cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloud Computing for Emerging Mobile Cloud Apps

The tutorial will begin with an explanation of the concepts behind cloud computing systems, cloud software architecture, the need for mobile cloud computing as an aspect of the app industry to deal with new mobile app design, network apps, app designing tools, and the motivation for migrating apps to cloud computing systems. The tutorial will review facts, goals and common architectures of mobile cloud computing systems, as well as introduce general mobile cloud services for app developers and marketers. This tutorial will highlight some of the major challenges and costs, and the role of mobile cloud computing architecture in the field of app design, as well as how the app-design industry has an opportunity to migrate to cloud computing systems with low investment. The tutorial will review privacy and security issues. It will describe major mobile cloud vendor services to illustrate how mobile cloud vendors can improve mobile app businesses. We will consider major cloud vendors, such as Microsoft Windows Azure, Amazon AWS and Google Cloud Platform. Finally, the tutorial will survey some of the cuttingedge practices in the field, and present some opportunities for future development.
Effects of Crystallographic Texture on the Acoustoelastic Coefficients for Rayleigh Waves in Aluminum

Recent advances in acoustic microscopy and laser ultrasonics offer surface acoustic waves as a promising means for surface inspection, e.g., for nondestructive evaluation of surface stress. To use Rayleigh waves for measurement of stress in structural metals, the appropriate acoustoelastic coefficients must first be ascertained. For aluminum alloys, however, there has been a lingering problem on the values of Rayleigh-wave acoustoelastic coefficients.
Role of the Adrenal Cortex in Gastric Mucosal Protection by Prostaglandins, Sulfhydryls, and Cimetidine in the Rat

To investigate the possible role of hormones in gastric mucosal protection, the effect of prostaglandin F2β, dimercaprol, or cysteamine on ethanolinduced gastric erosions, and of cimetidine on gastric erosions caused by aspirin was studied in intact, adrenalectomized, medullectomized, ovariectomized, or thyroidectomized rats. Cimetidine was administered at a low dose that did not inhibit hydrogen ion secretion. Adrenal ectomized animals failed to exhibit the usual mucosal protective response to prostaglandin F2β, sulfhydryls, or cimetidine. Ovariectomy or thyroidectomy did not influence mucosal protection with these agents. The inhibition by total adrenalectomy of mucosal protection was not reversed by large intragastric doses or by parenteral administration of prostaglandin F2β. Adrenal medullectomy alone significantly diminished (by ∼one-third) ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury; prostaglandin F2β or sulfhydryl drugs produced significant additional protection. Replacement therapy with glucocorticoids (triamcinolone, corticosterone) but not with mineralocorticoids (deoxycorticosterone, 9α-fluorocortisol) restored the cytoprotective effect of prostaglandin F2β and sulfhydryls in adrenalectomized rats. The generation of prostaglandin E2- and prostaglandin I2-like activity in the gastric mucosa was unaltered by adrenalectomy. These studies suggest a permissive role for glucocorticoids in gastric mucosal protection induced by prostaglandins, sulfhydryls, and cimetidine.
Comparative performance of different stochastic methods to simulate drug exposure and variability in a population.

Abstract Monte Carlo simulations (MCSs) are increasingly being used to predict the pharmacokinetic variability of antimicrobials in a population. However, various MCS approaches may differ in the accuracy of the predictions. We compared the performance of 3 different MCS approaches using a data set with known parameter values and dispersion. Ten concentration-time profiles were randomly generated and used to determine the best-fit parameter estimates. Three MCS methods were subsequently used to simulate the AUC 0-∞ of the population, using the central tendency and dispersion of the following in the subject sample: 1) K and V ; 2) clearance and V ; 3) AUC 0-∞ . In each scenario, 10000 subject simulations were performed. Compared to true AUC 0-∞ of the population, mean biases by various methods were 1) 58.4, 2) 380.7, and 3) 12.5 mg h L −1 , respectively. Our results suggest that the most realistic MCS approach appeared to be based on the variability of AUC 0-∞ in the subject sample.
1065. AAV2 Vector-Delivered Myostatin Propeptide Improves Muscle Healing after Injury

Skeletal muscle injuries are the most common injuries encountered in sports medicine. Muscle injuries can heal spontaneously through regeneration, but fibrosis impedes this process and results in incomplete functional recovery. We have demonstrated that TGF-|[beta]|1 plays a significant role in both the initiation of fibrosis and the inducement of myofibrotic differentiation by myogenic cells in injured muscle. However, the recent identification of myostatin (MSTN), a member of the TGF-|[beta]| superfamily, may yield new avenues for therapeutic intervention to improve muscle healing. MSTN is a potent negative regulator of muscle growth, and MSTN-deficient mice show dramatically increased skeletal muscle mass. We have found that the injured skeletal muscle of MSTN knockout (MSTN-/-) mice develops significantly less fibrous scar tissue and significantly larger regenerating myofibers than observed in normal wild-type (WT) control mice. We also found that MSTN stimulates proliferation and myofibrotic differentiation of fibroblasts in vitro. These results suggest that, like TGF-|[beta]|1, MSTN may play a role in fibrosis.
Is interconnect the weak link

Based upon Rent's rule, a new complete stochastic wiring distribution was rigorously derived that determines wire-length frequency for a homogeneous array of random logic gates and enables a priori estimation of the wiring requirements for future GSI systems. Unlike previous distributions that describe only local interconnect requirements, the new distribution provides a complete description of local, semi-global, and global wiring requirements, The new wire-length distribution and wire-net distribution was verified through comparisons to actual data from real systems, and a methodology to calculate the wire-length distribution for future GSI products was proposed, This new wiring length distribution is also used to determine optimal interconnect scaling in a three-tier multilevel network that minimizes chip size or maximizes clock frequency.
Tubular fluid flow and distal NaCl delivery mediated by tubuloglomerular feedback in the rat kidney

The glomerular filtration rate in the kidney is controlled, in part, by the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) system, which is a negative feedback loop that mediates oscillations in tubular fluid flow and in fluid NaCl concentration of the loop of Henle. In this study, we developed a mathematical model of the TGF system that represents NaCl transport along a short loop of Henle with compliant walls. The proximal tubule and the outer-stripe segment of the descending limb are assumed to be highly water permeable; the thick ascending limb (TAL) is assumed to be water impermeable and have active NaCl transport. A bifurcation analysis of the TGF model equations was performed by computing parameter boundaries, as functions of TGF gain and delay, that separate differing model behaviors. The analysis revealed a complex parameter region that allows a variety of qualitatively different model equations: a regime having one stable, time-independent steady-state solution and regimes having stable oscillatory solutions of different frequencies. A comparison with a previous model, which represents only the TAL explicitly and other segments using phenomenological relations, indicates that explicit representation of the proximal tubule and descending limb of the loop of Henle lowers the stability of the TGF system. Model simulations also suggest that the onset of limit-cycle oscillations results in increases in the time-averaged distal NaCl delivery, whereas distal fluid delivery is not much affected.
WS06‐08Real‐time three‐dimensional fetal echocardiography: imaging and volume measurement

The objective of this work was to assess the feasibility of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (which acquires data as a volume, instead of a series of planes, eliminating gating) to evaluate fetal cardiac anatomy and function. We evaluated 10 human fetuses including several with congenital heart disease. Transabdominal scanning was performed using a real-time three-dimensional echocardiography system. Four 1.5 second volume clips at 20 volumes/second were obtained for each fetal heart and stored for off-line analysis. Data were reviewed on a graphics workstation. Our results showed that fetal heart data could be acquired rapidly. Fetal heart data were displayed as 3 simultaneous planes. The reviewer could manipulate plane orientation and position in the volume to optimize views. Cardiac motion could be accelerated, slowed, stopped or viewed at its original speed. Although image quality did not equal high-end equipment, cardiac structures, views and function could be consistently visualized. Abnormal structures were readily detected. In conclusion, real-time three-dimensional fetal echocardiography is a feasible and potentially important new technique that will gain importance as equipment performance improves.
A bipartite-graph based approach for disaster susceptibility comparisons among cities

People are attracted to large cities because of more employment opportunities, convenient facilities, and rich cultural activities. However, large cities are also more vulnerable to natural disasters, which have caused widespread physical destructions, great loss of life and property, and immense havoc. "Which city is less susceptible to natural disasters?" is thus one of the most critical questions one faces when making decisions on travelling or job and business relocation. In this work, we propose a bipartite-graph based framework to compare the impacts of disasters on two cities by answering different queries using textual documents collected online. Besides intuitive simple comparison using statistics, our system also generates textual comparative summaries to better describe the differences between the two cities in terms of safety. Although a number of online services provide disaster events statistic information for cities, our framework compares the impacts of disasters on cities in a more straightforward and comprehensive way.
Perivascular location and phenotypic heterogeneity of microglial cells in the rat brain

Employing immunohistochemical techniques and a panel of monoclonal antibodies that recognize rat cells of monocyte/macrophage lineage, we have demonstrated that cells labeled with these antibodies are widely distributed throughout the parenchyma of the rat brain. These cells have a remarkable microglial morphology and form phenotypically heterogenous populations. Double immunoperoxidase staining with the monoclonal antibody and anti-von Willebrand factor antiserum, which recognizes vascular endothelial cells, revealed that these cells are located exclusively at perivascular sites in the adult brain. These observations indicate that the microglial cells are perivascular cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage, and may be intimately involved in various immunopathogenic conditions of the central nervous system.
Adaptable Assertion Checking for Scientific Software Components

We present a proposal for lowering the overhead of interface contract checking for science and engineering applications. Run-time enforcement of assertions is a well-known technique for improving the quality of software; however, the performance penalty is often too high for their retention during deployment, especially for long-running applications that depend upon iterative operations. With an efficient adaptive approach the benefits of run-time checking can continue to accrue with minimal overhead. Examples from scientific software interfaces being developed in the high performance computing research community will be used to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of this approach.
Robust parameter design in resource-constrained environments: An investigation of trade-offs between costs and precision within variable processes

Abstract Engineers and scientists often identify robust parameter design as one of the most important process and quality improvement methods. Focused on statistical modeling and numerical optimization strategies, most researchers typically assume a process with reasonably small variability. Realistically, however, industrial processes often exhibit larger variability, particularly in mass production lines. In such cases, many of the modeling assumptions behind the robust parameter design models available in the literature do not hold. Accordingly, the results and recommendations provided to decision makers could generate suboptimal modifications to processes and products. As manufacturers seek improved methods for ensuring quality in resource-constrained environments, experimenters should examine trade-offs to achieve the levels of precision that best support their decision making. In contrast to previous research, this paper proposes a trade-off analysis between the cost of replication and the desired precision of generated solutions. We consider several techniques in the early stages of experimental design, using Monte Carlo simulation as a tool, for revealing potential options to the decision maker. This is perhaps the first study to show the avenue which may lead to more effective robust parameter design models with the optimal combination of cost constraints and desired precision of solutions.
Spectral Superresolution of Hyperspectral Imagery Using Reweighted $\ell_{1}$ Spatial Filtering

Sparsity-based models have enabled significant advances in many image processing tasks. Hyperspectral imagery (HSI) in particular has benefited from these approaches due to the significant low-dimensional structure in both spatial and spectral dimensions. Specifically, previous work has shown that sparsity models can be used for spectral superresolution, where spectral signatures with HSI-level resolution are recovered from measurements with multispectral-level resolution (i.e., an order of magnitude fewer spectral bands). In this letter, we expand on those results by introducing a new inference approach known as reweighted l1 spatial filtering (RWL1-SF). RWL1-SF incorporates a more sophisticated signal model that allows for variations in the SNR at each pixel as well as spatial dependences between neighboring pixels. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach leverages signal structure beyond simple sparsity to achieve significant improvements in spectral superresolution.
Imaging the Effects of Methylphenidate on Brain Dopamine: New Model on Its Therapeutic Actions for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Methylphenidate hydrochloride (MP) is an effective treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood onset characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and distractibility. Methylphenidate hydrochloride blocks the dopamine transporters (DAT), the main mechanism for removing dopamine (DA) from the synapse, is believed to be involved in its therapeutic properties. However, the mechanism(s) by which increases in DA improve symptomatology in ADHD are not completely understood. Our studies of the dopaminergic effects of MP in the human brain using positron emission tomography (PET) have shown that MP blocks DAT, and that extracellular DA increases in proportion to the level of blockade and the rate of DA release (modulated by DA cell firing). These DA increases are greater when MP is given concomitantly with a salient stimulus than with a neutral stimulus, documenting the context dependency of MP effects. Additionally, MP-induced increases in DA are associated with an enhanced perception of the stimulus as salient. We postulate the MP's therapeutic effects are due in part to its ability to enhance the magnitude of DA increases induced by stimuli that by themselves generate weak responses, enhancing their saliency and the attention and interest they elicit. We postulate that these effects would improve school performance.
Changes in aortic levels of tropoelastin mRNA following treatment of rats with the antihypertensive drugs captopril and hydralazine.

This manuscript describes changes in the steady state levels of aortic tropoelastin mRNA in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive controls (WKY) following treatment with two antihypertensive drugs. Three-week-old WKY and SHR rats were treated with hydralazine (15 mg/kg/day) or captopril (25 mg/kg/day). Tail artery blood pressure was monitored twice weekly. Both drugs prevented the development of hypertension in the SHR rat. At 6 weeks of age, total aortic RNA was extracted and the steady state levels of mRNAs coding for tropoelastin and pro α 1 (III) collagen were determined by slot blot hybridization analysis using radiolabeled tropoelastin and pro α 1 (III) collagen cDNA clones. Hydralazine treatment resulted in a threefold increase in tropoelastin mRNA levels in both the SHR and the WKY animals (P < 0.01). Captopril-treated SHR animals demonstrated a similar significant increase. In contrast, no differences in pro α 1 (III) collagen mRNA levels were observed in the aorta of SHR or WKY rats following treatment with either captopril or hydralazine. These data suggest that antihypertensive agents can act specifically to directly induce tropoelastin mRNA levels in large arteries and thus may induce vascular remodeling independent of an increase in blood pressure.
Analysis of a continuous one-locus, two-allele genetic model with genotypic fertility differences

Abstract We show the global convergence to equilibrium points for a continuous one-locus, two-allele genetic model that incorporates nonlinear birth and death rates, as well as genotypic fertility differences.
E-fiber electronics for body-worn devices

This paper presents novel body-worn antennas fabricated using embroidered conductive fibers (E-fibers). The E-fiber antennas were precisely fabricated onto regular fabrics and clothing using automated embroidering. These E-fiber antennas offer desirable conformality and flexibility, without undermining electrical performance for body-worn radio frequencies (RF) applications. In this study, we fabricated an embroidered asymmetric meandered flare dipole antenna on a scarf. Its RF performance was found comparable to conventional printed antennas. This new technology of embroidered E-fiber antennas can also be applied onto daily garments or accessories for wideband and high-data-rate communications.
Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of pretreated biomass: Improving mass balance closure

The successful implementation of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) technology for biomass conversion to ethanol requires competent analysis of complex biomass process streams, often obtained at extremes of pH. In this study, optimal conditions for handling biomass samples recovered from acid and alkaline pretreatments prior to traditional compositional analysis were developed. Methods for processing slurries from SSF were also determined. In both cases, a mixed wastepaper feedstock was used to test improved handling procedures and to document recommended performance.
K-Ar and fission-track dating of ash partings in coal beds from the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska: A revised age for the Homerian Stage–Clamgulchian Stage boundary

K-Ar and fission-track mineral ages determined from ash partings in upper Tertiary coal beds from the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, establish an age of approximately 8 m.y. (late Miocene) for the Homerian Stage–Clamgulchian Stage boundary at the type section for the Homerian Stage and a late Miocene age for the early part of the Clamgulchian Stage. Our data do not support the concept that there is an “Arcto-Tertiary geoflora” which is different in age from similar floras at lower latitudes. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that volcanic ash partings contained wholly within coals are valuable for radiometric dating and stratigraphic correlation.
A multigrid preconditioner and automatic differentiation for non-equilibrium radiation diffusion problems

We study the efficient solution of non-equilibrium radiation diffusion problems. An implicit time discretization leads to the solution of systems of non-linear equations which couple radiation energy and material temperature. We consider the implicit Euler method, the mid-point scheme, the two-step backward differentiation formula, and a two-stage implicit Runge-Kutta method for time discretization. We employ a Newton-Krylov method in the solution of arising non-linear problems. We describe the computation of the Jacobian matrix for Newton's method using automatic differentiation based on the operator overloading in Fortran 90. For GMRES iterations, we propose a simple multigrid preconditioner applied directly to the coupled linearized problems. We demonstrate the efficiency and scalability of the proposed solution procedure by solving one-dimensional and two-dimensional model problems.
Enhancement of the trypanocidal activity of methyltriazenes in an animal model by the addition of an amidino group

Long-slender (LS) bloodstream trypomastigotes of brucei group trypanosomes actively transport and accumulate both monoand diamidines (Damper, 1975), although only the latter are strongly trypanocidal when the amidine groups are appropriately spaced (Yorke, 1940). It appears likely that compounds containing the melaminyl group are translocated by the same transporter used by amidine-containing drugs, since melamine antagonizes the transport and biological activity of both melaminyl arsenicals and diamidines (Williamson, 1959). The initial rates of uptake of pentamidine into LS trypanosomes are 13and 19-fold greater than that into ascites and liver cells, respectively, on a per cell basis (Damper, 1975). In this regard, it should be borne in mind that trypanosomes are very small and have only onehundredth the volume of a liver cell, as calculated from data in Damper and Patton (1976), and Jones and Mason (1978). Trypanosomes, therefore, have a great avidity for amidine-containing substances. Polyamines have been reported to interfere with the accumulation of diamidines (Tabor and Tabor, 1964). It is possible, therefore, that the normal function of this transporter is in the uptake of polyamines. This laboratory recently demonstrated the antitrypanosomal activity of a number of methylating agents against T.b. rhodesiense in mice (Penketh et al., 1990). We reasoned that the incorporation of an amidine functionality into methylating agents might well enhance their transport into the trypanosome, thereby resulting in a significant enhancement of the potency of these drugs. In the present study, we report the antitrypanosomal activity of a group of amidine-containing compounds, with a methylor a dimethyltriazene moiety as the alkylating arm. Antitrypanosomal activity of various agents was determined in female CD-1 mice
Hv1 Inhibitors Reveal Gating Properties Typical of Pore Domains in a Voltage-Sensing Domain

In voltage-gated sodium, potassium, and calcium channels the ion permeation pathway is located in the pore domain, which is surrounded by four voltage-sensing domains (VSDs). The pore domain also contains an intracellular gate-called the activation gate- which is opened and closed by the VSDs in response to changes in membrane potential. The Hv1 voltage-gated proton channel does not possess a distinct pore domain, and the permeation pathway is located inside the VSD. Here we describe inhibitors of the Hv1 channel that work as intracellular blockers. We find that these inhibitors gain access to their binding site in the core of the VSD only when the channel is open, and that the channel cannot close until the blocker has left its binding site. This behavior closely resembles the block of the pore domain of other voltage-gated channels by quaternary ammonium compounds and by the inactivation ball, and reveals that the VSD of Hv1 contains an intracellular gate conceptually similar to the activation gate of the pore domain. We and other groups have previously shown that the Hv1 channel is made of two VSD subunits, each containing its own permeation pathway, and that the two subunits gate cooperatively. Here, we use one of the intracellular blockers to investigate the mechanism of cooperative gating. We find that, once the two Hv1 pores are open by depolarization, trapping one of them in the open state with the blocker prevents the other from closing. We explain this finding by proposing that the intracellular gates in the two subunits are allosterically coupled. This work is supported by NIH (grant GM098973) and by The American Heart Association (WSA grant 09BGIA2160044).
Regular representations of vertex operator algebras

This paper is to establish a theory of regular representations for vertex operator algebras. In the paper, for a vertex operator algebra V and a V-module W, we construct, out of the dual space W*, a family of canonical weak V ⊗ V-modules with a nonzero complex number z as the parameter. We prove that for V-modules W, W1 and W2, a P(z)-intertwining map of type in the sense of Huang and Lepowsky exactly amounts to a V ⊗ V-homomorphism from W1 ⊗ W2 into . Combining this with Huang and Lepowsky's one-to-one linear correspondence between the space of intertwining operators and the space of P(z)-intertwining maps of the same type we obtain a canonical linear isomorphism fromthe space of intertwining operators of the indicated type to . Denote by RP(z)(W) the sum of all (ordinary) V ⊗ V-submodules of . Assuming that V satisfies certain suitable conditions, we obtain a canonical decomposition of RP(z)(W) into irreducible V ⊗ V-modules. In particular, we obtain a decomposition of Peter–Weyl type for RP(z)(V). Denote by ℱP(z) the functor from the category of V-modules to the category of weak V ⊗ V-modules such that ℱP(z)(W)=RP(z)(W'). We prove that for V-modules W1, W2, a P(z)-tensor product of W1 and W2 in the sense of Huang and Lepowsky exactly amounts to a universal from W1 ⊗ W2 to the functor ℱP(z). This implies that the functor ℱP(z) is essentially a right adjoint of the Huang–Lepowsky's P(z)-tensor product functor. It is also proved that RP(z)(W) for are canonically isomorphic V ⊗ V-modules.
Managing variances in manufacturing system design

The goal of this paper is to investigate how uncertainties in demand and production should be incorporated into manufacturing system design problems. We examine two problems in manufacturing system design: the resource allocation problem and the product grouping problem. In the resource allocation problem, we consider the issue of how to cope with uncertainties when we utilize two types of resources: actual processing capacity and stored capacity (inventory). A closed form solution of the optimal allocation scheme for each type of capacity is developed, and its performance is compared to that of the conventional scheme where capacity allocation and inventory control decisions are made sequentially. In the product grouping problem, we consider the issue of how we design production lines when each line is dedicated to a certain set of products. We formulate a mathematical program in which we simultaneously determine the number of production lines and the composition of each line. Two heuristics are developed for the problem.
Effect of plot geometry on epidemic velocity of wheat yellow rust

The size and shape of field plots can impact on both the cost and outcome of epidemiological experiments. In previous studies, epidemic velocity of yellow rust (caused by Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici) on wheat (Triticum aestivum) has been examined in long, narrow plots (6·1 m by 73–171 m). The present study compares spread in square, 61 × 61 m plots versus narrow, 6·1 × 61 m plots at two locations. The objective was to test whether plot shape has a substantial impact on spatiotemporal spread of yellow rust. Velocity increased curvilinearly with time for both plot shapes and at both locations. Curves of epidemic velocity versus time were nearly identical in square versus narrow plots in both the upwind and downwind directions. Contrary to expectation based on simulations, the results did not indicate faster disease spread in square plots, though the plot sizes studied may be beyond that at which there is a rapid change of disease increase with increasing plot area. Velocity also increased curvilinearly in all eight compass directions of the square plots. Results indicate that narrow plots, which are substantially less costly than equidimensional plots, may be justified for studying the spatiotemporal spread of wheat yellow rust and other diseases with similar epidemiological characteristics.
Clinical Pharmacology and Orphan Drugs: An Informational Inventory 2006–2010

Clinical pharmacology can have an important impact on the development of orphan drugs, i.e., therapeutic agents for rare diseases. This topic was explored at a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Advisory Committee meeting in March 2011.1 At that meeting, preliminary data were presented regarding the breakdown of the clinical pharmacology content in the approvals for orphan drugs in 2006–2010. These data, along with follow-up observations, are presented here, focusing on the in vivo study content and the relevant populations. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2012); 91 5, 932–936. doi:10.1038/clpt.2012.23
The formation of 1,6-anhydro-α-d-galactofuranose and 1,6-anhydro-β-d-galactopyranose by the action of acid on d-galactose

Abstract d -Galactose has been transformed by hot dilute acid to 1,6-anhydro-α - d - galactofuranose (0.95%) and 1,6-anhydro-β- d -galactopyranose (0.71%). The tri- O -methylsulfonyl and tri- O - p -tolylsulfonyl derivatives of 1,6-anhydro-α- d -galactofuranose have been described.
Studying Ancient Israelite Ritual: Methodological Considerations

Any adequate account of ancient Israel and its texts must include a study of its ritual practices. Most of what we would term ‘religion’ in that society was made up of regular events and the rituals that accompanied them. Harvest was celebrated with festivals, the slaughter of animals for food became sacrifice rituals, death was accompanied by mourning rituals, etc. Studying these rituals is necessary yet difficult. Using recent theory from anthropology and textual study, numerous new studies have taken up these challenges. Using the study of animal sacrifice as its primary example, this essay explores the problems and prospects of the study of Israel's rituals.
Prophylactic Distal Revascularization and Interval Ligation Procedure During Femoral Vein Transposition Fistula Creation in Patients at High Risk for Ischemic Complications

Femoral vein transposition arteriovenous fistula (FVt AVF) is a viable autologous option when upper extremity dialysis access sites have become compromised. High volume flow through the AVF can lead to ischemic complications, including steal syndrome (SS), and may threaten access and limb viability. Risk factors for SS include: age >60 years, female sex, diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and previous limb procedures. Two dialysis patients, who were at high risk for SS in their lower extremities as assessed during the preoperative evaluation for an elective FVt AVF, had a distal revascularization and interval ligation (DRIL) procedure concurrently performed. At 42 and 24 months from their respective surgeries, both patients are reliably using their lower extremity autologous access sites and have not developed any signs or symptoms of ischemia. DRIL may represent an effective surgical strategy that can prophylactically be used to minimize the incidence of ischemic complications during FVt AVF in carefully selected, high-risk patients.
A new avian brain nomenclature: why, how and what.

Many of the assumptions of homology on which the standard nomenclature for the cell groups and fiber tracts of the avian brain have been based are in error, and consequently that terminology promotes misunderstanding of the functional organization of avian brain and its evolutionary relationship to mammalian brain. Recognizing this problem, a number of avian brain researchers began an effort to revise the terminology, which culminated in the Avian Brain Nomenclature Forum, held at Duke University from 18 to 20 July 2002. In the new terminology approved at this Forum, the flawed conception that the telencephalon of birds consists nearly entirely of a hypertrophied basal ganglia has been purged, and the actual parts of the basal ganglia and its brainstem afferent cell groups given names reflecting their now-evident mammalian homologues. The pallial telencephalic regions that were erroneously named to reflect presumed homology to mammalian basal ganglia were renamed as parts of pallium, using prefixes in most cases that retained established abbreviations (for continuity with the replaced nomenclature). The new nomenclature should lead to better communication among neuroscientists, especially between avian brain specialists and those not specialized in avian neurobiology. More information is available at the Avian Brain Nomenclature Exchange website (http://www.avianbrain.org).
Modular Structures for Manned Space Exploration: The Truncated Octahedron as a Building Block

Modular space exploration systems have been built in the past and they exist today. Most of these systems, starting with Apollo and Soyuz, assign high level functions to various physical spacecraft modules and assemble these in a linear stack. The predominant building block for such systems is the cylinder. Unfortunately, this configuration is inflexible and does not promote reuse of modules over a broad range of missions. We argue that future space exploration systems should be reconfigurable and therefore require additional docking ports, reconfiguration options and improved structural and volumetric efficiency. A survey of the modular spacecraft literature and our own analysis reveal that the truncated octahedron emerges as the most promising polyhedron-based spacecraft geometry for future application to space exploration. This argument is supported by comparison of various spacecraft geometries with four metrics: volumetric efficiency, launch stowage and packing efficiency, reconfigurability, and stability. In addition, extensible spacecraft design is enabled by this design concept. This is shown in a preliminary design of manned exploration vehicles based on the truncated octahedron concept in which a mass penalty in designing a modular version of a Mars transfer and surface habitat vehicle compared to a “point design,” linear stack concept, was found to be approximately 25%.
Imaging and biological function in health and disease.

Since the invention of the microscope, imaging has guided the mainstream of science and medicine by revealing structures not visible to the human eye. Views of single cells, organelles, molecules, and even atoms obtained by modern microscopy are now central to biological investigations. In the case of the whole body, biomedical imaging also reveals structures beneath the surface. This “occlusion problem” has been solved by techniques such as x-ray, computerized tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and MRI, which provide high-resolution views of organs and tissues within the living body. Thus, structure at the highest levels of biologically relevant detail either in the living body or in vitro is currently available for investigation of biological mechanisms and for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Although a picture may be worth a thousand words, current standards of clinical investigation aim beyond the view in order to understand mechanisms of action. Thus, beyond this unprecedented level of structural detail, overlays of physiological mechanisms add a necessary dimension to biomedical imaging. For example, the technical and structural challenges of imaging a moving object such as a heart must be linked to functional patterns of blood flow and turbulence in order to address more complicated problems related to treatment of heart failure. In the case of the brain, advances in imaging extend well beyond the domains of structures, regardless of size, motion, or occlusion, to the domain of function by identification of active neural tissue. This new form of functional imaging adds a novel dimension to conventional imaging by isolating the neurobiology of specific mental events. Thus, current frontiers in biomedical investigation encompass not only structures and functions of subcellular, cellular, and organ systems but also structures and neural functions that are linked to perceptions, cognition, and volitional action. In keeping with the broad scope and fast pace of new developments in structural and functional imaging, this Perspective series aims to highlight representative new areas where developments in imaging profoundly advance and redirect our understanding and treatment of human disease. Although many potential topics would serve this objective, those included here have been selected to encompass representative advances. These topics would not conventionally fall under a single organizational scheme. The unifying goal is to illuminate frontiers in biomedical imaging that impact our understanding and treatment of human disease. Thus, complex sociomedical issues, such as the scanning of nonsymptomatic individuals to screen for indications of disease, are linked to subcellular processes that lead to gene therapy as examples of new horizons that encompass both structural and functional advances in biomedical imaging. Six emerging areas of clinical investigation and the imaging technologies that drive them are organized around this unifying theme.
Postpubertal disease status in diabetes and factor structure anomaly on the WISC-R

Abstract Diabetic children have been found to display an anomalous factor structure on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) (Holmes, Cornwell, Dunlap, Chen, & Lee, 1992). The present study sought to extend this finding with a larger cross-regional sample of children to determine which, if any, demographic or disease factor(s) might be related to the anomalous structure. Results revealed that groups of older (> = 12 years) children and those with late disease onset (> = 5 years) exhibited an anomalous fourfactor structure in which the traditional Perceptual Organization factor (II) split into two factors: Picture Completion and Picture Arrangement formed a visual discrimination factor; and Block Design and Object Assembly created a spatial conceptual factor. It is postulated that diabetic performance on this visual discrimination factor may reflect mild visual neuropathies, often associated with adolescence and postpubertal disease status.
Local rules for pentagonal quasi-crystals

The existence of different kinds of local rules is established for many sets of pentagonal quasi-crystal tilings. For eacht?? there is a set[Figure not available: see fulltext.] of pentagonal tilings of the same local isomorphism class; the caset=0 corresponds to the Penrose tilings. It is proved that the set[Figure not available: see fulltext.] admits a local rule which does not involve any colorings (or markings, decorations) if and only ift=m+n?. In other words, this set of tilings is totally characterized by patches of some finite radius, orr-maps. When $$t = (m + n\sqrt 5 )/q$$ the set[Figure not available: see fulltext.] admits a local rule which involvescolorings. For the set of Penrose tilings the construction here leads exactly to the Penrose matching rules. Local rules for the caset=1/2 are presented.
Vlasov-Maxwell description of electron-ion two-stream instability in high-intensity linacs and storage rings☆

Abstract The Vlasov-Maxwell equations are used to investigate properties of the electron-ion two-stream instability for a continuous, high-intensity ion beam propagating in the z-direction with directed axial velocity Vb = βbc through a background population of (stationary) electrons. The analysis is carried out for arbitrary beam intensity, consistent with transverse confinement of the beam particles, and arbitrary fractional charge neutralization by the background electrons. Detailed stability properties are calculated over a wide range of system parameters for dipole perturbations with azimuthal mode number l = 1. The instability growth rate Im ω is found to increase with increasing normalized beam intensity ( ω p b 2 ω β b 0 2 ), increasing fractional charge neutralization ( f = n e Z b n b ), and decreasing proximity of the conducting wall ( r b r w ).
Scaling MOSFETs to the Limit: A Physicists's Perspective

To circumvent its present practical limits—mainly gate leakage and poor performance—‘MOSFET scaling’ has taken a different meaning: Not simply shrinking the device, but changing its nature. Here it is suggested that long-range Coulomb interactions constitute a possible fundamental cause of the poor performance of sub-50 nm devices. Alternative device-designs and materials are briefly discussed from a transport-physics perpsective: High-κ insulators, transport in thin Si body (SOI and double-gate), along different crystal directions and on different materials. The major role played by the interfaces (surface plasmons and phonons, roughness, confinement) emerges as one of the most important common elements.
Wall shear stress measurement using phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging with phase contrast magnetic resonance angiography in arteriovenous polytetrafluoroethylene grafts.

Purpose: The purpose of the present article was to determine the changes in luminal vessel area, blood flow, and wall shear stress in both the inflow artery and the venous stenosis of arteriovenous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts. Methods and materials: Polytetrafluoroethylene grafts were placed from the carotid artery to the ipsilateral jugular vein in 8 castrated juvenile male pigs. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) with cine phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed 2 weeks after graft placement. Results: The mean wall shear stress at the venous stenosis was 4 times higher than the control vein, while the inflow artery was only 2-fold higher. By day 14, venous stenosis had formed, which was characterized by narrowed area and elevated blood flow. Conclusion: By day 14, there is venous stenosis formation in porcine arteriovenous PTFE grafts with increased shear stress with decreased area when compared to control vein.
The effect of interplay interval on adjunctive behavior in humans in a game-playing situation.

Abstract Thirty-seven undergraduate students played two consecutive games of backgammon where manipulated interplay intervals were either 10, 22.5, 45, or 90 sec in length. When visual access to the opponent's play was blocked by a curtain during the second game, rates of movement, drinking, and eating increased over baseline rates prevailing in the first game. Grooming rate was not affected. Functions relating behavior rate to interplay interval were not bitonic for any of the behaviors; however, response distributions for drinking demonstrated postplay peaks at each interplay interval. Problems of classifying human behaviors into adjunctive versus facultative categories were discussed.
Modeling kinetic processes controlling hydrogen and acetate concentrations in an aquifer-derived microcosm.

Groundwater contaminants may degrade via fermentation to intermediate species, which are subsequently consumed by terminal electron-accepting processes (TEAPs). A numerical model of an aquifer-deri...
Felt moral obligation and the moral judgement–moral action gap: toward a phenomenology of moral life

The step-off point for this article is the problem of the ‘moral judgement–moral action gap’ as found in contemporary literature of moral education and moral development. We argue that this gap, and the conceptual problems encountered by attempts to bridge it, reflects the effect of a different, deeper and more problematic conceptual gap: the ‘ontological’ gap between meaningful moral events and the underlying natural structures or mechanical processes presumed to produce them. We contend that the very real fact that moral reasoning does not reliably produce moral action consistent with one’s moral reasoning cannot be adequately understood or clarified by appealing to natural structures and mechanical processes. Rather, a radically holistic perspective is required. It is for this reason that we look to an alternative metaphysical grounding for moral behaviour in the work of the French philosopher, Emmanuel Levinas.
Time-cost tradeoffs in uncertain empirical research projects

Abstract : This paper explores the relationship between research project cost and expected time to completion under various scheduling strategies; it assumes that many potential technical approaches to the research problem can be identified; and that each approach has a low but finite subjective probability of success. It is shown that under a variety of assumptions, expected time to project completion can be reduced, but that as a result expected project cost rises at an increasing rate. Some cases in which this convex time-cost tradeoff relationship might not hold generally are identified. When the time-cost tradeoff function is convex, the desirability of concurrent as opposed to series scheduling of approaches depends crucially upon the depth of the stream of benefits expected to be realized upon successful project completion. The deeper the benefit stream is, the more desirable concurrent scheduling is.
Unrecognizable Sets of Numbers

When is a set A of positive integers, represented as binary numbers, “regular” in the sense that it is a set of sequences that can be recognized by a finite-state machine? Let p A(n) be the number of members of A less than the integer n. It is shown that the asymptotic behavior of p A(n) is subject to severe restraints if A is regular. These constraints are violated by many important natural numerical sets whose distribution functions can be calculated, at least asymptotically. These include the set P of prime numbers for which p P(n)
Eulerian series as modular forms

In 1988, Hickerson proved the celebrated “mock theta conjectures”, a collection of ten identities from Ramanujan’s “lost notebook” which express certain modular forms as linear combinations of mock theta functions. In the context of Maass forms, these identities arise from the peculiar phenomenon that two different harmonic Maass forms may have the same non-holomorphic parts. Using this perspective, we construct several infinite families of modular forms which are differences of mock theta functions.
Measuring the trophic ecology of ants using stable isotopes

Ants are prominent components of most terrestrial arthropod food webs, yet due to their highly variable diet, the role ants play in arthropod communities can be difficult to resolve. Stable isotope analysis is a promising method for determining the dietary history of an organism, and has the potential to advance our understanding of the food web ecology of social insects. However, some unique characteristics of eusocial organisms can complicate the application of this technique to the study of their trophic ecology. Using stable isotopes of N and C, we investigated levels of intraspecific variation both within and among colonies. We also examined the effect of a common preservation technique on δ15N and δ13C values. We discuss the implications of our results on experimental design and sampling methods for studies using stable isotopes to investigate the trophic ecology of social insects.