cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sentencing Within Sentencing

Guest editor Alison Shames introduces this issue of Federal Sentencing Reporter , which focuses on sentencing and the last fifty years of programs developed by the Vera Institute of Justice. When a judge sentences a convicted defendant, he or she takes into account many factors and tries to achieve one or more of the oft-cited purposes of punishment: incapacitation (to protect the public from further crimes committed by the defendant), deterrence, restitution, retribution, and rehabilitation. The federal sentencing statute instructs the court not to impose a sentence greater than necessary to accomplish the goals the sentence is crafted to achieve. What the statutes, guidelines, case law, or even the defense attorney don9t mention, however, is that a criminal sentence imposed after a conviction does not fully define the punishment meted out to a defendant. People involved in the criminal justice system are, in fact, punished at multiple points.
Real time consequence engine

This paper presents a brief overview of a prognostics and health management (PHM) system, the basic capabilities and architecture of the real time consequence engine (RTCE), and how the RTCE fits into a PHM system. Also, examples of consequence analysis results as applied to a past prototype development effort and the results of ongoing modification efforts to RTCE are presented. By varying operational settings, maintenance schedules, and other parameters of interest, the RTCE can be used to examine the consequences of such actions in terms of common performance metrics; such as, mean time between failures (MTBF), mean time to repair (MTTR), system availability, maintenance cost, downtime cost, etc. In its final form, the RTCE will provide the capability to evaluate the potential cost/benefit of an embedded PHM system, which is considered to be a precursor to implementing a PHM system; and, provide the capability for real-time consequence analysis, which is typically viewed as the final step in the development of a complete PHM system.
Incorporation of rapid thermal conditioning into a wastewater treatment plant

Abstract Rapid thermal conditioning is a developing technology recently applied to sludge treatment. Sludge is heated rapidly to reaction temperature (up to about 220°C) and quenched after 10 to 30 s. This process reduces the amount of biosolids requiring land disposal by increasing its biodegradability and dewaterability. Rapid thermal conditioning may be incorporated into a wastewater treatment plant where, combined with anaerobic digestion, it would reduce the quantity of biosolids requiring disposal, eliminate the need for polymer coagulant, improve dewaterability, increase methane production, and further reduce the concentration of pathogens. Also, the odor problem associated with traditional thermal conditioning processes is largely minimized. Pilot scale equipment was used to assess the process and provide design parameters for scale-up. Introduction of the process into an existing municipal wastewater treatment plant was then evaluated using the Wards Island Water Pollution Control Plant of New York City as an example. Two alternative flow sheets are shown together with preliminary engineering designs. Cost estimates for these alternatives show a substantial advantage in comparison to present plant operation.
The price effect of tariff liberalization: Measuring the impact on household welfare

Abstract Trade policy literature has for many years emphasized open policies positive impact on economic growth and development. While these results generally hold when measured on averages, empirical evidence suggests that trade liberalization is unlikely to produce beneficial results across all households. This study adds to the literature by providing an analysis of the distributive effects of tariff liberalization in Mexico. The paper examines the effect of tariff liberalization from the perspective of households both as consumers and factor owners allowing for imperfect domestic price transmission. The results indicate the overall positive effect of tariff liberalization masks significant differences in the distribution of gains both across income levels and across geographic regions. Richer households are found to have gained relatively more. Urban areas, as well as Mexican states closest to the United States border, are also found to be larger beneficiaries while southernmost states have been largely bypassed by the effects of tariff liberalization. Those results can be explained not only in relation to the different endowments of the households, but also by the diverse effects on local prices that has resulted from Mexican trade liberalization.
Dynorphin A (1-13) Neurotoxicity In Vitro: Opioid and Non-Opioid Mechanisms in Mouse Spinal Cord Neurons

Abstract Dynorphin A is an endogenous opioid peptide that preferentially activates κ-opioid receptors and is antinociceptive at physiological concentrations. Levels of dynorphin A and a major metabolite, dynorphin A (1–13), increase significantly following spinal cord trauma and reportedly contribute to neurodegeneration associated with secondary injury. Interestingly, both κ-opioid and N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists can modulate dynorphin toxicity, suggesting that dynorphin is acting (directly or indirectly) through κ-opioid and/or NMDA receptor types. Despite these findings, few studies have systematically explored dynorphin toxicity at the cellular level in defined populations of neurons coexpressing κ-opioid and NMDA receptors. To address this question, we isolated populations of neurons enriched in both κ-opioid and NMDA receptors from embryonic mouse spinal cord and examined the effects of dynorphin A (1–13) on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and neuronal survival in vitro. Time-lapse photography was used to repeatedly follow the same neurons before and during experimental treatments. At micromolar concentrations, dynorphin A (1–13) elevated [Ca2+]i and caused a significant loss of neurons. The excitotoxic effects were prevented by MK-801 (Dizocilpine) (10 μM), 2-amino-5-phosphopentanoic acid (100 μM), or 7-chlorokynurenic acid (100 μM)—suggesting that dynorphin A (1–13) was acting (directly or indirectly) through NMDA receptors. In contrast, cotreatment with (−)-naloxone (3 μM), or the more selective κ-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (3 μM), exacerbated dynorphin A (1–13)-induced neuronal loss; however, cell losses were not enhanced by the inactive stereoisomer (+)-naloxone (3 μM). Neuronal losses were not seen with exposure to the opioid antagonists alone (10 μM). Thus, opioid receptor blockade significantly increased toxicity, but only in the presence of excitotoxic levels of dynorphin. This provided indirect evidence that dynorphin also stimulates κ-opioid receptors and suggests that κ receptor activation may be moderately neuroprotective in the presence of an excitotoxic insult. Our findings suggest that dynorphin A (1–13) can have paradoxical effects on neuronal viability through both opioid and non-opioid (glutamatergic) receptor-mediated actions. Therefore, dynorphin A potentially modulates secondary neurodegeneration in the spinal cord through complex interactions involving multiple receptors and signaling pathways.
The division of labor and the extent of the market

Abstract This paper posits a simple model of the division of labor. Individuals' time is spent learning task-specific skills or using them. A greater number of individuals allows for higher skill per task and, ultimately, higher output per individual.
Nitric oxide-releasing electrospun polymer microfibers.

The preparation of electrospun polymer microfibers with nitric oxide (NO)-release capabilities is described. Polymer solutions containing disodium 1-[2-(carboxylato)pyrrolidin-1-yl]diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (PROLI/NO), a low-molecular-weight NO donor, were electrospun to generate fibers ranging from 100−3000 nm in diameter capable of releasing NO upon immersion in aqueous solutions under physiological conditions (pH 7.4, 37 °C), with kinetics depending on polymer composition and fiber diameter. The NO release half-life for PROLI/NO-doped electrospun fibers was 2−200 times longer than that of PROLI/NO alone. The influence of polymer concentration, applied voltage, capillary diameter, solution conductivity, flow rate, and additives on fiber properties are reported and discussed with respect to potential applications.
Intercondylar Notch Width Measurement Differences Between African American and White Men and Women With Intact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Knees

BackgroundA recent report of professional women's basketball found that white European American female players were 6.5 times more likely to tear their anterior cruciate ligament than their nonwhite European American counterparts. African Americans accounted for 95% of the nonwhite European American group.HypothesisAfrican American men and women have wider intercondylar notches than white men and women.Study DesignCohort study (prevalence); Level of evidence, 2.MethodsWe obtained 45° flexed weightbearing posteroanterior radiographs on 517 patients who had knee problems other than an anterior cruciate ligament injury or arthrosis. One experienced observer measured the intercondylar notch width with no knowledge of race or gender, and the measurements were analyzed based on race and gender.ResultsThe mean intercondylar notch width was 15.5 mm (SD = 2.8; range, 9-22) for African American women and 14.1 mm (SD = 2.5; range, 8-21) for white women; this difference was statistically significant (P = .009). Simil...
In-situ measurement of viscoelastic effects in composite tape springs

Bi-stable composite tape springs present several volume efficient solutions for deployable structures in small satellites. Viscoelastic changes within the composite matrix of these materials caused by their long term storage and exposure to varying temperatures can negatively impact the ability to deploy the structure. This study investigates a method for developing an in situ sensor for structural health monitoring in space structures employing tape springs. A method is developed by employing a custom load cell to detect stress relaxation in a bent tape spring over a period of time and two tests of this method were conducted. Results from the first test reveal the correct trend for stress relaxation but with significant noise. The second test showed the cause of the noise to be material behavior changes due to temperature fluctuations. The results show the expected decreasing exponential trend in the strain data as stress relaxation occurs, proving the feasibility of the approach.
New Urban Principals: Role Conceptions at the Entry Level.

This study examines role conceptions of newly appointed urban principals within the context of their schools and districts as a means of identifying personal and organizational forces that influence the emergence of transformational leadership. Based on the responses to a survey regarding leadership beliefs, personal and organizational expectations, and problem-solving perspectives, the authors conclude that principals' role conceptions incorporate aspects of transformational leadership yet remain highly traditional in several respects directly corresponding to perceived expectations emanating from the district, school, and community. Responses also suggest that district leaders fail to provide the encouragement or support necessary for the development of transformational leadership.
(THF)8Ln8E6(EPh)12 Cluster Reactivity: Systematic Control of Ln, E, EPh, and Neutral Donor Ligands

Octametallic (L)8Ln8E6(EPh)12 clusters (L = Lewis base; Ln = lanthanide ion; E = S, Se; EPh = SPh, SePh) can be prepared either by the reduction of Se−C bonds with low-valent Ln or by the reaction of Ln(SePh)3 with elemental E. Because all possible ligand sites (i.e., L, E, EPh) are reactive, the ligands can be varied systematically to further the understanding of structure/property relationships. Chalcogenolate ligands can be selectively varied, as in the reaction of (THF)8Sm8Se6(SePh)12 with PhSSPh to form (THF)8Sm8Se6(SPh)12. Neutral L can be altered without disrupting structure, as in the replacement of THF with pyridine to give (py)8Sm8Se6(SePh)12. Even chalcogenido ligands can be chemically replaced: the reaction of (THF)8Sm8Se6(SPh)12 with elemental S gives the all-sulfur cluster (THF)8Sm8S6(SPh)12. All compounds were isolated and characterized by IR and UV−visible spectroscopy and by low-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction to confirm that the structures contain cubes of Ln(III) ions with...
The Use of Carbapenems in the Treatment of Serious Infections

Inadequate initial antimicrobial treatment in serious infections leads to increased mortality. Achieving adequate treatment is increasingly difficult because of the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. The carbapenems are potent, broad-spectrum antibiotics that have been shown to be safe and efficacious therapies in the treatment of serious infections. This review is intended to compare the 4 major members of the carbapenem class, which include imipenem, meropenem, ertapenem, and doripenem, with other widely used antimicrobial agents in the intensive care unit (ICU). The carbapenems are potent, broad-spectrum antibiotics that have been shown to be safe and efficacious therapies in the treatment of serious infections. They provide better gram-negative coverage than other beta-lactams and are stable against extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and AmpC beta-lactamases, making them effective in the treatment of many MDR bacteria. The newly approved carbapenem, doripenem, may help preserve the utility of the carbapenem class.
Cardioprotective Role For the CLC-3 Chloride Channel in the mdx Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is the most common human X-linked disease affecting 1/3,500 male births. DMD patients suffer from severe, progressive muscle wasting with clinical symptoms first detected between 2 to 5 years of age. As the disease progresses patients are confined to a wheelchair in their early teens and die in their early twenties from cardiopulmonary failure. There is currently no effective treatment or cure for DMD. DMD patients and mdx mice (the mouse model for DMD) have mutations in the dystrophin gene that result in an absence of the dystrophin protein. Dystrophin is a 427 kDa protein located under the sarcolemma on the inner cytoplasmic membrane of skeletal and cardiac muscle cells and provides structural and functional integrity to muscle. Although therapies have been developed that target skeletal muscle disease, increasing evidence suggests correcting the cardiomyopathy is critical to the survival of DMD patients. As the cardiomyopathy progresses, the hearts of DMD patients and mdx mice exhibit arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities and left ventricular dilation. Recent studies have shown that the chloride ion channel ClC-3, a candidate protein responsible for volume-regulated chloride channels in heart, plays a critical cardioprotective role against the development of hypertrophy and failure (J Mol. Cell. Cardiol. 2009 Jul 15. [Epub ahead of print]).Using transgenic mice including heart specific ClC-3 knockout mdx mice, echocardiography and electrophysiology, we analyzed the role of ClC-3 in modulating cardiac disease progression in dystrophic mice. Our preliminary results indicate ClC-3 may be a major modifier of cardiac disease progression in mdx mice and targeting ClC-3 expression or function may provide a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy in DMD (supported by 3P20RR015581 from the National Center for Research Resources).
Design of spectrally versatile forward-looking ground-penetrating radar for detection of concealed targets

The design of high-resolution radars which can operate in theater involves a careful consideration of the radar’s radiated spectrum. While a wide bandwidth yields better target detectability and classification, it can also interfere with other devices and/or violate federal and international communication laws. Under the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Partnerships in Research Transition (PIRT) program, we are developing a Stepped-Frequency Radar (SFR) which allows for manipulation of the radiated spectrum, while still maintaining an effective ultra-wide bandwidth for achieving good range resolution. The SFR is a forward-looking, ultra-wideband (UWB) imaging radar capable of detecting concealed targets. This paper presents the research and analysis undertaken during the design of the SFR which will eventually complement an existing ARL system, the Synchronous Impulse REconstruction (SIRE) radar. The SFR is capable of excising prohibited frequency bands, while maintaining the down-range resolution capability of the original SIRE radar. The SFR has two transmit antennas and a 16-element receive antenna array, and this configuration achieves suitable cross-range resolution for target detection. The SFR, like the SIRE radar, is a vehicle mounted, forward-looking, ground penetrating radar (GPR) capable of using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology for the detection of subsurface targets via 3D imaging. Many contradicting design considerations are analyzed in this paper. The selection of system bandwidth, antenna types, number of antennas, frequency synthesizers, digitizers, receive amplifiers, wideband splitters, and many other components are critical to the design of the SFR. Leveraging commercial components and SIRE sub-systems were design factors offering an expedited time to the initial implementation of the radar while reducing overall costs. This SFR design will result in an ARL asset to support obscured target detection such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and landmines.
Comparison of the adhesive strength of a BIS-GMA cement to tin-plated and non-tin-plated alloys

This study compared the tensile bond strengths of two base metal alloys and two noble metal alloys, tin-plated and non-tin-plated, with an adhesive resinous cement. Two tin platers were compared for their effectiveness in enhancing the composite resin-to-metal bond. Cylinders of the alloys were bonded end to end with the adhesive cement, thermocycled for 24 hours, stored in distilled water for 27 days, and tested for tensile bond strength. The mean bond strengths and mode of failure were recorded, and scanning electron micrographs were recorded for subjective evaluation. Significant differences were demonstrated between the non-tin-plated and the tin-plated noble alloys and base metal alloys.
Editorial: Special Issues for 1990

It would be tempting to dig out our crystal ball, especially at the start of the last decade of a century, to see what the future might bring to the field of photonic switching and interconnects. I shall not succumb to such a temptation but will merely introduce this special issue. As the title suggests, it is devoted to both photonic switching and interconnects.
On balanced codes

In a balanced code each codeword contains equally many 1's and 0's. Parallel decoding balanced codes with 2/sup r/ (or 2/sup r/-1) information bits are presented, where r is the number of check bits. The 2/sup 2/-r-1 construction given by D.E. Knuth (ibid., vol.32, no.1, p.51-3, 1986) is improved. The new codes are shown to be optimal when Knuth's complementation method is used. >
S1P4 receptor mediates S1P-Induced vasoconstriction in normotensive and hypertensive rat lungs

AbstractThis study aimed to identify receptors mediating sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)-induced vasoconstriction in the normotensive and chronic hypoxia-induced hypertensive rat pulmonary circulation. In isolated perfused lungs from normoxic rats, infusion of S1P caused a sustained vasoconstriction, which was not reduced by combinational pretreatment with the dual S1P1 and 3 receptor antagonist VPC23019 and the S1P2 receptor antagonist JTE013. The S1P4 receptor agonists phytosphingosine-1-phospate and VPC23153, but not the dual S1P1 and 3 receptor agonist VPC24191, caused dose-dependent vasoconstrictions. In hypertensive lungs from chronically hypoxic rats, the vasoconstrictor responses to S1P and VPC23153 were markedly enhanced. The S1P4 receptor agonist VPC 23153 caused contraction of isolated pulmonary but not of renal or mesenteric arteries from chronically hypoxic rats. S1P4 receptor protein as well as mRNA were detected in both normotensive and hypertensive pulmonary arteries. In contrast to what has...
Brief paper: Controlling the motion of charged particles in a vacuum electromagnetic field from the boundary

We consider the problem of driving two non-relativistic charged particles in a bounded vacuum electromagnetic field to the same location by applying electromagnetic forces through the boundary of the domain. The dynamics of the particles is modeled by the Maxwell-Lorentz system and the problem is reduced to a boundary feedback control problem. Using the perturbed energy method, we design feedback controllers and prove that the particles under the designed control move to the origin exponentially. The techniques of control design and stability analysis may be potentially applied to control of fusion.
Temporal evolution of methane cycling and phylogenetic diversity of archaea in sediments from a deep-sea whale-fall in Monterey Canyon, California

Whale-falls represent localized areas of extreme organic enrichment in an otherwise oligotrophic deep-sea environment. Anaerobic remineralization within these habitats is typically portrayed as sulfidogenic; however, we demonstrate that these systems are also favorable for diverse methane-producing archaeal assemblages, representing up to 40% of total cell counts. Chemical analyses revealed elevated methane and depleted sulfate concentrations in sediments under the whale-fall, as compared to surrounding sediments. Carbon was enriched (up to 3.5%) in whale-fall sediments, as well as the surrounding sea floor to at least 10 m, forming a ‘bulls eye’ of elevated carbon. The diversity of sedimentary archaea associated with the 2893 m whale-fall in Monterey Canyon (California) varied both spatially and temporally. 16S rRNA diversity, determined by both sequencing and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, as well as quantitative PCR of the methyl-coenzyme M reductase gene, revealed that methanogens, including members of the Methanomicrobiales and Methanosarcinales, were the dominant archaea (up to 98%) in sediments immediately beneath the whale-fall. Temporal changes in this archaeal community included the early establishment of methylotrophic methanogens followed by development of methanogens thought to be hydrogenotrophic, as well as members related to the newly described methanotrophic lineage, ANME-3. In comparison, archaeal assemblages in ‘reference’ sediments collected 10 m from the whale-fall primarily consisted of Crenarchaeota affiliated with marine group I and marine benthic group B. Overall, these results indicate that whale-falls can favor the establishment of metabolically and phylogenetically diverse methanogen assemblages, resulting in an active near-seafloor methane cycle in the deep sea.
Disoriented chiral condensates, pion probability distributions, and parallels with disordered systems

A general expression is discussed for pion probability distributions coming from relativistic heavy ion collisions. The general expression contains as limits (1) the disoriented chiral condensate (DCC), (2) the negative binomial distribution and Pearson type-III distribution, (3) a binomial or Gaussian result, and (4) a Poisson distribution. This general expression approximates other distributions such as a signal-to-noise laser distribution. Similarities and differences of the DCC distribution with these other distributions are studied. A connection with the theory of disordered systems will be discussed which includes spin glasses, randomly broken objects, and random and chaotic maps. (c) 1999 The American Physical Society.
Manganese citrate improves base-calling accuracy in DNA sequencing reactions using rhodamine-based fluorescent dye-terminators

While dideoxy-terminators labeled with rhodamine-based fluorescent dyes provide the most versatile method of automated DNA sequencing, variation in peak heights reduces base-calling accuracy. We describe a simple approach that uses additions of a manganese salt and the metal buffer sodium citrate (MnCit) to overcome this limitation. This modification reduces peak height variability >2-fold and significantly increases the number of accurately read bases in DNA sequences.
Deformation microstructures in experimentally deformed Maryland diabase

Experimentally deformed Maryland diabase has been examined using the transmission electron microscope in order to determine the mechanisms of deformation operative over a range of temperatures and pressures and thereby aid in the interpretation of polyphase flow data. Deformation mechanisms within the plagioclase and clinopyroxene of the diabase have been compared to those within monomineralic aggregates of these phases deformed at the same conditions. Both phases deform by microfracturing, mechanical twinning, and intracrystalline slip. Data for the monomineralic aggregates show that plagioclase is stronger than clinopyroxene at <800°C, but weaker at ≥ 800°C, for a pressure of 15 kbar and strain rate of 10−6/sec. Observations of the diabase are consistent with this result: at < 800°C, the plagioclase and pyroxene grains are about equally strained, whereas at ≥ 800°C, almost all of the sample strain is accommodated by the plagioclase, the more continuous phase.
Cognitive Assessment of Students' Problem Solving and Program Development Skills

A cognitive assessment method for measuring students' problem solving and program development abilities, their skills, knowledge, perception, attitudes and motivation toward problem solving and programming is presented. This method takes into consideration the thinking skills required by students learning how to program, as well as specific knowledge related to program development. The goal is to teach students the skills necessary for formulating the problem; planning and designing the solution; implementing and testing the solution; and monitoring and evaluating the solution's progress. This paper discusses this alternative assessment method and the instruments created to evaluate students' work in an introductory course on problem solving and programming.
The direct cost of virtual function calls in C

We study the direct cost of virtual function calls in C++ programs, assuming the standard implementation using virtual function tables. We measure this overhead experimentally for a number of large benchmark programs, using a combination of executable inspection and processor simulation. Our results show that the C++ programs measured spend a median of 5.2% of their time and 3.7% of their instructions in dispatch code. For "all virtuals" versions of the programs, the median overhead rises to 13.7% (13% of the instructions). The "thunk" variant of the virtual function table implementation reduces the overhead by a median of 21% relative to the standard implementation. On future processors, these overheads are likely to increase moderately.
Parametric Study of Simplex Fuel Nozzle Internal Flow and Performance

A numerical study is presented of the effects of changes in simplex nozzle geometry on its performance. A computational model based on the arbitrary-Lagrangian-Eulerian method with an adaptive grid-generation scheme is used. Three nondimensional geometric parameters are studied: the length-to-diameter ratio of the swirl chamber L s /D s and orifice l o /d o and the swirl-chamber-diameter-to-exit-orifice-diameter ratio D s /d o , The variations in the atomizer performance, caused by the changes in the geometric parameters, are presented in terms of the film thickness at the exit of the orifice, the spray cone angle, and the discharge coefficient. Results indicate that these geometric parameters have a significant effect on the internal flow and performance of simplex nozzles. With a constant mass flow through the nozzle over the range of parameters considered, an increase in L s /D s produces an increase in the film thickness at the orifice exit, a decrease in the spray cone half-angle, and a slight decrease followed by an increase in the discharge coefficient. Conversely, increasing l o /d o decreases film thickness, spray cone angle, and discharge coefficient. An increase in D s /d o results in a decrease in film thickness and discharge coefficient and a decrease in spray cone angle.
Recovery of locomotor function after hemisection of the spinal cord in cats

Cats were subjected to high lumbar hemisection of the spinal cord, on the right side. The initial paralysis of the right hindlimb became rapidly attenuated, and they walked again in one week or less after surgery. Minor residual deficits in gait remained, that may be permanent. Electrical stimulation of the bulbar reticulospinal formation showed residual crossed connections reaching the right lumbosacral cord via the left hemicord. Recovery from Brown-Sequard's syndrome may be primarily due to the survival of low crossing descending projections to the spinal cord.
Effect of steam injection on pore structure and distribution in coke samples produced by delayed coking

Abstract Porous structure of the petroleum coke produced in delayed coking technique is investigated by high-resolution X-ray computed tomography imaging. Cokes analyzed for these studies were produced from decant oil with and without steam injection. Images taken at different regions along the length of the coke columns have been used to characterize and quantify porosity and pore size (>20 μm)/shape distribution within the coke samples. Fractal analysis was performed to investigate the pore complexity distribution within the coke and to compare the two coke samples produced by different methods. High-resolution X-ray computed tomography was utilized also to scan a 1.1 cm section in the middle of the steam treated coke in volume mode to scan 80 images in one scan. Multi-planar reconstruction and 3D rendering of the pores were used to understand how the flow channels are developed and the degree of connectivity. Results showed that each coke sample shows a wide range of pore sizes and shapes that vary along the length of the coke samples. This variation in the coke that is not subjected to steam is more pronounced. Quantification of macropore size distribution shows that, in each coke sample the middle sections are the most similar regions in terms of pore size distribution and porosity. In general, steam injected coke has larger pores. Box counting fractal analysis in the cokes shows that pore distribution has fractal scaling at the locations scanned and helps in the interpretation of the pores at different locations in terms of their complexity in the distribution and shapes.
Bis(benzoxazine-maleimide)s as a novel class of high performance resin: Synthesis and properties

Abstract A new class of benzoxazine-containing monomers, namely bis(benzoxazine-maleimide)s, has been prepared from hydroxyphenylmaleimide, paraformaldehyde and various diamines. This series of difunctional maleimide benzoxazines has been difficult to synthesize using previously reported benzoxazine synthesis conditions. The structures of the monomers are confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 1 H and 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and elemental analysis. Polymerization behavior of the monomers is studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), showing two exotherms at different temperature ranges. The 1st exotherm is due to the combination of benzoxazine ring-opening polymerization and addition-polymerization of bismaleimide. FTIR is also used to investigate the polymerization process. The dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA) of the obtained polymers reveal the glass-transition temperatures as high as 289–307 °C. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) show the 5% weight loss temperatures ranging from 374 to 383 °C with char yield ranging from 55% to 62% at 800 °C in N 2 atmosphere.
Effect of reactor type on polymer product: A backmix reactor for polymerizations and other viscous reaction media

A continuous-flow, backmix reactor, based upon the principle of drag flow and capable of handling viscous reactions, was designed and constructed. Its backmixing effectiveness was demonstrated via residence time distribution measurements, flow visualization experiments, and a stepwise polymerization reaction. The molecular weight distribution of the resulting polymer, which was measured and contrasted with that produced in a plug-flow type (extruder) reactor, was significantly altered by backmixing, as predicted computationally.
TeV radiation from galactic sources

The detection of the Crab Nebula as a steady source of TeV gamma rays puts the field of Very High Energy Gamma-Ray Astronomy on a firm observational basis and permits a critical re-assessment of the claims for the detection of a multitude of episodic binary sources. A new generation of detectors in the TeV and PeV energy regions is coming on-line; together with the telescopes of the Gamma-Ray Observatory these instruments will present a new perspective on one of the last frontiers of astronomy.
Health and Wellbeing in Udaipur and South Africa

This paper presents a descriptive account of health and economic status in India and South Africa - countries in very different positions in the international hierarchy of life expectancy and income. The paper emphasizes the lack of any simple and reliable relationship between health and wealth between and within our sites in rural Rajasthan, in a shack township outside of Cape Town, and in a rural South African site that, until 1994, was part of a Bantustan. Income levels across our sites are roughly in the ratio of 4:2:1, with urban South Africa richest and rural Rajasthan poorest, while ownership of durable goods, often used as a short-cut measure or check of living standards, are in the ratio of 3:2:1. These differences in economic status are reflected in respondents' own reports of financial status. People know that they are poor, but appear to adapt their expectations to local conditions, at least to some extent. The South Africans are taller and heavier than the Indians - although their children are no taller at the same age. South African self-assessed physical and mental health is no better, and South Africans are more likely to report that they have to miss meals for lack of money. In spite of differences in incomes across the three sites, South Africans and Indians report a very similar list of symptoms of ill-health. Although they have much lower incomes, urban women in South Africa have fully caught up with black American women in the prevalence of obesity, and are catching up in terms of hypertension. These women have the misfortune to be experiencing many of the diseases of affluence without experiencing affluence itself.
Satellite Selection Criteria During Altimeter Aiding of GPS

The 21 satellite constellation envisaged for GPS yields occasional geometric configurations that result in poor navigation solutions. It therefore may be necessary to use altimeter aiding in these cases in order to improve the geometry. During altimeter aiding, only three of the visible satellites will be used in conjunction with the altimeter. It is of paramount importance to select the three satellites that will yield the best possible navigation solution when combined with the altimeter data. This paper presents a closed form algorithm for satellite selection. It differs from other satellite selection algorithms in that they use four visible satellites and do not consider the altimeter. Also, the usual problem of computationally inverting a 4 × 4 matrix is avoided. Computer simulations show that the algorithm avoids selecting any of the satellite configurations that would yield a poor navigation solution. A comparison has been made between using the true GDOP closed form solution and the maximum volume of a tetrahedron. The latter is shown to be an integral part of the former. Results indicate that it yields sufficiently accurate results under the assumed conditions.
Two-layer hierarchical wavelength routing for islands of transparency optical networks

Although significant advances have been achieved towards the deployment of all-optical networks, optical-electrical-optical (OEO) regeneration is still required due to the lack of proper all-optical processing and all-optical buffering. In order to have a practical, reliable, and cost effective optical transport network, the combination of both all-optical and OEO technologies is necessary. The ''islands of transparency'' network architecture has been proposed as a solution. This paper presents a two-layer hierarchical wavelength routing (THWR) protocol for the island of transparency optical network. The proposed THWR is a link state protocol that uses a two-layer hierarchy that partitions the network into routing areas, each of which represents an island of transparency. The proposed THWR implements a dynamic wavelength routing capability to balance the network load and avoid the congested area automatically. The complexity analysis and the simulation results of THWR are shown in the paper. The results show THWR is an effective protocol that meets the requirements for optical networks.
Regulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release by cytosolic glutathione in rabbit ventricular myocytes

Abstract Of the major cellular antioxidant defenses, glutathione (GSH) is particularly important in maintaining the cytosolic redox potential. Whereas the healthy myocardium is maintained at a highly reduced redox state, it has been proposed that oxidation of GSH can affect the dynamics of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release. In this study, we used multiple approaches to define the effects of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) on ryanodine receptor (RyR)-mediated Ca2+ release in rabbit ventricular myocytes. To investigate the role of GSSG on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release induced by the action potential, we used the thiol-specific oxidant diamide to increase intracellular GSSG in intact myocytes. To more directly assess the effect of GSSG on RyR activity, we introduced GSSG within the cytosol of permeabilized myocytes. RyR-mediated Ca2+ release from the SR was significantly enhanced in the presence of GSSG. This resulted in decreased steady-state diastolic [Ca2+]SR, increased SR Ca2+ fractional release, and increased spark- and non-spark-mediated SR Ca2+ leak. Single-channel recordings from RyR’s incorporated into lipid bilayers revealed that GSSG significantly increased RyR activity. Moreover, oxidation of RyR in the form of intersubunit crosslinking was present in intact myocytes treated with diamide and permeabilized myocytes treated with GSSG. Blocking RyR crosslinking with the alkylating agent N-ethylmaleimide prevented depletion of SR Ca2+ load induced by diamide. These findings suggest that elevated cytosolic GSSG enhances SR Ca2+ leak due to redox-dependent intersubunit RyR crosslinking. This effect can contribute to abnormal SR Ca2+ handling during periods of oxidative stress.
Defending the Nation National Bodies, U.S. Borders, and the 1996 U.S. Olympic Women’s Gymnastics Team

This article examines U.S. Women’s Gymnastics both as a contemporary site of public fascination and as a historically situated discourse. In doing so, the article argues that early U.S. women’s gymnastics functioned as a means of subjection that was understood to cultivate desirable (White, bourgeois) femininity. Nevertheless, elegance, beauty, and perfected femininity do not adequately explain the appeal of U.S. women’s gymnastics. Instead, U.S. women gymnasts also function as limit figures that mediate cultural anxieties and conflicting desires regarding national identity in the U.S. popular imagination.
Distal Pectoralis Major Tears Sonographic Characterization and Potential Diagnostic Pitfalls

Objectives Distinction between musculotendinous tears of the pectoralis major and distal tendon avulsions is important, as the latter typically requires surgical repair. The objective of this study was to characterize the sonographic appearances of surgically proven distal tendon avulsion tears of the pectoralis major. Methods A retrospective search of the radiology database (2001-2011) revealed 22 cases of pectoralis major tears on sonography, of which 9 had surgical correlation. Sonograms were retrospectively characterized by 3 fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists in consensus with respect to the location and size of the fluid collection and the presence of tendon or tendonlike tissue superficial to the biceps brachii tendon. Results At surgery, complete distal tendon avulsions or tears of the sternal head of the pectoralis were present in all 9 cases: isolated in 6 and combined with clavicular head tears in 3. The location of the fluid collection was at the musculotendinous junction in 89% (8 of 9) and medial to the biceps brachii tendon in 11% (1 of 9), with a mean largest dimension of 3.8 cm (range, 0.7-6.2 cm). In no case was fluid seen at the humeral attachment of the pectoralis. In 67% (6 of 9), linear thickened hypoechoic tissue was seen superficial to the biceps brachii tendon, which simulated an abnormal but intact tendon, whereas in 33% (3 of 9), a normal distal pectoralis tendon was seen. Conclusions Surgically proven distal pectoralis major tendon avulsions most commonly showed fluid collections at the musculotendinous junction and not at the humeral shaft, with either a normal tendon or hypoechoic tendonlike tissue over the biceps brachii long-head tendon. These findings may potentially cause misdiagnosis of distal tendon avulsions or tears as musculotendinous injuries.
“Responsible Government,” Separated Powers, and Special Interests: Agricultural Subsidies in Britain and America.

Political scientists today are more cautious than they used to be about comparing forms of government and evaluating their virtues. Moreover, in such comparisons as we do make, we rightly lay more stress on party systems and even more informal aspects of government than on constitutional forms. Yet much of what is said by way of comparing and evaluating the disciplined and programmatic type of political party with the American type carries an undertone of the old arguments. Virtues once attributed to the British style of Parliamentary government, honorifically tagged “responsible government,” are now associated with “party government,” while the evils earlier (and still) attributed to the separation of powers are now frequently laid at the door of a weak party system. To be sure, many who criticize the American constitutional and political arrangements for irresponsibility make no claim that the British system is superior.
Implementation of surface roughness scattering in Monte Carlo modeling of thin SOI MOSFETs using the effective potential

In Monte Carlo simulations of carriers in confined layers, quantum mechanical effects render ineffective the reflection boundary condition method of including surface roughness scattering. Therefore, to include the effects of both the quantum confinement and surface roughness in thin silicon on insulator (SOI) MOSFETs, the surface roughness must be handled differently. In this paper, we include the surface roughness as an additional scattering mechanism in a three-dimensional Poisson-ensemble Monte Carlo simulation that includes the quantum mechanical effects with the effective potential. We find that this method yields appropriate results for both the quantum confinement and surface roughness, provided adequate steps are taken when implementing the surface roughness scattering rate.
A Cross-sectional Evaluation of the Association Between Lower Extremity Venous Ulceration and Predictive Risk Factors.

Objective. This study sought to identify the association between a history of venous ulceration and demographic, vascular, and nonvascular risk factors in a healthy cohort of older adults. Patients. All patients older than 60 years impanelled within a primary care practice residing in Olmsted County, Minnesota on January 1, 2005 were enrolled. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study utilizing adminis- trative data from an outpatient practice. The primary outcome was a previous history of venous ulceration. The predictor risk variables included demographic risk factors and comorbid health conditions. Data analysis involved univariable comparison between venous ulcera- tion and the risk variables. The significant variables were placed in a final multivariable model. Results. The authors reviewed the records of 12,650 patients and identified 581 (4.6%) who had a history of venous ulceration. Venous insufficiency had the highest association with venous ulceration with an odds ratio of more than 900. Decubitus ulceration also had a high association with an odds ratio of 2.66 (95% CI: 1.74-4.07). Older age, female gender, previous hospitalization, diabetes, renal insufficiency, peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure, depression, degenerative arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, hypothyroidism, and falls were associated with venous ulceration. Marital status, hyperlipidemia, hip fracture, chronic obstructive pul- monary disease, cancer, and dementia were not associated with venous ulceration. Conclusion. The relationship between venous insufficiency and venous ulceration appears to be very strong, as expected, given the etiology of disease. Conditions such as vascular disease and vascular risk factors were also highly associated with ulceration. Interestingly, decubitus ulceration as a risk was a novel finding.
Easy synchronized Petri nets as discrete event models

Linguistic concepts are introduced to relate Petri net models with the control theory for discrete event systems. Petri net structures can be considered as language generators, and different languages associated with them are examined. An important operator, synchronization, is introduced and its counterpart on a Petri net structure is studied. Finally, the authors introduce the concept of easiness, and study how this property is preserved by synchronization. A net is easy when the solution of the state equation gives a sufficient condition for reachability. The main result is that, although easiness is not preserved in general by synchronization, one can define classes of synchronization that are easiness-invariant. >
Chemical state investigation of grain boundry segregated sulfur in polycrystalline nickel

The results of a combined Auger electron spectroscopic (AES) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) study of the intergranular embrittlement of polycrystalline Ni by S are described. Largely as a result of AES investigations it is accepted that intergranular failure in most metals and alloys is caused by the segregation of impurities and/or alloying elements to the grain boundaries. Ni and many of its alloys are not exceptions. S segregation has been shown to result in embrittlement and enhanced susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement in these materials. While AES has been useful in the detection and identification of segregated species, AES data provide little information on the chemical state of the detected elements. In contrast, XPS can often provide chemical state and chemical bonding information in addition to elemental detection and identification. XPS has been used extensively to characterize the chemical state of adsorbates on free surfaces but it has not been widely applied to the problem of intergranular segregation, due primarily to the lack of lateral resolution of the technique. As intergranular embrittlement mechanisms may be linked to the bonding state of segregated species, XPS analysis of segregated species may help elucidate the mechanisms involved.