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Shifting away from residential gas is important for decarbonisation, however there is little understanding of the equity implications, especially for low-income households. In this mixed methods study, we recruited a cohort of lower-income households in Australia and conducted a survey and focus group discussions to understand the barriers and enabling factors to electrifying homes. Drawing on key frameworks on energy vulnerability and adaptive capacity we show that rising energy costs shape energy hardship but can also drive some households to electrify to lower energy costs in the future. We identify home ownership and roof space as key assets influencing electrification, enabling the installation of solar panels which creates a positive feedback effect to shift to all-electric appliances. However, assets and resources alone are insufficient to enable electrification. We show the importance of trusted intermediaries and other social-relational factors for adaptation. We argue that the energy vulnerability literature, with its attention to needs and structural inequality, can enrich adaptive capacity approaches by focusing on how infrastructural politics and energy injustice shape electrification opportunities for lower-income households. We devise a relational framework based on a typological analysis to counterpose those lower-income households with strong and weak adaptive capacities, and high and low vulnerability to energy hardship. We argue that high adaptive capacity and low energy hardship can drive a virtuous cycle of upgrades to reduce the risk of energy hardship, whereas the combination of low adaptive capacity and high energy hardship can produce negative feedback that compounds hardship and makes electrification even less accessible.

The self-excited stick-slip oscillations of oilwell drillstrings are attributed to the nonlinear interaction between the drill-bit and the rock formation. Development of more accurate models will lead to improved predictions allowing more potential for successful suppression of the drillstring vibrations, thus reducing damage to the drilling system, prevention of expensive failures and increased output from the oilwell. In this paper, the effect of the transition from static friction to Coulomb friction on modelling of stick-slip phenomenon of oil well drill string is investigated through an analysis of the so called ‘decay factor’. Based on a distributed-lumped parameter model (DLPM) of the drilling system, the governing equations of motion for the system are obtained. By using different values of decay factor (low, high and medium), the stick-slip vibrations of the drill string are validated against published data from full-scale drill strings. The results from the simulation show that lowering the decay factor increases the critical speed and thus reduces the propensity for stick slip motion. However, a reduction in the decay factor also has the effect of inducing worse stick-slip motion once the critical speed has been reached. The results indicate the wider impact of both correct modelling of the decay factor, but also the importance of correct characterisation of the mud viscosity and drill/well contact for more accurate selection of drilling parameters in the field.

AbstractThe general theory developed by Ben Yaacov for metric structures provides Fraïssé limits which are approximately ultrahomogeneous. We show here that this result can be strengthened in the case of relational metric structures. We give an extra condition that guarantees exact ultrahomogenous limits. The condition is quite general. We apply it to stochastic processes, the class of diversities, and its subclass of $L_1$ diversities.

It is well established that coronavirus disease 2019 is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets, and there is mounting research speculation that it may also be transmitted via fomites. Several studies have shown that the virus can persist on both porous and nonporous surfaces for hours to days, depending upon the material. This article examines three cases of polymerase chain reaction–proven severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection with several additional individuals meeting CDC close contact criteria. In 1 case, 195 downstream contacts were all tested to prevent a mass outbreak in a deployment posture. Analysis of these contacts yielded only a single positive test, which could be reasonably ascribed to respiratory droplet transmission. While these cases and their contacts ultimately represent a small sample size, we suggest fomite spread may not be a significant means of transmission for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in real-world operational scenarios.

Labor is a complex physiological process requiring a well-orchestrated dialogue between the mother and fetus. However, the cellular contributions and communications that facilitate maternal-fetal cross-talk in labor have not been fully elucidated. Here, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was applied to decipher maternal-fetal signaling in the human placenta during term labor. First, a single-cell atlas of the human placenta was established, demonstrating that maternal and fetal cell types underwent changes in transcriptomic activity during labor. Cell types most affected by labor were fetal stromal and maternal decidual cells in the chorioamniotic membranes (CAMs) and maternal and fetal myeloid cells in the placenta. Cell-cell interaction analyses showed that CAM and placental cell types participated in labor-driven maternal and fetal signaling, including the collagen, C-X-C motif ligand (CXCL), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), galectin, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) pathways. Integration of scRNA-seq data with publicly available bulk transcriptomic data showed that placenta-derived scRNA-seq signatures could be monitored in the maternal circulation throughout gestation and in labor. Moreover, comparative analysis revealed that placenta-derived signatures in term labor were mirrored by those in spontaneous preterm labor and birth. Furthermore, we demonstrated that early in gestation, labor-specific, placenta-derived signatures could be detected in the circulation of women destined to undergo spontaneous preterm birth, with either intact or prelabor ruptured membranes. Collectively, our findings provide insight into the maternal-fetal cross-talk of human parturition and suggest that placenta-derived single-cell signatures can aid in the development of noninvasive biomarkers for the prediction of preterm birth.

•OmGel is a patient-derived matrix with unprecedented similarity with the matrix of ovarian metastatic tumours.•OmGel is a physiologically and clinically relevant matrix for functional assays in vitro.•OmGel supports invasion of ovarian cancer cells.•OmGel modulates CAF phenotype.

Actin-based protrusions are reinforced through positive feedback, but it is unclear what restricts their size, or limits positive signals when they retract or split. We identify an evolutionarily conserved regulator of actin-based protrusion: CYRI (CYFIP-related Rac interactor) also known as Fam49 (family of unknown function 49). CYRI binds activated Rac1 via a domain of unknown function (DUF1394) shared with CYFIP, defining DUF1394 as a Rac1-binding module. CYRI-depleted cells have broad lamellipodia enriched in Scar/WAVE, but reduced protrusion–retraction dynamics. Pseudopods induced by optogenetic Rac1 activation in CYRI-depleted cells are larger and longer lived. Conversely, CYRI overexpression suppresses recruitment of active Scar/WAVE to the cell edge, resulting in short-lived, unproductive protrusions. CYRI thus focuses protrusion signals and regulates pseudopod complexity by inhibiting Scar/WAVE-induced actin polymerization. It thus behaves like a ‘local inhibitor’ as predicted in widely accepted mathematical models, but not previously identified in cells. CYRI therefore regulates chemotaxis, cell migration and epithelial polarization by controlling the polarity and plasticity of protrusions.

Hot spotting is a thermal localisation phenomenon in which multiple hot regions form on a brake disc surface during high-energy and/or high-speed braking events. As an undesired problem, hot spots can result in high-order brake judder, an audible droning noise and thermal cracking. This paper presents a finite element model for hot-spot modelling which introduces the classical axisymmetric assumptions to the brake pad in three dimensions by scaling the material properties combined with a subroutine to simulate the heat generation instead of modelling the rotation of the brake pad. The results from the initial feasibility models showed significant improvement in the computing efficiency with acceptable accuracy when compared with a traditional finite element model without such simplifications. This method was then applied to three-dimensional simulations of hot spotting on a realistic ventilated brake disc–pad pair, and the results showed good correlation with the experiments. In order to improve the understanding of the hot-spotting mechanism, parametric studies were performed including the effects of a solid-disc geometry and a ventilated-disc geometry, the rotational speed and energy, the pins, the disc run-out and the brake pad length. Based on the analysis of the results, it was identified that the vents and the pins affected the hot-spot distribution. The speed was shown to be more important in the hot-spot generation time and the hot-spot distribution than either the pressure or the total energy input was. The brake disc run-out was shown to affect the magnitude of both the hot-spot temperature and the hot-spot height because of the non-linear relationship between the local deformation, the contact pressure and the heat generation. Finally, increasing the brake pad length generated fewer hot spots, but the temperature of each hot spot increased.

The polarity regulator Par3 directs the reorganization of the apical membrane in polarized cells through the action of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and the Rac1 exchange factor Tiam1. This mechanism may be exploited by pathogens to bypass the epithelial barrier.

Advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) has a poor prognosis and new treatments are needed. In our study, multiplatform molecular profiling of UC identified unconventional treatment options in most cases. Different molecular profiles are exhibited between bladder and nonbladder UCs.

One of the roles of the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is to provide information for health professionals. The objective of this work was to understand the effectiveness of the SmPC document in communicating essential information to prescribers. The process of user testing, widely used to test information for patients, was applied. First, 30 general practitioners were involved in the testing of the SmPC for Lariam, an antimalarial drug. As user testing is an iterative process, 15 points of information in the original SmPC were tested in 3 rounds of 10 participants. The document was revised between rounds according to the results; good practice in information writing and design was used. Next, the SmPC for CellCept, an immunosuppressant, was tested in 20 senior hospital doctors. Again, the document was revised between rounds, according to the results, with revisions also taking account of findings from the Lariam testing related to the general structure of SmPCs. Of the 15 points of information tested, for the original Lariam SmPC, 6 points of information met the target of 90% to find, and 90% of those to understand, whereas for the final version of the CellCept SmPC, 11 points of information met this target. Qualitative comments showed that in their current format, SmPCs are of low perceived value to prescribers and are not central to the clinicians’ prescribing behavior. Current content and presentation of SmPCs, while meeting regulatory approval standards, contribute little to the safe and effective use of medication in practice. Key recommendations include revising and simplifying the heading structure and making the headings more visible, adding a “Key Information” summary at the start, using simpler language, and adding bullet points for listings.

One of the roles of the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is to provide information for health professionals. The objective of this work was to understand the effectiveness of the SmPC document in communicating essential information to prescribers. The process of user testing, widely used to test information for patients, was applied. First, 30 general practitioners were involved in the testing of the SmPC for Lariam, an antimalarial drug. As user testing is an iterative process, 15 points of information in the original SmPC were tested in 3 rounds of 10 participants. The document was revised between rounds according to the results; good practice in information writing and design was used. Next, the SmPC for CellCept, an immunosuppressant, was tested in 20 senior hospital doctors. Again, the document was revised between rounds, according to the results, with revisions also taking account of findings from the Lariam testing related to the general structure of SmPCs. Of the 15 points of information tested, for the original Lariam SmPC, 6 points of information met the target of 90% to find, and 90% of those to understand, whereas for the final version of the CellCept SmPC, 11 points of information met this target. Qualitative comments showed that in their current format, SmPCs are of low perceived value to prescribers and are not central to the clinicians’ prescribing behavior. Current content and presentation of SmPCs, while meeting regulatory approval standards, contribute little to the safe and effective use of medication in practice. Key recommendations include revising and simplifying the heading structure and making the headings more visible, adding a “Key Information” summary at the start, using simpler language, and adding bullet points for listings.

The article offers step-by-step instructions for making spinning wheel with the help of timber and a few woodworking tools.

California BOTANIC GARDEN When it came to selecting a new logo for CaliforniaBotanic Garden--the new name of Rancho SantaAna Botanic Garden--the Matilija poppy (Romneyacoulteri) jumped to the front of the line. There ismuch to appreciate about the Matilija poppy--inour ecosystems, gardens and cultures--making it ahighly appropriate emblem for California BotanicGarden (CalBG). Simultaneously, CalBG drives world-class researchand conservation programs focusing on Californianative plants. [Extracted from the article]

Ion channels are characterized by inherently stochastic behavior which can be represented by continuous-time Markov models (CTMM). Although methods for collecting data from single ion channels are available, translating a time series of open and closed channels to a CTMM remains a challenge. Bayesian statistics combined with Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling provide means for estimating the rate constants of a CTMM directly from single channel data. In this article, different approaches for the MCMC sampling of Markov models are combined. This method, new to our knowledge, detects overparameterizations and gives more accurate results than existing MCMC methods. It shows similar performance as QuB-MIL, which indicates that it also compares well with maximum likelihood estimators. Data collected from an inositol trisphosphate receptor is used to demonstrate how the best model for a given data set can be found in practice.

Although formal planning procedures are key parts of military doctrine, they may not be well suited to highly dynamic, time-pressured environments. The authors describe an intuitive planning process developed as an alternative to the procedure used by the Canadian Forces (CF). The Intuitive Operational Planning Process (IOPP) treats planning as a highly iterative process of incremental refinement in which a single course of action is elaborated and continually evaluated for its suitability. To examine the effectiveness of the IOPP, 12 members of a reserve CF Civil Military Cooperation unit of Land Force Central Area acted as planning staffs and created plans for two simulated planning exercises. Participants employed the IOPP for one scenario and the existing CF Operational Planning Process (OPP) for another. The teams were able to successfully employ the IOPP to develop acceptable plans; however, it was not possible to determine statistically that the quality of these plans surpassed that of plans generated with the OPP because of limitations of the data set. The IOPP was judged to be very easy to use, but teams expressed less trust in it than the existing OPP. The IOPP may foster greater collaboration and commander involvement in planning than the OPP.

This paper describes the development and evaluation of an intuitive planning process as an alternative to the Canadian Forces Operational Planning Process (CFOPP), a formal planning procedure based on analytical decision theory. The Intuitive Operations Planning Process (IOPP) is an iterative planning procedure, developed for this project, in which a single course of action is continually evaluated and refined. An experimental evaluation of the IOPP was conducted in which two planning teams performed two simulated planning tasks, once with the CFOPP and once with the IOPP. Results show that the IOPP outperformed the CFOPP in terms of efficiency, quality of planning products, usability, operational effectiveness, and workload, but was rated inferior in terms of trust and reliability, and the potential to lead to errors. It appears that the IOPP may be able to provide benefits to operational planning in terms of both efficiency and effectiveness and its use should therefore be further examined.

Several alternative models of operational planning have been proposed that adopt an intuitive or recognition-primed decision strategy, compared to one that is analytical. Although these models have been generated from anecdotal reports and observations of planning in operational settings, a systematic comparison of doctrinal and applied planning processes has never been documented. This paper describes the work done to empirically compare the planning process, as applied during a Brigade (Bde) level exercise, to the doctrinal Canadian Forces (CF) Operations Planning Process (OPP). Observers followed and documented all of the planning functions performed by the Plans Cell using the CFOPP as a reference. Results suggest that: the applied OPP, conducted at Brigade level, is a hybrid and abbreviated version of doctrinal OPP; planning is somewhat opportunistic and involves intuitive decision making by both the Commander and Staff; the OPP, as applied in an operational setting, is a command-driven process, and, intuitive decision making at individual (lower) function level by Staff member could lead to more efficient planning. These results have implications for doctrine, training, OPP process refinement and planning tool design.

The Observe–Orient–Decide–Act (OODA) Loop, a common framework in which military decision making is discussed, is no longer current with modern theories of human cognition. A new framework, based on theoretical advances in the cognitive sciences since the 1950s, is proposed in this paper. The Critique–Explore–Compare–Adapt (CECA) Loop is explicitly based on the premise that goal-oriented mental models are central to human decision making as the means to represent and make sense of the world. The framework assumes that operational planning establishes the initial conceptual model, which is a mental model of the plan. A situation modelis created to represent the state of the battlespace at any given point in time. The 4 phases of the CECA Loop broadly correspond to the identification of information needs (critique), active and passive data collection and situation updating (explore), comparison of the current situation to the conceptual model (compare), and adaptation to aspects of the battlespace that invalidate the conceptual model or block the path to goal completion (adapt). The CECA Loop is intended to serve as a practical but widely applicable framework in which to think about decision making in the context of command and control.

Provides tips on how to make chairs for children. Materials and tools used; Parts list and their dimension; Determination of the seat height corresponding to the age a child; Construction of the chair.

Describes the design of the comb-back chair. Use of a slope board in drilling the leg sockets; Utilization of travisher in hollowing the seat; Measurement of the chair legs; Production of the sawn sticks necessary for spindle; Details of how to fit the armrest.

Provides information pertaining to steam bending in woodwork. Steaming equipment; Steam generation; Steaming the wood; Fomers and bending jigs; Post and rung chairs. INSETS: BENDING STRAP.;TOP TIPS FROM STEAM BENDING..

The article discusses on using rounding and trapping planes for shaping chair back spindles. The article provides a discussion on the tools for the job, using modern rounders, rounding by hand, rounding using a lathe and using a trapping plane. The author also discusses on preparation and feeding of larger stock squares.

The article provides methods on how to make a Windsor side chair which involves steam bending techniques and using rounding tools. The materials and tools needed for the project are presented, including cutting dimensions. The best material for a Windsor chair seat is undoubtedly elm with its convulated grain. An overview of the whole construction process of the parts is also presented and thoroughly discussed. Final assembly and finishing techniques that involve polishing and staining are provided.

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors (FGFRs) signal to modulate diverse cellular functions, including epithelial cell morphogenesis. In epithelial cells, E-cadherin plays a key role in cell-cell adhesion, and its function can be regulated through endocytic trafficking. In this study, we investigated the location, trafficking, and function of FGFR1 and E-cadherin and report a novel mechanism, based on endocytic trafficking, for the coregulation of E-cadherin and signaling from FGFR1. FGF induces the internalization of surface FGFR1 and surface E-cadherin, followed by nuclear translocation of FGFR1. The internalization of both proteins is regulated by common endocytic machinery, resulting in cointernalization of FGFR1 and E-cadherin into early endosomes. By blocking endocytosis, we show that this is a requisite, initial step for the nuclear translocation of FGFR1. Overexpression of E-cadherin blocks both the coendocytosis of E-cadherin and FGFR1, the nuclear translocation of FGFR1 and FGF-induced signaling to the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Furthermore, stabilization of surface adhesive E-cadherin, by overexpressing p120ctn, also blocks internalization and nuclear translocation of FGFR1. These data reveal that conjoint endocytosis and trafficking is a novel mechanism for the coregulation of E-cadherin and FGFR1 during cell signaling and morphogenesis.

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors (FGFRs) signal to modulate diverse cellular functions, including epithelial cell morphogenesis. In epithelial cells, E-cadherin plays a key role in cell-cell adhesion, and its function can be regulated through endocytic trafficking. In this study, we investigated the location, trafficking, and function of FGFR1 and E-cadherin and report a novel mechanism, based on endocytic trafficking, for the coregulation of E-cadherin and signaling from FGFR1. FGF induces the internalization of surface FGFR1 and surface E-cadherin, followed by nuclear translocation of FGFR1. The internalization of both proteins is regulated by common endocytic machinery, resulting in cointernalization of FGFR1 and E-cadherin into early endosomes. By blocking endocytosis, we show that this is a requisite, initial step for the nuclear translocation of FGFR1. Overexpression of E-cadherin blocks both the coendocytosis of E-cadherin and FGFR1, the nuclear translocation of FGFR1 and FGF-induced signaling to the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Furthermore, stabilization of surface adhesive E-cadherin, by overexpressing p120ctn, also blocks internalization and nuclear translocation of FGFR1. These data reveal that conjoint endocytosis and trafficking is a novel mechanism for the coregulation of E-cadherin and FGFR1 during cell signaling and morphogenesis.

Advises woodworkers on how to make a baby cot bed with a base that can be adjusted to varying heights to suit the baby as it grows. Multi-purpose design; Cot safety; Slat spacing; Ledges and holes; Fitting of the mattress to the frame and vice versa; Mattress position; Test requirements, such as strength of the cot frame; Dimensions; Fittings required; Construction procedures; Drawings and pictures of parts; Joining of cot end frames; End frames assembly; Finishing instructions; Safety requirements.