Ces resultats sont en accord avec les observations anterieures montrant divers effets deβ-MSH sur l'activite electrique du systeme nerveux central chez les mammiferes.
Some Restrictions in the Application of the Spearman-Brown Prophesy Formula to Observational Data

In at least two situations, use of the Spearman-Brown prophesy formula yields overestimates of the interobserver reliability of composite scores. The appropriate formulas for estimating the interobserver reliability of composite scores, as well as efficient means of estimating the elements in these formulas are presented.
Variants Other than Aspartic Acid at Codon 69 of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Reverse Transcriptase Gene Affect Susceptibility to Nucleoside Analogs

The T69D mutation in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase (RT) gene has been associated with reduced susceptibility to dideoxycytosine (ddC); however, several other mutations at codon 69 have been observed in antiretroviral drug-treated patients. The Stanford HIV RT and Protease Sequence Database was interrogated and showed that 23% of patients treated with nucleoside RT inhibitors (NRTI) had mutations at codon 69. These variants included T69N, -S, -A, -G, -E, -I, and -K mutations that were present in patients treated with NRTI but not in drug-naive patients. Treatment history information showed that a substantial percentage of these codon 69 changes occurred in patients administered non-ddC-containing regimens. Different and specific patterns of other RT gene mutations were associated with the various codon 69 mutations. Drug susceptibility assays showed that viral constructs containing codon 69 variants could have reduced susceptibility to ddC and other RT inhibitors. These results suggest that the T69D mutation is not the only codon 69 variant associated with drug resistance and that ddC is not the only drug affected.
Integrated analysis of societal vulnerability in an extreme precipitation event: A Fort Collins case study

Abstract Floods, droughts, heat waves, and storms have always been part of human lives because they are a normal part of climate variability. However, the observed trends and projected changes in global climate have the potential to alter patterns of these climatic hazards and extreme weather events. Extreme precipitation is one of the factors that contribute to flash floods, but it is the characteristics of the environment, individuals, and society that can turn these natural phenomena into life-threatening disasters. Past decades of disaster risk research and assessments have lead to many innovative approaches to integrating data across disciplinary domains. Recent advancements in integration of meteorological information with other environmental and social data, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), allow for integrated spatial assessments of societal vulnerability to weather-related hazards. A case study presented in this article builds on the substantial body of previous and ongoing research that is focused on developing improved methods for characterizing and quantifying vulnerabilities to weather hazards, in general, and extreme precipitation events, in particular. Integrating social science into meteorological research and practice has been a key interdisciplinary direction in the meteorological community. Therefore, with specific attention to integrating spatially explicit information on weather and society, this article focuses on interactions between meteorological and social characteristics of an extreme precipitation event that resulted in a flash flood disaster in Fort Collins, Colorado. Using the data from 1997 Fort Collins, Colorado extreme precipitation event, this study constructs a straightforward methodology for integrating meteorological data with readily available societal information into a GIS-based analysis of vulnerable people and places. With the goal of developing specific, targeted interventions and flash flood preparedness and emergency response actions, the analysis of societal vulnerability presented in this paper is specifically focused on the factors affecting population's response and coping capacities to an extreme precipitation event. Challenges associated with data limitations and integration of meteorological and societal data, with diverse units and scales, into a standardized relative vulnerability measure are discussed.
Update on the management of skin, soft-tissue, and osteoarticular infections in children.

Purpose of review To provide an update on the diagnosis and management of skin, soft-tissue, and osteoarticular infections in children. Recent findings Our understanding of the epidemiology of skin and soft-tissue infections and osteoarticular infections is changing rapidly. Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has become a predominant cause of childhood skin and soft-tissue infections. Kingella kingae is also increasingly identified as a cause of osteoarticular infections. Challenges in Staphylococcus aureus treatment and Kingella kingae identification are changing the approach to skin and soft-tissue infections and osteoarticular infections. Summary Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus should be considered a cause of skin and soft-tissue infections. Empiric antimicrobial choices should be modified in areas in which there is a more than 10% prevalence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection. Decontamination of shared sports equipment should be undertaken to minimize person-to-person spread. No established guideline for eradication of carriage of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus exists. Kingella kingae is a more prevalent cause of osteoarticular infections than previously recognized and can cause outbreaks of invasive infection via person-to-person transmission. Modification of culturing procedures for osteoarticular infections including inoculation of infected joint fluid and bone in blood-culture bottles should be considered.
TU-C-L100J-01: Commissioning of New Modalities for PACS

Purpose: Though equipment and software may claim to be DICOM compliant, interaction with a given electronic environment may result in unexpected problems from poor image quality to a disabled PACS. In order to prevent clinical disruption as a result of introducing a new modality into our electronic environment, we sought to institute a commissioning process that ensures rigor in testing and provides a record of outstanding issues. Methods: We developed a generic testing protocol which encompasses connectivity, workflow verification and image quality. The protocol is designed to be adaptable to the requirements of different modalities. First, analysis is done with images created in and sent through a “test” electronic environment which replicates the system used in production (RIS, PACS, worklist broker, clinical viewer and archive). Once the images have passed the “test” system, and we are confident that the modality will not disrupt clinical workflow, the same testing procedure is continued in the “production” system. In our case, testing is a coordinated effort amongst four groups (IT, Engineering, Radiology Systems Coordinators, and Medical Imaging Technology Specialists). A web based tool was set‐up to facilitate document sharing, multiple‐author‐editing of data collection forms and communication between groups. The testing protocol itself consists of five main categories each of which are detailed by each group according to their roles. Results: The testing protocol was used in the installation of a digital radiographic unit that was never before seen by our PACS. With this, problems were found and modifications to the modality and PACS were made. Conclusion: With the complex interdependent software systems involved in the practice of radiology, adding new systems to a network often results in unintended dire consequences. To mitigate clinical disruption, we've established a commissioning procedure that will be required for introducing new equipment or software into our electronic environment.
Proof verification and proof discovery for relativity

The vision of machines autonomously carrying out substantive conjecture generation, theorem discovery, proof discovery, and proof verification in mathematics and the natural sciences has a long history that reaches back before the development of automatic systems designed for such processes. While there has been considerable progress in proof verification in the formal sciences, for instance the Mizar project’ and the four-color theorem, now machine verified, there has been scant such work carried out in the realm of the natural sciences—until recently. The delay in the case of the natural sciences can be attributed to both a lack of formal analysis of the so-called “theories” in such sciences, and the lack of sufficient progress in automated theorem proving. While the lack of analysis is probably due to an inclination toward informality and empiricism on the part of nearly all of the relevant scientists, the lack of progress is to be expected, given the computational hardness of automated theorem proving; after all, theoremhood in even first-order logic is Turing-undecidable. We give in the present short paper a compressed report on our building upon these formal theories using logic-based AI in order to achieve, in relativity, both machine proof discovery and proof verification, for theorems previously established by humans. Our report is intended to serve as a springboard to machine-produced results in the future that have not been obtained by humans.
Binding energies for carbon atoms and clusters deposited on the Si(100) surface

Abstract Binding energies of carbon atoms adsorbed on a (2×1) reconstructed Si(100) surface were calculated as a function of sub-monolayer coverages. Also calculated were energies for C atoms deposited on the surface as small clusters, C n (with n = 3 and 4). All calculations were conducted considering a model potential function developed recently for systems containing C and Si atoms. For the low coverage limit (representing coverages up to one monolayer), carbon adatoms were considered as occupying only low energy surface sites. Owing to relatively large separations among these sites, C-C interactions are negligible and only Si-C interactions are found to be contributing to binding energies. The lowest binding energy in this case corresponds to a coverage of θ = 0.25. In the case of small C clusters deposited on the surface, however, binding energies were found to be stronger because of the increasing importance of C-C interactions. From an energetic viewpoint, results obtained in this study indicate that adsorbing C atoms on a Si(100) surface are more likely to form clusters than a layer-by-layer growth leading to a smooth and uniform surface coverage. This outcome was found to be consistent with various experimental results.
Anticoagulation inhibits tumor cell mediated release of platelet angiogenic proteins and diminishes platelet angiogenic response

Platelets are a reservoir for angiogenic proteins that are secreted in a differentially regulated process. Because of the propensity for clotting, patients with malignancy are often anticoagulated with heparin products, which paradoxically offer a survival benefit by an unknown mechanism. We hypothesized that antithrombotic agents alter the release of angiogenesis regulatory proteins from platelets. Our data revealed that platelets exposed to heparins released significantly decreased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in response to adenosine 5′-diphosphate or tumor cells (MCF-7 cells) and exhibited a decreased angiogenic potential. The releasate from these platelets contained decreased proangiogenic proteins. The novel anticoagulant fondaparinux (Xa inhibitor) demonstrated a similar impact on the platelet angiogenic potential. Because these anticoagulants decrease thrombin generation, we hypothesized that they disrupt signaling through the platelet protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) receptor. Addition of PAR1 antagonists to platelets decreased VEGF release and angiogenic potential. Exposure to a PAR1 agonist in the presence of anticoagulants rescued the angiogenic potential. In vivo studies demonstrated that platelets from anticoagulated patients had decreased VEGF release and angiogenic potential. Our data suggest that the mechanism by which antithrombotic agents increase survival and decrease metastasis in cancer patients is through attenuation of platelet angiogenic potential.
Effects of fructose and troglitazone on phospholipid fatty acid composition in rat skeletal muscle.

Skeletal muscle phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) composition is associated with insulin sensitivity in animal models and in man. However, it is not clear whether changes in insulin sensitivity cause a change in PLFA composition or vice versa. The present studies have examined the effects of agents known to increase or decrease insulin sensitivity on PLFA composition of the major phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), in soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscle. Four groups of Sprague-Dawley rats--control, 0.2% troglitazone (Tgz), 60% fructose fed, and fructose + Tgz--were treated for 3 wk. Fructose feeding was associated with a decrease in muscle membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and n-3 fatty acids in both PC and PE. Administration of Tgz alone resulted in an increase in liver (3.75 +/- 0.93 to 6.93 +/- 1.00 micromol/min/mg tissue, P < 0.05) and soleus muscle (0.34 +/- 0.03 to 0.67 +/- 0.09 micromol/min/mg, P < 0.01) elongase activity, which would be expected to increase membrane PUFA. However, Tgz decreased PLFA associated with greater insulin sensitivity (e.g., PUFA and n-3 fatty acids) and increased PLFA associated with decreased insulin sensitivity (16:0 and n-6 fatty acids) in both PC and PE. Co-administration of fructose and Tgz did not reverse the decrease in PUFA observed with fructose alone. We conclude that the improvement in insulin sensitivity reported with Tgz is associated with an apparently paradoxical effect to decrease PUFA and n-3 PLFA composition in rat skeletal muscle. These studies suggest that Tgz-mediated increases in insulin sensitivity do not result in improved PLFA composition.
Dynamics of kink band formation in columnar thermal barrier oxides

Abstract The dynamics of kink band formation in columnar yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) have been investigated via dynamic finite element modeling. A microstructure-based constitutive law models each column as a low-porosity solid and the intercolumnar zones as a high-porosity elastic–plastic foam. In the simulations, a rigid particle impacts a YSZ coating at fixed velocity. At the lowest velocities, kink bands develop having the characteristic location, orientation, and width established in previous quasi-static assessments. However, with increasing impact velocity and/or decreasing YSZ yield strength, kink bands are observed to form at increasingly shallower declinations. Thus a yield-strength-dependent velocity threshold exists, above which kink bands become non-penetrating. Kink band suppression is attributed to inertial stabilization of the columns against buckling. Further interrogation reveals that, for a given particle and YSZ yield strength, there exists a critical coating thickness above which kink-band-induced spallation cannot occur, regardless of impact velocity.
Role of polymerase β in complementing aprataxin deficiency during abasic-site base excision repair

5'-adenylated DNA adducts generated during nucleotide excision repair (NER) are removed by aprataxin to permit DNA end ligation. Now, structural and kinetic analyses reveal that NER enzymes DNA polymerase β and FEN1 can also excise these adducts and thus provide a 'backup' repair pathway for abasic sites.
Rapid two point kinetic determination of plasma lactic acid

1. Plasma levels of L-lactic acid weree determined employing a two-point kinetic, lactic dehydrogenase method without a protein free filtrate preparation. 2. The method was characterized with regards to precision, linearity, recovery and accuracy. 3. Regression analyses were accomplished by comparison of the kinetic and standard enzymatic end point procedures. 4. Clinically significant values are obtained within 50% less time than routine methods presently employed.
Effect of the experience of surgical chairpersons on departmental National Institutes of Health funding

Abstract Background Experience and application of recruitment packages can be critical in leadership efforts of surgical chairpersons in promoting research, although attrition of these efforts can happen over time due to lack of new resources. We aimed to examine the impact of experience of surgical chairpersons on departmental National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. Methods Experience as a chairperson defined as the number of years spent as an interim or permanent chair was abstracted from the department Web site (US medical schools only). The NIH funding (US dollars) of the departments were obtained from the Blue Ridge Medical Institute ( www.brimr.org ). The change in NIH funding from the immediate previous financial year (2010–2009 and 2011–2010) was used to classify chairpersons into four groups: group 1 (−/−), group 2 (−/+), group 3 (+/+), and group 4 (+/−) for analysis. Results Median NIH funding were $1.9 (0.7–6) million, $1.8 (0.6–5) million, and $1.7 (0.7–5) million for 2009, 2010, and 2011, respectively, and the median experience as a surgical chairperson was 6 y (3–10). Recent chairpersons ( n = 4 and [+/−] n = 2, 75%). Chairpersons who held their positions for 4–6 y were most likely to be associated with trends of positive funding growth, whereas chairpersons >10 y were most likely to have lost funding (66%, P = 0.07). Conclusions Provision of new development dollars later in their tenure and retention of chairpersons might lead to more positive trends in increase in NIH funding.
Developmental biology: a chordate with a difference.

Molecular studies of tunicate development show that genetic programmes for early embryonic patterning can change radically during evolution, without completely disrupting the basic chordate body plan.
Sudden infant death syndrome, sudden unexpected infant death, and apparent life-threatening events.

Key Points Most Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUIDs) are the result of preventable circumstances that include unsafe sleeping conditions, such as side or pronesleeping, bed-sharing and sofa sleeping. Prenatal exposure to factors such as parental smoking, and substance abuse increases the risk of SUIDwhen the infant is exposed to certain extrinsic conditions. There is no evidence that infants who experience an ALTE will succumb to SUIDs. Caretaker education is a key strategy to reduce the incidence of SUIDs.
Availability of information for dosing injectable medications in underweight or obese patients.

Purpose Product information and pivotal studies on newly marketed injectable medications were reviewed to determine whether a weight descriptor was included and if information was provided for dosing patients with extremes of body weight. Methods Products with new drug applications approved by the Food and Drug Administration between January 1, 2004, and January 30, 2009, were evaluated. Any information related to weight descriptors or dosing of patients with extremes of weight (body mass index of 40 kg/m2) relative to age and height was extracted from the product labeling or pivotal studies. Pharmaceutical companies were contacted if pivotal studies had not been published. The information was evaluated with a dosing usefulness score of 0–3; a score of 2 or greater was considered minimally adequate for dosing patients with extremes of weight. Results Of the 84 medications evaluated, some reference to weight descriptors was found for 23 (27%). None had a calculated usefulness score of 2 or above based on information from product information or pivotal trials. Conclusion Information from product labeling and pivotal studies involving newly marketed injectable medications is inadequate for dosing patients with extremes of weight.