cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On security-aware transmission scheduling

The problem of interest is to characterize to what extent nodes independently following certain transmission schedules can be hijacked to relay flows of information packets. Information flows can be embedded in given transmission schedules by properly adding delays and inserting dummy packets. Such hidden flows are usually indicators of network intrusion, and it is of interest to know their rates. The maximum rate of information flow that can be transmitted without causing the transmission activities to deviate from given transmission schedules is used to measure the covert capacity under these schedules. Based on the assumption that information flows have bounded delays, a theoretical framework is constructed to quantitively analyze the covert capacity under transmission schedules modeled by renewal processes. Explicit solution is obtained for Poisson processes. The results suggest a close correlation between the covert capacity and the traffic burstiness.
The influence of scale on distributed file system design

The proposition that scale should be recognized as a primary factor influencing the architecture and implementation of distributed systems is validated using Andrew and Coda, two distributed file systems. Performance, operability, and security are dominant considerations in the design of these systems. Availability is a further consideration the design of Coda. Client caching, bulk data transfer, token-based mutual authentication and hierarchical organization of the protection domain have emerged as mechanisms that enhance scalability. The separation of concerns made possible by functional specialization has also proved valuable in scaling. Heterogeneity is an important by-product of growth, but the mechanisms available to cope with it are rudimentary. Physical separation of clients and servers turns out to be a critical requirement for scalability. >
A Dual Oxide CMOS Universal Voltage Converter for Power Management in Multi-V DD SoCs

Level converters are becoming overhead for the circuits they are being employed in. If their power consumption continues to grow, they will fail to serve the very purpose they were built for. In this paper we propose the application of a dual-TOX (DOXCMOS) technique for the power-delay optimization of a DC to DC voltage level converter under oxide thickness (TOX) and transistor geometry constraints. The results show power savings of 83% and delay improvement of 60% over existing designs. The proposed level converter is capable of performing level-up/down conversion, and blocking of the input signal. The design is area optimal, with a minimum number of transistors. It is a robust design producing a stable output for voltages as low as O.&V and loads varying from 10 fF to 200 fF for a 90 nm technology. The average power dissipation of the converter with a 45 fF capacitive load is 19.89 muW. The entire design cycle has been carried out up to physical design, including parasitic re-simulation. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first level converter designed using a DOXCMOS technology for power-delay optimization.
Detecting Linear and Nonlinear Dependence in Stock Returns: New Methods Derived from Chaos Theory

Interest in the relevance of nonlinear dynamics to fields such as finance and economics has spurred the development of new methods of analysis for time series data. Early tests for chaos led to problems when applied to financial and economic data. This motivated development of the BDS family of statistics to test for nonlinearity generally. More recently, another method of analysis has been introduced into the scientific literature. It uses a test for chaos which is relatively simple and appropriate for financial data. A quantitative version of this test is developed here and is used to analyze stock return data.
Phonation threshold pressure and flow in excised human larynges

Objectives/Hypothesis: To determine the phonation threshold pressure (PTP) and phonation threshold flow (PTF) in excised human larynges; determine the effects of posterior glottal width, glottal area, and gender on PTP and PTF; test the hypothesis that hysteresis is present in excised human laryngeal phonation; and compare these results to those from canine experiments and human subject measurements. Study Design: Induced phonation of excised human larynges in the laboratory. Methods: Nine human larynges were harvested within 24 hours postmortem. PTP and PTF at phonation onset and offset were measured on a bench apparatus. The effects of posterior glottal width, glottal area, and gender were examined. Results: Large intersubject variability was observed in PTP and PTF. PTP was comparable to those measured in vivo, whereas PTF was substantially higher. One-way ANOVA showed no significant dependence of PTP and PTF on posterior glottal width. Hysteresis was observed, with offset PTP and PTF lower than onset values. Offset measurements had significantly less variability than onset measurements (P = .012 for PTP, P = .0001 for PTF). Conclusions: This study is one of the first to report onset and offset PTP and PTF in fresh excised human larynges. The high PTF observed likely reflects a large direct current flow component due to vocal fold bowing. Offset PTP and PTF values may be intrinsically more reliably measured than onset values. The large intersubject variability in PTP and PTF may have implication for the clinical application of these aerodynamic parameters of phonation.
LID Treatment Train: Pervious Concrete with Subsurface Storage in Series with Bioretention and Care with Seasonal High Water Tables

AbstractTwo infiltrating low-impact development (LID) practices configured in-series, pervious concrete and bioretention (PC-B), were monitored for 17 months to examine the hydrologic and water quality response of this LID treatment train design. For the first LID practice, 0.53 ha of pervious concrete was installed to treat direct rainfall and run-on from 0.36 ha of asphalt parking lot. The pervious concrete was installed over a gravel subsurface storage basin, which was designed to store 25 mm (1 in.) of runoff from the parking lot before draining into the second LID practice, which was a 0.05 ha bioretention cell. The bioretention cell was conventionally drained, had a media depth of 0.5 m (1.6 ft), and was constructed at a location with a high water table. Outflow was only generated in 33 out of 80 monitored events, and over the course of the entire monitoring period, the total outflow volume reduction was 69%. The large outflow reduction subsequently led to high pollutant load reductions for total ni...
Role of IL-6 in the resolution of pancreatitis in obese mice

Obesity increases severity of acute pancreatitis and risk of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatitis and obesity are associated with elevated IL-6, a cytokine involved in inflammation and tumorigenesis. We studied the role of IL-6 in the response of lean and obese mice to pancreatitis induced by IL-12 + IL-18. Lean and diet-induced obese (DIO) WT and IL-6 KO mice and ob/ob mice pretreated with anti-IL-6 antibodies were evaluated at Days 1, 7, and 15 after induction of pancreatitis. Prolonged elevation of IL-6 in serum and visceral adipose tissue was observed in DIO versus lean WT mice, whereas circulating sIL-6R declined in DIO but not lean mice with pancreatitis. The severe inflammation and lethality of DIO mice were also observed in IL-6 KO mice. However, the delayed resolution of neutrophil infiltration; sustained production of CXCL1, CXCL2, and CCL2; prolonged activation of STAT-3; and induction of MMP-7 in the pancreas, as well as heightened induction of serum amylase A of DIO mice, were blunted significantly in DIO IL-6 KO mice. In DIO mice, production of OPN and TIMP-1 was increased for a prolonged period, and this was mediated by IL-6 in the liver but not the pancreas. Results obtained in IL-6 KO mice were confirmed in ob/ob mice pretreated with anti-IL-6 antibodies. In conclusion, IL-6 does not contribute to the increased severity of pancreatitis of obese mice but participates in delayed recovery from acute inflammation and may favor development of a protumorigenic environment through prolonged activation of STAT-3, induction of MMP-7, and sustained production of chemokines.
A spline-based approach for computing spatial impulse responses

Computer simulations are an essential tool for the design of phased-array ultrasonic imaging systems. FIELD II, which determines the two-way temporal response of a transducer at a point in space, is the current de facto standard for ultrasound simulation tools. However, the need often arises to obtain two-way spatial responses at a single point in time, a set of dimensions for which FIELD II is not well optimized. This paper describes an analytical approach for computing the two-way, far-field, spatial impulse response from rectangular transducer elements under arbitrary excitation. The described approach determines the response as the sum of polynomial functions, making computational implementation quite straightforward. The proposed algorithm, named DELFI, was implemented as a C routine under Matlab and results were compared to those obtained under similar conditions from the well-established FIELD II program. Under the specific conditions tested here, the proposed algorithm was approximately 142 times faster than FIELD II for computing spatial sensitivity functions with similar amounts of error. For temporal sensitivity functions with similar amounts of error, the proposed algorithm was about 1.7 times slower than FIELD II using rectangular elements and 19.2 times faster than FIELD II using triangular elements. DELFI is shown to be an attractive complement to FIELD II, especially when spatial responses are needed at a specific point in time
Scattering muon radiography and its application to the detection of high-Z materials

We have proposed a new method for nuclear material contraband detection based on cosmic ray muon radiography. The method is safe, because it does not include the generation of any artificial radiation, but uses naturally produced high-energy muons. Results obtained with our prototype experiment, and from simulations demonstrate the feasibility of the method for the detection of high-Z materials hidden inside different types of ordinary cargo. Detector technology for muon detection is mature and enables cost-effective design for a muon radiography apparatus. Image reconstruction is not trivial and may be done in various ways. We developed the PoCA algorithm for image reconstruction and the MC (muon crossing) algorithm for the detection of high-Z material. Our simulations of a full-scale muon radiography system suggest high efficiency of detection in 1 minute of exposure with a low number of false positives for a 20 kg of uranium hidden inside 11 tons of uniformly distributed iron.
Variation in opsin genes correlates with signalling ecology in North American fireflies

Genes underlying signal reception should evolve to maximize signal detection in a particular environment. In animals, opsins, the protein component of visual pigments, are predicted to evolve according to this expectation. Fireflies are known for their bioluminescent mating signals. The eyes of nocturnal species are expected to maximize the detection of conspecific signal colours emitted in the typical low-light environment. This is not expected for species that have transitioned to diurnal activity in bright daytime environments. Here, we test the hypothesis that opsin gene sequence plays a role in modifying firefly eye spectral sensitivity. We use genome and transcriptome sequencing in four firefly species, transcriptome sequencing in six additional species and targeted gene sequencing in 28 other species to identify all opsin genes present in North American fireflies and to elucidate amino acid sites under positive selection. We also determine whether amino acid substitutions in opsins are linked to evolutionary changes in signal mode, signal colour and light environment. We find only two opsins, one long wavelength and one ultraviolet, in all firefly species and identify 25 candidate sites that may be involved in determining spectral sensitivity. In addition, we find elevated rates of evolution at transitions to diurnal activity, and changes in selective constraint on long wavelength opsin associated with changes in light environment. Our results suggest that changes in eye spectral sensitivity are at least partially due to opsin sequence. Fireflies continue to be a promising system in which to investigate the evolution of signals, receptors and signalling environments.
Memories d'Espoir: l'Effort, 1962 by Charles de Gaulle; Memories of Hope: Renewal and Endeavor

Memoires d'Espoir: l'Effort, 1962. by Charles de Gaulle; Memoirs of Hope: Renewal and Endeavor. by Charles de Gaulle; Terence Kilmartin; Les Chenes qu'on Abat. by Andre Malraux Review by: Francis A. Beer The Journal of Politics, Vol. 34, No. 3 (Aug., 1972), pp. 1000-1001 Published by: Cambridge University Press on behalf of the Southern Political Science Association Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2129312 . Accessed: 04/02/2014 13:29
Usefulness of left ventricular shape to predict the early recovery of left ventricular function after isolated aortic valve replacement for aortic valve stenosis.

Improvement in left ventricular (LV) systolic function after aortic valve replacement (AVR) has been observed in patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS). However, the factors that predict such recovery remain unclear. We sought to identify the predictive value of the LV spherical shape for LV functional recovery after "isolated" AVR in patients with severe AS and LV dysfunction. We examined 90 patients with severe AS and LV systolic dysfunction by echocardiography before and after AVR. Patients with known coronary artery disease, significant aortic or mitral regurgitation, and other cardiac surgery were excluded. LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes indexes and ejection fraction (EF) were measured by the Simpson method. LV mass index was calculated by the area-length method. LV end-diastolic and end-systolic sphericity were calculated as the ratio of the minor axis to the major axis of the left ventricle in apical 4-chamber view. The postoperative EF was significantly associated with preoperative EF, end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes indexes, LV mass index, and end-diastolic and end-systolic sphericity (all p or =50%) after AVR were 65% and 83% for end-diastolic sphericity <0.57 and 68% and 91% for end-systolic sphericity <0.47, respectively. In conclusion, LV spherical shape and dilatation predicted poor LV functional recovery after isolated AVR in severe AS.
Expanding the Definition and Measurement of Knowledge Economy: Integrating Triple Bottom Line Factors into Knowledge Economy Index Models and Methodologies ∗

The application of knowledge is a primary source of growth in the knowledge economy. The World Bank Group has developed a rigorous assessment methodology for assessing a country’s ability to access and use knowledge to become more competitive in the knowledge economy of the 21st century. The World Bank’s annual knowledge economy index is grounded on a four-pillar model: (1) economic incentives and institutional regime; (2) education and skills; (3) information and communication infrastructure; and (4) innovation systems. An argument can be made that the model lacks coverage of some key factors that pertain to intellectual capital and the production and consumption of knowledge. The model’s heavy focus on economic incentives and open institutional regimes comes at a societal cost. This paper proposes an alternative knowledge economy index which is grounded in a more holistic and balanced view of a knowledge society. Adopting the perspective of triple bottom line shifts the purpose and design of a knowledge economy from one of aggregation and reporting to action and involvement. The World Bank’s scorecard and indexing methodology are adaptable to this new perspective and a new set of indicators.
Rab9 GTPase Regulates Late Endosome Size and Requires Effector Interaction for Its Stability

Rab9 GTPase resides in a late endosome microdomain together with mannose 6-phosphate receptors (MPRs) and the tail-interacting protein of 47 kDa (TIP47). To explore the importance of Rab9 for micro...
Genome-wide identification of Xenopus matrix metalloproteinases: conservation and unique duplications in amphibians

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are members of the superfamily of Zn2+ dependent extracellular or membrane-bound endopeptidases which have been implicated to play critical roles in vertebrate development and human pathogenesis. A number of MMP genes have been found to be upregulated in some or all organs during frog metamorphosis, suggesting that different MMPs may have different functions in various organs/tissues. The recent advances in EST (expressed sequence tag) sequencing and the completion of the genome of Xenopus (X.) tropicalis prompted us to systematically analyze the existence of MMPs in the Xenopus genome. We examined X. laevis and X. tropicalis ESTs and genomic sequences for MMPs and obtained likely homologs for 20 out of the 25 MMPs known in higher vertebrates. Four of the five missing MMPs, i.e. MMPs 8, 10, 12 and 27, were all encoded on human Chromosome 11 and the other missing MMP, MMP22 (a chicken MMP), was also absent in human genome. In addition, we identified several novel MMPs which appears to be derived from unique duplications over evolution, are present in the genomes of both Xenopus species. We identified the homologs of most of the mammalian MMPs in Xenopus and discovered a number of novel MMPs. Our results suggest that MMP genes undergo dynamic changes over evolution. It will be of interest in the future to investigate whether MMP expression and functions during vertebrate development are conserved. The sequence information reported here should facilitate such an endeavor in the near future.
Regulation of adipogenesis by medium-chain fatty acids in the absence of hormonal cocktail.

We report here that octanoate and decanoate, 8-carbon and 10-carbon medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), decreased adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes when treated with standard hormonal cocktail, but increased adipogenesis in a dose-dependent manner (with decanoate being more effective) when treated with basal media. Addition of dexamethasone to basal medium with either octanoate or decanoate further increased adipogenesis. In order to understand the adipogenic effects of MCFA in the absence of standard hormonal cocktail, postconfluent 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were treated with octanoate or decanoate, and the change in the expression of several adipogenic transcription factors and enzymes was investigated using real-time RT-PCR. Octanoate and decanoate up-regulated the mRNA expression of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) α, fatty-acid-binding protein, sterol-regulatory element binding protein 1c, lipoprotein lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase, and the protein expression of PPARγ and C/EBPα, with decanoate being more effective. Moreover, the PPARγ antagonist GW9662 inhibited MCFA-induced lipid accumulation by about 50%. Decanoate and octanoate, to a lesser degree, increased lipid accumulation, which was associated with an increase in glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. These results show that octanoate and decanoate may stimulate differentiation of preadipocytes, at least in part, by their influence on the expression of PPARγ and other adipocyte-specific factors.
Intermittent cocaine self-administration produces sensitization of stimulant effects at the dopamine transporter

Previous literature investigating neurobiological adaptations following cocaine self-administration has shown that high, continuous levels of cocaine intake (long access; LgA) results in reduced potency of cocaine at the dopamine transporter (DAT), whereas an intermittent pattern of cocaine administration (intermittent access; IntA) results in sensitization of cocaine potency at the DAT. Here, we aimed to determine whether these changes are specific to cocaine or translate to other psychostimulants. Psychostimulant potency was assessed by fast-scan cyclic voltammetry in brain slices containing the nucleus accumbens following IntA, short access, and LgA cocaine self-administration, as well as in brain slices from naive animals. We assessed the potency of amphetamine (a releaser), and methylphenidate (a DAT blocker, MPH). MPH was selected because it is functionally similar to cocaine and structurally related to amphetamine. We found that MPH and amphetamine potencies were increased following IntA, whereas neither was changed following LgA or short access cocaine self-administration. Therefore, whereas LgA-induced tolerance at the DAT is specific to cocaine as shown in previous work, the sensitizing effects of IntA apply to cocaine, MPH, and amphetamine. This demonstrates that the pattern with which cocaine is administered is important in determining the neurochemical consequences of not only cocaine effects but potential cross-sensitization/cross-tolerance effects of other psychostimulants as well.
Proposed staging system modifications for advanced bronchioloalveolar carcinoma supported with a population-based validation study

7559 Background: Concordant with surgical series, our prior analysis of US SEER data demonstrates improved survival for BAC patients with stage IIIB disease due to multiple lesions in the same lobe...
Property, Authority and Personal Law: Waqf In Colonial South Asia

British rule in South Asia transformed the economy and society of the subcontinent, in large part by revamping the status of landed property. Colonial law was founded on the notion that ostensibly ...
Stopping Short of Certainty

Stage A 68-year-old man was evaluated for a two-year history of hypercalcemia, constipation, generalized weakness, and slowing of intellectual function. He had a 20-year history of recurrent nephrolithiasis. He had been treated for a peptic ulcer at the age of 60 and had had no symptoms of recurrent ulcer disease thereafter. He had also had mild hypertension treated with atenolol and stable renal insufficiency (blood urea nitrogen level, 46 mg per deciliter; serum creatinine level, 3.3 mg per deciliter) since the age of 66. Hypercalcemia was first detected when the patient was 60 years old, when he passed a kidney . . .
Clinical analysis of 43 cases of tuberculosis meningitis

Objective To explore the diagnosis and prognosis of tuberculosis meningitis. Methods The clinical data of 43 cases diagnosed in hospital with tuberculosis meningitis from May 1993 to December 2004 were retrospectively analyzed. Results The improvement rate was 83.3% and the death rate was 9.3%. Three patients left hospital by themselves. Conclusion The clinical manifestations,cerebro-spinal fluid examination,tuberculosis outside brain and the test of CT are the key to the diagnosis of tuberculosis meningitis. The early diagnosis and treatment of the disease are crucial in improving the prognosis.
Barriers to inhaled gene therapy of obstructive lung diseases: A review

Knowledge of genetic origins of obstructive lung diseases has made inhaled gene therapy an attractive alternative to the current standards of care that are limited to managing disease symptoms. Initial lung gene therapy clinical trials occurred in the early 1990s following the discovery of the genetic defect responsible for cystic fibrosis (CF), a monogenic disorder. However, despite over two decades of intensive effort, gene therapy has yet to help patients with CF or any other obstructive lung disease. The slow progress is due in part to poor understanding of the biological barriers to inhaled gene therapy. Encouragingly, clinical trials have shown that inhaled gene therapy with various viral vectors and non-viral gene vectors is well tolerated by patients, and continued research has provided valuable lessons and resources that may lead to future success of this therapeutic strategy. In this review, we first introduce representative obstructive lung diseases and examine limitations of currently available therapeutic options. We then review key components for successful execution of inhaled gene therapy, including gene delivery systems, primary physiological barriers and strategies to overcome them, and advances in preclinical disease models with which the most promising systems may be identified for human clinical trials.
Analyzing DNA Replication Dynamics of Genotoxin-Treated Cells Using Velocity Sedimentation

Following acquisition of DNA damage S-phase progression may potentially be affected via multiple mechanisms. For example DNA damage-activated signal transduction pathways negatively regulate the initiation of DNA synthesis at unfired origins of replication, a process termed the 'S-phase checkpoint' or the 'intra-S-phase checkpoint'. Additionally, many DNA lesions pose physical barriers to replication forks and therefore inhibit DNA synthesis directly by blocking the elongation of active replicons. Inhibition of DNA synthesis in response to DNA damage is commonly assayed by measuring incorporation of radiolabeled or halogenated nucleotides into bulk genomic DNA. However, these techniques do not distinguish between effects of DNA damage on initiation and elongation phases of DNA synthesis. The velocity sedimentation protocol described here allows investigators to determine the effects of DNA damage on initiation and elongation events. This technique involves labeling replicating DNA with (3)H-thymidine, then analyzing the size distribution of labeled ssDNAs based on their differential density sedimentation profiles after centrifugation through alkaline sucrose gradients. Determining the relative abundance and growth rates of small nascent ssDNAs provides an index of initiation and elongation events, respectively. Therefore, analysis of replication dynamics using velocity sedimentation provides a potentially valuable tool for assaying S-phase checkpoints as well as other aspects of DNA replication.
The vitality of new media and religion: Communicative perspectives, practices, and changing authority in spiritual organization:

We are witnessing the growth of a distinct sub-field focusing on new media and religion as the relationship between the two is not just important, it is vital. I discuss in this article how this vitality is both figurative and literal in multiple dimensions. Mediated communication brings forth and constitutes the (re)production of spiritual realities and collectivities, as well as co-enacts religious authority. In this way, new mediations grounded within older communication practices serve as the lifeblood for the evolving nature of religious authority and forms of spiritual organizing. Further research to identify diverse online and embodied religious communication practices will illuminate a richer understanding of digital religion, especially as a globally distributed phenomenon.
ER Stress-induced Inflammasome Activation Contributes to Hepatic Inflammation and Steatosis.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress functions as a protein folding and quality control mechanism to maintain cell homeostasis. Emerging evidence indicates that ER stress is also involved in metabolic and inflammatory diseases. However, the link between ER stress and inflammation remains not well characterized. In this study, we have demonstrated that ER stress-induced inflammasome activation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis. By utilizing genetic and pharmacological agent-induced hepatic steatosis animal models, we found that hepatic steatosis was associated with inflammasome activation and ER stress. Our results show that caspase-1 ablation alleviated liver inflammation and injury. Liver tissues from caspase-1 KO mice had significantly reduced production of IL-1β under ER stress conditions. We also found that ER stress promoted inflammasome activation and IL-1β processing in both hepatocytes and Kupffer cells/macrophages. Moreover, lack of caspase-1 ameliorated cell death or pyropoptosis of hepatocytes induced by ER stress. Taken together, our findings suggest that ER stressinduced inflammasome activation and IL-1β production generate a positive feedback loop to amplify inflammatory response, eventually leading to liver steatosis and injury.
Aerobic Exercise as a Warm-up for Singing: Acoustic Impacts

Summary Objectives In a previous work, it was found that a 30-minute aerobic workout significantly increased singers' sound pressure level and airflow during voicing, suggesting a shift to flow phonation. This companion study was designed to assess the impact of the same workout on pitch accuracy, vibrato rate, extent and regularity, and the singing power ratio. Study Design This study is a cohort experimental study. Methods Twenty-two students in an academic vocal performance program participated. They performed an aerobic workout for 30 minutes. Before and after the workout, they sang the first seven notes of the "Star-Spangled Banner" on /pa/, producing seven /pa/s on the last note. The students then sang an ascending and descending scale to the ninth on "ah." The following measures were obtained from the "Star-Spangled Banner": pitch accuracy calculated on the seventh note ("by"); and vibrato rate, regularity, and extent, calculated on the most sustained sixth note ("see"). For the scale, the following measures were calculated from each note: pitch accuracy; vibrato rate, regularity, and extent; and the singing power ratio. Results There were no significant differences from pre- to postworkout across any measures. Conclusions It appears that an aerobic workout positively impacts the respiratory driving force for voice production but does little for phonation. Critical for performance is the fine tuning and balancing across the respiratory, laryngeal, and resonance systems. It appears that this can only be achieved with vocalization exercises, facilitating coordination within and across the physiological systems involved in the complex art of bel canto .
Exploration of Transformable Garment Design Strategies on Dresses for Sustainability

Transformable garments involve technologies that can convert them into different styles or silhouettes, thus reducing the need to purchase new garments and extend the garment’s lifecycle (Fletcher, 2008). For example, a dress that can change its style, such as in length or silhouette, can be worn in different ways and in various contexts. Transformable garments have great potential to prevent and minimize waste in a product’s lifecycle by encouraging consumers’ natural engagement in sustainable fashion acts. However, there is an overall lack of research about transformable garments. The extant research only addresses a limited item compared to the various kinds of products worn by individuals. Thus, the purpose of this research is to understand consumers’ preferences and expectations for transformable dresses, focusing on the aesthetic aspects and exploring possible changeable design options for transformable dresses.
Chione (Chione) Craspedonia Dall in the Crystal River Formation (Eocene) in Peninsular Florida

The youngest beds of the Crystal River Formation in peninsular Florida are generally considered to be late Eocene in age. The presence of the following genera and subgenera: Asterocyclina, Hantkenina, Cribrogloborotalia, Pseudophragmina (Proporocyclina), among the foraminiferids; the annelid worm Rotularia; the echinoid genera Wythella, Weisbordella, Eurhodia, Phymosoma; clearly indicate an Eocene age for these strata (Nicol, et al. , 1976, p. 143). The beds are referred the Rotularia vernoni zone (Nicol and Jones, 1982) and are equivalent to Puri's Asterocyclina-Spirolaea [sic] vernoni faunizone. It has been suggested by Druid Wilson (personal communication) that these beds may be reworked Oligocene strata; however, in the vicinity of Gainesville, Florida, there is no indication that the beds have been reworked. Isolated silicified boulders of Suwannee Limestone represent the only Oligocene material near Gainesville, and the sole Oligocene fossil that has withstood long erosion and reworking is the robust irregular echinoid Rhyncholampas gouldii (Williams, et al., 1977).
Top Down Electroweak Dipole Operators

We derive present constraints on, and prospective sensitivity to, the electric dipole moment (EDM) of the top quark (d_t) implied by searches for the EDMs of the electron and nucleons. Above the electroweak scale v, the d_t arises from two gauge invariant operators generated at a scale Λ≫v that also mix with the light fermion EDMs under renormalization group evolution at two-loop order. Bounds on the EDMs of first generation fermion systems thus imply bounds on |d_t|. Working in the leading log-squared approximation, we find that the present upper bound on |d_t| is 10^(−19) e cm for Λ=1 TeV, except in regions of finely tuned cancellations that allow for |d_t| to be up to fifty times larger. Future d_e and d_n probes may yield an order of magnitude increase in d_t sensitivity, while inclusion of a prospective proton EDM search may lead to an additional increase in reach.
Transitions in Al Coordination during Gibbsite Crystallization Using High-Field 27Al and 23Na MAS NMR Spectroscopy

Mechanisms of nucleation and growth of Al hydroxides such as gibbsite from aqueous solution, particularly in highly alkaline conditions, remain poorly understood. In this work, quantitative 27Al and 23Na MAS NMR experiments were conducted on solid samples extracted from the crystallization of gibbsite from an amorphous aluminum hydroxide gel precursor. The use of a high magnetic field and a moderate sample spinning rate of 20 kHz allowed transitional tetrahedral (AlT) and pentahedral (AlP) aluminum species to be observed along with the octahedral aluminum (AlO) that dominates the gibbsite product. Low-coordinated Al species could be detected at concentrations as low as 0.1% of the total Al sites. The following results have been established: (a) AlT and AlP coexist on the surface of growing gibbsites even with a combined percentage over the total Al sites of less than 1%. (b) Different synthesis methods generate gibbsite with varying amounts of low-coordinated Al. (c) The amorphous gel precursor contains a...
Rat pineal parenchymal cells as observed in tissue culture.

The pineal gland from normal adult male rats has been grown in tissue culture and the findings with phase-contrast, time-lapse cinematography have been correlated with observations made with stained cultures and paraffin sections. At least three distinct parenchymal cells were observed: 1. The chief cell with characteristic processes exhibiting pinocytosis. 2. A fat-laden cell which showed rapid nuclear rotation. 3. A pineal basophile with distinct intracytoplasmic granules.
Conclusion: The Future of Cryptocurrencies

We end the text with the author’s view concerning the general trend of future developments and note that new methodologies are being developed to permit governmental entities to bypass the secret private keys used by customers of the virtual currencies.
Reports of gabapentin and pregabalin abuse, misuse, dependence, or overdose: An analysis of the Food And Drug Administration Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS).

Abstract Background Reports of gabapentinoid (gabapentin and pregabalin) misuse have increased in recent years. Pharmacovigilance data from the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) provides a useful examination of adverse drug event (ADE) reporting for safety signal detection. Objective This study was conducted to analyze epidemiological information on the nature and extent of gabapentin/pregabalin abuse utilizing the FAERS database. Methods A query was designed utilizing SafeRx, an indexed, searchable database of FAERS data from October 2012–December 2016. All-cause and abuse-related (including abuse/misuse/dependence/overdose events) ADE reports for gabapentin and pregabalin were isolated, as well as limited demographic data. The proportional reporting ratio (PRR) was calculated to compare signal detection. Results A total of 10,038 all-cause ADEs were reported to FAERS for gabapentin, including 576 (5.7%) abuse-related events. For pregabalin, 571 all-cause ADEs were identified, including 58 (10.2%) related to abuse. Compared to all-cause ADEs, those involved in abuse-related events were younger and more likely to be male. The PRR of pregabalin versus gabapentin abuse-related events was 1.77. Conclusion Though not traditionally thought of as drugs of abuse, over 600 cases of gabapentinoid abuse were reported in the time frame analyzed, prompting the need for further study and regulatory investigation.
Folk Theories of Consciousness

People’s folk theory of consciousness encompasses three prototypes of conscious mental functioning: monitoring (awareness), choice, and subjective experience. All three are embedded in a broader folk theory of mind and thus closely linked to the concept of intentionality, action explanation, and a conception of free will. At least some of the prototypes of consciousness play a critical role in the assignment of personhood and responsibility. Recent discussions question the viability of folk conceptions of consciousness in light of work on the unconscious and neuroscience. Thus far this work appears to complement folk conceptions without contradicting them.
Epilog: Der Air France-Flug 447 Rio de Janeiro – Paris

Das Bayes-Theorem kam im April 2011 auf spektakulare Weise ins Spiel, als es darum ging, eines der mysteriosesten Unglucke der zivilen Luftfahrt aufzuklaren. Fast zwei Jahre zuvor war ein Flugzeug abgesturzt, und man wollte wissen, wo die Wrackteile liegen.
Petri Nets and their Application an Introduction

A graph model now known as Petri nets originated in C. A. Petri’s doctoral dissertation (1) in 1962 at the University of Bonn, West Germany. In the mid 1960s, Petri’s work was introduced in the United States, and during the 1970s it spread over many parts of the world. At the time of this writing, the Europeans are most active in research and conferences on Petri nets: they have held a two-week advanced course on this subject in Hamburg, West Germany under the direction of Dr. Petri in 1979(2); and held so far three workshops on applications and theory of Petri nets, one each in France (1980), West Germany (1981), and Italy (1982).(3) In this field two books, one in English(4) and the other in German,(5) are now available, and several tutorial articles(6–10) have been written. A comprehensive bibliography(11) is also available and is updated periodically.
Unaccusatives: A Cluster of Verb Classes

The focus of this chapter is unaccusative verbs (both change-of-location and change-of-state) and how they should be reanalyzed given our conclusions about Clausal Fusion. Section 1 reconsiders obligatory place argument verbs (go, turn), Section 2, optional place argument verbs (fall, change). Section 3, reconsiders unaccusative “pseudoresultatives” (break), which contrast with true unaccusative resultatives (roll, burn), discussed in Section 4.“Alternating” unaccusatives are the topic of Section 5. Taken together, these reanalyses raise an important question: how do we define “unaccusative verb”? After offering an answer, we look at some alternating unaccusative classes that we have not seen before.
The Ecological Complex

The development of any effective science of society is contingent on conceptualization of its subject matter. To achieve the fundamental goals of scientific reasoning—description, explanation, prediction and, ultimately, control of empirical phenomena—a scientific discipline requires unambiguously defined, systematically related, and collectively standardized concepts that link ideas to observations (Blumer 1931; Blalock 1982; Lenski 1988; Wallace 1988; Cohen 1989: 67–88).2
Robotic-Assisted Coronary Intervention

The current practice of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) lacks standardization and is regarded as an art. As the complexity of the lesions and procedures increase, intervention duration becomes longer, and there is an increased demand for precision and accuracy in device selection and position. Robotic systems have been suggested to enhance the performance of cardiovascular procedures. One of the technical features of a robotic system is the capability to control and accurately position (≤1-mm steps) the stent delivery system. The recent STLLR (Stent deployment Techniques on cLinicaL outcomes of patients treated with the cypheRstent) trial highlighted the impact of geographic miss and stent misplacement on clinical outcomes. A robotically assisted system may facilitate the positioning of the stent delivery system with a high degree of accuracy. With improved positioning, especially with advanced navigation systems, there is a potential to reduce exposure of patients to radiation and to minimize the volume of contrast media, thereby reducing the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy.
Improving climate model coupling through a complete mesh representation: a case study with E3SM (v1) and MOAB (v5.x)

Abstract. One of the fundamental factors contributing to the spatiotemporal inaccuracy in climate modeling is the mapping of solution field data between different discretizations and numerical grids used in the coupled component models. The typical climate computational workflow involves evaluation and serialization of the remapping weights during the preprocessing step, which is then consumed by the coupled driver infrastructure during simulation to compute field projections. Tools like Earth System Modeling Framework (ESMF) ( Hill et al. , 2004 ) and TempestRemap ( Ullrich et al. , 2013 ) offer capability to generate conservative remapping weights, while the Model Coupling Toolkit (MCT) ( Larson et al. , 2001 ) that is utilized in many production climate models exposes functionality to make use of the operators to solve the coupled problem. However, such multistep processes present several hurdles in terms of the scientific workflow and impede research productivity. In order to overcome these limitations, we present a fully integrated infrastructure based on the Mesh Oriented datABase (MOAB) ( Tautges et al. , 2004 ; Mahadevan et al. , 2015 ) library, which allows for a complete description of the numerical grids and solution data used in each submodel. Through a scalable advancing-front intersection algorithm, the supermesh of the source and target grids are computed, which is then used to assemble the high-order, conservative, and monotonicity-preserving remapping weights between discretization specifications. The Fortran-compatible interfaces in MOAB are utilized to directly link the submodels in the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) to enable online remapping strategies in order to simplify the coupled workflow process. We demonstrate the superior computational efficiency of the remapping algorithms in comparison with other state-of-the-science tools and present strong scaling results on large-scale machines for computing remapping weights between the spectral element atmosphere and finite volume discretizations on the polygonal ocean grids.
Y Is for Yacht Race: A Game of Angles.

This article describes an activity approach for teaching upper elementary school students the concept of angles. It is a departure from the usual approach in which students are taught the use of a protractor, which shows only 180°. In this activity students practice reading and drawing angles from 0° to 360° as they simulate the behaviors used to navigate a sailboat. The activity is used in the form of a game to heighten the interest in a skill area that is often less than stimulating.
Contraceptive consultations: A cross-sectional study ofNorwegian women's experiences and opinions

INTRODUCTION Access to contraceptive consultations and the content of these consultations are important to achieve a safe and satisfying sexual life and successful reproduction when desired. The aim of this study was to investigate Norwegian women's experiences of and opinions on contraceptive consultations. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study with a questionnaire distributed via Facebook with 1917 respondents of age ≥15 years. Descriptive analyses were used. RESULTS Few women found it hard to access consultations (5%). Across all age groups, side effects were the most common topic that women (69%) wanted more information about. Concern about side effects was also the most frequent reason given (27%) for not using hormonal contraceptives. Among women aged 25-34 years, 54% wanted to know more about different available contraceptives. The majority of women deemed issues of sexual wellbeing important to address during a contraceptive consultation. Few women reported that these topics had been raised. Just under half of the women found it appropriate to see a midwife for contraceptive/sexual health consultations. Only one-third knew that midwives can prescribe and administer long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). CONCLUSIONS Women want contraceptive consultations to include more information on side effects and available hormonal contraceptives. Women want to be asked about their sexual health and wellbeing during contraceptive consultations. Women should be made aware that midwives can provide contraceptive services including LARCs.
Retained products of conception in hysteroscopy in a patient with breast cancer on tamoxifen

Tamoxifen is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator widely used in breast cancer treatment, with good survival rates. Its partial agonist action on other tissues such as the uterus, however, promotes the development of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. It appears that tamoxifen does not alter the age of menopause and women may still get pregnant while on tamoxifen. We present the case of a 47-year-old Chinese woman with breast cancer on tamoxifen, who presented with one episode of heavy per vaginal bleeding after 2 years of amenorrhoea. Her urine pregnancy test was negative and the ultrasound scan was suspicious for malignancy. She underwent a hysteroscopic evaluation for abnormal bleeding on tamoxifen. Histopathology confirmed products of conception. This case illustrates the importance of understanding the rise and decline of human chorionic gonadotropin in pregnancy, as well as the pivotal role of contraception despite having amenorrhoea on tamoxifen.
WELLEN’S SYNDROME IS NOT ALWAYS CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: A RARE FINDING IN PULMONARY EMBOLISM

The characteristics features of Wellen's syndrome, seen in right precordial leads, are biphasic T-waves or symmetrical T-wave inversion with normal R-wave progression and the absence of Q waves. It is associated with critical stenosis of proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Similar ECG