cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Employment-Based Retirement Plan Participation: Geographic Differences and Trends, 2013

This paper examines the level of participation by workers in public- and private-sector, employment-based pension or retirement plans, based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s March 2014 Current Population Survey (CPS), the most recent data currently available. It begins with an overview of retirement plan types and participation in these types of plans and describes the data used in this study, along with their relative strengths and weaknesses. From these data, results on participation in employment-based retirement plans are analyzed for 2013 across various worker and employer characteristics. The report then explores retirement plan participation across U.S. geographical regions, including state-by-state comparisons, as well as comparisons by certain consolidated statistical areas (CSAs). In addition, trends from 1987-2013 in employment-based retirement plan participation are presented across many of the same worker and employer characteristics that are used for 2013. Furthermore, an accounting of the number of individuals who worked for employers that did not sponsor a plan and of workers who did not participate in a plan in 2013 is provided by various demographic and employer characteristics. The percentage of workers participating in an employment-based retirement plan increased in 2013, increasing for the first time since 2010 among all workers and private-sector workers. The retirement plan participation level depends on the type of worker being considered: Among all American workers in 2013, 51.3 percent worked for an employer or union that sponsored a retirement plan (the sponsorship rate), while 40.8 percent participated in a plan. Among wage and salary workers ages 21-64, the sponsorship rate increased to 56.0 percent, and the portion participating increased to 45.8 percent. Among full-time, full-year wage and salary workers ages 21-64, the sponsorship rate was 62.3 percent and 54.5 percent of the workers participated in a retirement plan. Almost 74 percent of wage and salary public-sector workers participated in an employment-based retirement plan. Being white or having attained a higher educational level were also associated with higher probabilities of participating in a retirement plan. Of the 67.9 million wage and salary workers who worked for an employer who did not sponsor a plan, 17.9 million (26.4 percent) were ages 25 or younger or 65 or older. Almost 30 million (43.6 percent) were not full-time, full-year workers, and 29.2 million (43.0 percent) had annual earnings of less than $20,000. Furthermore, 39.3 million (57.8 percent) worked for employers with less than 100 employees. Workers at large employers were far more likely to participate than those at smaller firms.
A participation factor model for slack buses in distribution systems with DGs

This paper revisits the concept of a single slack bus in power flow solvers for distribution systems to accommodate the anticipated growth of distributed generators (DG) in unbalanced distribution systems. It introduces a model to distribute the slack bus through scalar participation factors applying the concept of generator domains. The inclusion of the participation factors into three-phase power flow solvers is discussed.
A Review of: “Mediating the Human Body: Technology, Communication, and Fashion”

The 2001 international conference The Human Body Between Technologies, Communication, and Fashion held in Milan produced the text Mediating the Human Body: Technology, Communication, and Fashion. T...
Common LISP Modules: Artificial Intelligence in the Era of Neural Networks and Chaos Theory

This text is designed for the reader who enjoys thinking about new technologies and how to use them in solving practical problems. It provides reusable software modules for specific applications, as well as the methodology and spirit required to master problems for which there is no obvious solution. This book is also designed for AI novices who want to learn new technologies and increase their capabilities and for AI professionals who want reusable application-oriented software modules to use in building their own systems. Each chapter contains background information and theory, a discussion of sample programs, program listings and output, additional information on the sample programs, and suggested exercises. Chapters use engaging real-world examples such as speech and handwriting recognition using neural networks, natural language processing with an example database interface, expert system shells, computer chess game, chaos theory, and fractal generation programs. The text assumes a reading knowledge of LISP.
separation of strontium and cesium from ternary and quaternary lithium chloride-potassium chloride salts via melt crystallization

Separation of cesium chloride (CsCl) and strontium chloride (SrCl₂) from the lithium chloride-potassium chloride (LiCl-KCl) salt was studied using a melt crystallization process similar to the reverse vertical Bridgeman growth technique. A ternary SrCl₂-LiCl-KCl salt was explored at similar growth rates (1.8e5 mm/h) and compared with CsCl ternary results to identify similarities. Quaternary experiments were also conducted and compared with the ternary cases to identify trends and possible limitations to the separations process. In the ternary case, as much as 68% of the total salt could be recycled per batch process. In the quaternary experiments, separation of Cs and Sr was nearly identical at the slower rates; however, as the growth rate increased, SrCl₂ separated more easily than CsCl. The quaternary results show less separation and rate dependence than in both ternary cases. As an estimated result, only 51% of the total salt could be recycled per batch. Furthermore, two models have been explored to further understand the growth process and separation. A comparison of the experimental and modeling results reveals that the nonmixed model fits reasonably well with the ternary and quaternary data sets. A dimensional analysis was performed and a correlation was identified to semipredict the segregation coefficient.
An alternative method for determining particle-size distribution of forest road aggregate and soil with large-sized particles

Measurement of particle-size distribution (PSD) of soil with large-sized particles (e.g., 25.4 mm diameter) requires a large sample and numerous particle-size analyses (PSAs). A new method is neede...
Mutations in maltose-binding protein that alter affinity and solubility properties

Maltose-binding protein (MBP) from Escherichia coli has been shown to be a good substrate for protein engineering leading to altered binding (Marvin and Hellinga, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 98:4955-4960, 2001a) and increased affinity (Marvin and Hellinga, Nat Struct Biol 8:795-798, 2001b; Telmer and Shilton, J Biol Chem 278:34555-34567, 2003). It is also used in recombinant protein expression as both an affinity tag and a solubility tag. We isolated mutations in MBP that enhance binding to maltodextrins 1.3 to 15-fold, using random mutagenesis followed by screening for enhanced yield in a microplate-based affinity purification. We tested the mutations for their ability to enhance the yield of a fusion protein that binds poorly to immobilized amylose and their ability to enhance the solubility of one or more aggregation-prone recombinant proteins. We also measured dissociation constants of the mutant MBPs that retain the solubility-enhancing properties of MBP and combined two of the mutations to produce an MBP with a dissociation constant 10-fold tighter than wild-type MBP. Some of the mutations we obtained can be rationalized based on the previous work, while others indicate new ways in which the function of MBP can be modified.
A new technique to partition and manage data security in cloud databases

Cloud computing has brought many advantages to companies and computer users. It allows different service providers to distribute many applications as services in an economical way. Therefore, many users and companies have begun using cloud computing. However, they are concerned about their data when they store it on a third party, the cloud. Fears of leakage of sensitive data or loss of privacy make the adoption of cloud services less attractive for organizations. In this paper an algorithm is presented to protect a table in a database from any leakage. We have developed a model with a view to offer secure data management capability in cloud databases. The model distributes and scatters the data over the cloud or data center in order to protect it from any leakage. Also, it explains the idea of sending the entire domain of the sensitive table into the cloud. In addition, to increase security, the algorithm is designed to store each sensitive data in a different table with a different code and store this code at the client site. Furthermore, a new technique has been designed to collect the data from the cloud by using the bipartite matching algorithm to minimize load costs.
TOXICITY OF ALTERNATIVES TO CHLOROFLUOROCARBONS: HFC-134a AND HCFC-123

The following is a summary of the National Research Council/National Academy of Sciences report entitled Toxicity of Alternatives to Chlorofluorocarbons: HFC-134a and HCFC-123. That report was prepared in response to a request from the U.S. Navy to review the toxicity data on these chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) substitutes and determine the scientific validity of emergency exposure guidance levels (EEGLs) for 1 and 24 h and continuous exposure guidance levels (CEGLs) for 90 days. These exposure limits are for use in nuclear submarines. The report was prepared by the National Research Council Subcommittee to Review Toxicity of Alternatives to Chlorofluorocarbons. The roster of the subcommittee is as follows. SUBCOMMITTEE TO REVIEW TOXICITY OF ALTERNATIVES TO CHLOROFLUOROCARBONS Bernard M. Wagner (Chair), Wagner Associates, Millburn, NJ, USA W. Kent Anger, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA Charles E. Feigley, University of South Carolina, School of Public Health, Columbia, SC, USA Walderico Ge...
On the Horizon: What’s Coming Next for Lower Extremity Interventions

Multiple endovascular interventions exist for the treatment of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD), with some exhibiting better outcomes than others. As these procedures become more numerous and accepted, the type of interventionalist providing the care is changing. Despite advances in technology and techniques, there are many obstacles to overcome in order to improve the treatment of patients with vascular disease. These can be divided into managing recurrent disease, protection of the distal vasculature, and the prevention of disease. Studies are already underway in areas involving drug-eluting balloons and stents for the periphery, brachytherapy, bioabsorbable stents, distal protection, and therapeutic angiogenesis. As knowledge about the treatment of peripheral arterial disease is acquired that can be applied to the concept of personalized health care, there is hope to be able to slow or arrest the progression of this disease.
The development of surface alteration layers on SRL-165 nuclear waste glasses

Abstract A series of experiments were conducted to investigate the rate of formation of reaction layers on samples of simulated SRL-165 nuclear waste glass with as-cast surfaces. Reaction times from 1 to 91 days at 90°C were used with deionized water or sodium silicate solution as the leachant. Results are presented for the leaching solutions at the end of the reaction periods as well as for the chemical composition of the reaction layer developed on the glass. Layers developed in silicate solution were thin, simple in structure, and very reproducible from place to place on the same sample and between samples reacted for the same time period. In contrast, layers developed in deionized water were complicated in structure and showed extreme variability even within a single sample. Mass-balance calculations show that dissolution of the glass continues even though the alteration layer adheres firmly to the glass.
On the discontinuity in kinetic solutions of the collisionless polar wind

The use of a Maxwellian ion velocity distribution in kinetic solutions of the collisionless polar wind regime results in a velocity distribution and associated moments that display sharp discontinuities at the boundary, which quantitatively affects the solution at high altitudes. This paper investigates the causes of this discontinuity, using both analytical and numerical approaches; it is shown that the choice of appropriate boundary conditions will eliminate the discontinuity.
Animal models of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Impact of the social environment

Animal models of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) have been used to demonstrate the specificity of alcohol's teratogenic effects and some of the underlying changes in the central nervous system (CNS) and, more recently, to explore ways to ameliorate the effects of alcohol. The main point of this review is to highlight research findings from the animal literature which point to the impact of the social context or social behavior on the effect(s) of alcohol exposure during development, and also to point to research questions about the social environment and effects of prenatal alcohol exposure that remain to be answered. Alcohol exposure during early development alters maternal responding to the exposed pup in a variety of ways and the alteration in maternal responding could alter later stress responsivity and adult maternal and social behavior of the exposed offspring. Environmental enrichment and voluntary exercise have been shown to ameliorate some of alcohol's impact during development, but the roles of enhanced social interactions in the case of enrichment and of social housing during voluntary exercise need to be more fully delineated. Similarly, the role of social context across the lifespan, such as social housing, social experiences, and contact with siblings, needs further study. Because of findings that alcohol during development alters DNA methylation patterns and that there are alterations in the maternal care of the alcohol-exposed offspring, epigenetic effects and their relationship to social behavior in animal models of FASD are likely to become a fruitful area of research. Because of the simpler social behavior and the short lifespan of rodents, animal models of FASD can be useful in determining how the social context impacts the effects of alcohol exposure during development.
Supporting Efficient and Scalable Multicasting over Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Group communications are important in Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs). Multicast is an efficient method for implementing group communications. However, it is challenging to implement efficient and scalable multicast in MANET due to the difficulty in group membership management and multicast packet forwarding over a dynamic topology. We propose a novel Efficient Geographic Multicast Protocol (EGMP). EGMP uses a virtual-zone-based structure to implement scalable and efficient group membership management. A networkwide zone-based bidirectional tree is constructed to achieve more efficient membership management and multicast delivery. The position information is used to guide the zone structure building, multicast tree construction, and multicast packet forwarding, which efficiently reduces the overhead for route searching and tree structure maintenance. Several strategies have been proposed to further improve the efficiency of the protocol, for example, introducing the concept of zone depth for building an optimal tree structure and integrating the location search of group members with the hierarchical group membership management. Finally, we design a scheme to handle empty zone problem faced by most routing protocols using a zone structure. The scalability and the efficiency of EGMP are evaluated through simulations and quantitative analysis. Our simulation results demonstrate that EGMP has high packet delivery ratio, and low control overhead and multicast group joining delay under all test scenarios, and is scalable to both group size and network size. Compared to Scalable Position-Based Multicast (SPBM) [CHECK END OF SENTENCE], EGMP has significantly lower control overhead, data transmission overhead, and multicast group joining delay.
Porphyromonas gingivalis affects host collagen degradation by affecting expression, activation, and inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases

Objective: Studies have shown that Porphyromonas gingivalis and host matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play important roles in the tissue destruction associated with periodontal disease. It is still unclear which MMPs or their inhibitors are regulated by P. gingivalis at the transcriptional and/or at the protein levels. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine what effects P. gingivalis supernatant has on the collagen degrading ability of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and how it regulates the activation, mRNA expression, and inhibition of MMPs. Methods: Culture supernatant from P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 was added to HGFs cultured in six-well plates coated with Type I collagen. At certain time intervals, the cell conditioned media was collected for zymography and/or western blot analyses to determine the MMP and tissue inhibitor of MMPs (TIMP) protein levels. The cells were then removed and the collagen cleavage visualized by Coomassie blue staining. The mRNA expression of multiple MMPs and TIMPs by the treated and untreated HGFs was determined by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Results: The collagen in the six-well plates was degraded more rapidly by the HGFs treated with 10% v/v P. gingivalis supernatant. More active MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-14 were detected in the conditioned media from the HGFs treated with the P. gingivalis supernatant. TIMP-1, but not TIMP-2, was decreased in the presence of the P. gingivalis supernatant. MMP-1 mRNA expression by the treated HGFs increased more than two-fold over the untreated HGFs. MMP-3 mRNA was unchanged, MMP-2 mRNA had a slight increase, MMP-14 mRNA decreased, and MMP-15 increased. MMP-12 mRNA was induced in the P. gingivalis treated HGFs. TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 mRNA had a slight increase with P. gingivalis treatment. Conclusion: Porphyromonas gingivalis increased the collagen degrading ability of HGFs, in part, by increasing MMP activation and by lowering the TIMP-1 protein level, as well as by affecting the mRNA expression of multiple MMPs and TIMPs.
Biochemical Markers for the Prediction of Preterm Delivery

Preterm delivery is the largest contributor to perinatal morbidity and mortality throughout the world. In the United States, nearly 1 in every 8 infants is born prematurely. Although a portion of these births are indicated preterm deliveries, the frequency of spontaneous preterm birth has remained largely constant over the past 50 years.
Effects of electron trapping on diffusion time-of-flight measurement in GaAs

Abstract The transient photo-current response time of a pn junction to an impulse of light at the presence of electron trapping is investigated for determing the minority carrier lifetime and the diffusion length that are of critical importance to device characterization. A device simulation model is developed for this study. Simulated results indicate that the location of the photo-current peak and the slope of the exponential decay after the peak are strongly influenced by the presence of electron traps. Simulated results show that the analytical time-of-flight measurement technique is accurate only for samples with negligible shallow electron trapping. Results also indicate that the diffusion time of flight measurement technique can be used for samples with deep-level electron trap by considering an effective lifetime for the carriers and by assuming the deep-level trap are acting as a recombination center. Lifetime and diffusion length are extracted by applying the simulation model to the measured data of transient photo-current experiment of a p-GaAs sample and results are satisfactory.
An empirical input allocation model for the cost minimizing multiproduct firm

Laitinen and Theil (1978) derive a theoretical input allocation model for a multiproduct firm that first minimizes cost and second maximizes profit. However, its empirical counterpart is not available. We linearize the model and derive a general empirically estimable model.
From the Claw to the Lion: A Critical Look at Capitalist Globalization

ABSTRACTThis article argues that capitalist globalization is largely responsible for creating or intensifying many of our most serious economic and social problems. It first describes the forces that drove core country transnational corporations to create a complex system of cross-border production networks. It then maps the resulting new international division of labor, in which Asian countries, especially China, import primary commodities from Latin American and sub-Saharan African countries to produce exports for core countries, especially the United States. In core countries, globalization has led to the destruction of higher paying jobs, financialization of economic activity, and stagnation. While the new international division of labor has boosted third world rates of growth, especially in Asia, it has also left the third world with unbalanced and inequitable economies. Moreover, contradictions in the globalization process point to the spread of core country stagnation to the third world. Capitalist...
D-branes as solitons of an N = 1 , D = 10 noncommutative gauge theory

We consider a Dp-brane within a D9-brane in the presence of a B field whose polarization is transverse to the Dp-brane. To be definite, we take a D3-D9 system. It is observed that the system has the same pattern of supersymmetry breaking as that of a soliton of the six-dimensional noncommutative gauge theory that is obtained by dimensional reduction of an $\mathcal{N}=1,D=10$ gauge theory. These results indicate that the soliton solution is the low energy realization of a D3-brane in a D9-brane with a transverse B field and, hence, can be viewed as a generalization of the previous results in the literature where similar observations were made for lower codimensional cases.
A DISTINCTIVE SUBSTANCE ASSOCIATED WITH THE BROWN-PEARCE RABBIT CARCINOMA : II. PROPERTIES OF THE SUBSTANCE: DISCUSSION.

The serologically active substance of the Brown-Pearce tumor, a complement-fixing antigen, differs notably from certain other tissue antigens (the Wassermann, Forssman, and organ- and species-specific tissue haptens, for example) in the fact that it is not effective after alcoholic extraction of the tissue containing it. Like many of the proteins and viruses it is in-activated upon heating to 65°C. for 30 minutes; and, like them as well, its activity is lost upon treatment with acid (to pH 4.5 or lower) or alkali (to pH 11.5 or higher). Filtration and centrifugation experiments disclosed the fact that the antigen of the Brown-Pearce tumor passed readily through collodion membranes with average pore diameters of 383 mµ and more, but was retained completely by those with average pore diameters of 348 mµ and less. It was thrown down completely or almost completely upon centrifugation at 20,000 R.P.M. for one hour. The findings indicate that the Brown-Pearce tumor antigen has a large and nearly uniform particle size and weight,—as large as that of many of the viruses. They differentiate it sharply from the generality of "soluble antigens.rdquo; Upon direct comparison, the complement-fixing antigen of the Brown-Pearce tumor was found to be similar in a number of its general traits to the serologically active substance of the virus-induced papillomas of rabbits, which in turn is intimately associated or identical with the virus responsible for the papillomas. Extracts of the Brown-Pearce tumor containing the serologically active substance in quantity have given rise to no lesions, however, upon injection into normal or tarred rabbits. The significance of the findings is discussed.
A Flowchart for Selecting an Ointment Base

Objectives. To improve students’ skills in selecting appropriate ointment bases through the development and implementation of a flowchart.Design. A flowchart was designed to help students select the appropriate base for an ointment. Students used the flowchart throughout the semester in both dry and wet laboratory activities. At the end of the semester, students completed a dry laboratory practical that required them to select an appropriate ointment base and levigating agent.Assessment. Student performance data from the year prior to implementation was compared to data for 2 years after implementation. Calculation, procedure, and labeling errors also were compared. Prior to implementation of the flowchart, 51 of 101 students selected the correct base. After implementation, 169 of 212 students selected the correct base (p<0.001). Calculation, procedure, and labeling errors were not significantly different.Conclusion. Use of a flowchart to select an ointment base improved student performance when used in t...
Conjugate Mass Transfer in Gas Channels and Diffusion Layers of Fuel Cells

An analysis is performed for mass transfer in a rectangular gas passage, porous diffusion layer, and the combination of the two. The results of detailed calculations are presented and correlated in terms of the mass transfer driving force as a function of the blowing parameter and geometry, as characterized by the aspect ratio and blockage factor. It is shown that a simple solution for the overall driving force may be obtained for the conjugate mass transfer problem. This solution is quite general in its nature. The mathematical foundations are presented together with the details of the computational procedure used to obtain the results.Copyright © 2005 by National Research Council of Canada
Transport and deposition of angular fibers in turbulent channel flows

Transport and deposition of angular fibrous particles in turbulent channel flows were studied. The instantaneous fluid velocity field was generated by the direct numerical simulation (DNS) of the Navier-Stokes equation via a pseudo-spectral method. An angular fibers was assumed to consist of two elongated ellipsoids attached at their tips. For a dilute suspension of fibers, a one-way coupling assumption was used in that the flow carries the fibers, but the coupling effect of the fiber on the flow was neglected. The particle equations of motion used included the hydrodynamic forces and torques, the shear-induced lift and the gravitational forces. The hydrodynamic interactions of the high aspect ratio linkage were assumed to be negligibly small. Euler's four parameters (quaternions) were used for describing the time evolution of fiber orientations. Ensembles of fiber trajectories and orientations in turbulent channel flows were generated and statistically analyzed. The results were compared with those for s...
Natural suppressor cells in spleens of irradiated, bone marrow-reconstituted mice and normal bone marrow: lack of Sca-1 expression and enrichment by depletion of Mac1-positive cells.

We have recently reported the development of natural suppressor (NS) cells in lethally irradiated, bone marrow-reconstituted mice during the early weeks after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). These cells were shown to be derived primarily from the syngeneic marrow component in recipients of mixed allogeneic plus syngeneic (host type) marrow, and it was speculated that they might be responsible for the anti-GVHD effect previously described for T-cell-depleted syngeneic marrow. It was therefore of interest to look for such suppressive activity in normal adult bone marrow, which might serve as an obtainable source of such cells if they were to be isolated and used clinically. Such activity has indeed been found in normal adult bone marrow and its characteristics compared to that in spleens of early BMT recipients. Suppressive cells from both sources were similar in their specificity patterns and radiosensitivity, and were of the null (i.e., non-T, non-B, nonmacrophage) cell phenotype. Suppression from either source can be enriched by removal of Mac1-positive cells, providing a possible approach to obtaining NS-enriched populations for in vitro expansion and adoptive transfer studies. Such depletion of Mac1-positive cells was associated with a threefold enrichment of Thy1-positive cells, of which one half were CD4- and CD8-negative, similar to the reported phenotype of cultured NS cell lines. Even when enriched in this manner, the contribution of Thy1-positive cell populations did not reach statistical significance. A recent report has suggested that NS cells might actually be pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells. In contrast, we report here that depletion of Scal-positive pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells with monoclonal antibody plus immunomagnetic beads does not remove NS activity.
A valid step in the process: a commentary on Beckstead (2009).

I would like to begin this commentary by reviewing the concept of validity, as defined by psychometric theory. Nunally and Bernstein (1994) address content validity in their broader chapter about validity and instrument development, the content they deem the most important to understanding the instrument development process. ‘‘Validity’’ itself they describe as denoting ‘‘the scientific utility of ameasuring instrument, broadly statable in terms of how well it measures what it purports to measure’’ (p. 83). All forms of validity involve some kind of scientific generalizationwithin the design of the instrument,making the instrument development process a key part of ensuring validity (DeVellis, 2003; Nunally and Bernstein, 1994; Furr and Bacharach, 2007). Each subsequent use of the instrument adds to the empirical evidence that it is a valid tool for measurement with different subjects; therefore, the validation process requires empirical investigations that are ongoing and constantly revisit the instrument for its applicability in different contexts and periods (DeVellis, 2003; Nunally and Bernstein, 1994; Furr and Bacharach, 2007). Three major categories of validity exist –construct, predictive, and content – each with its own meaning, each
Bonding and the enforcement of labor contracts

Abstract Bonded contracts are a perfect substitute for legally enforceable contracts, if capital markets are perfect. This idea is applied to labor market contracts involving specific training.
Comparison of Test Sizing Approaches for Initial and Follow-On Evaluation of Strategic Weapon Systems

Testing programs exist to establish initial estimates of reliability for strategic weapon systems and to determine significant changes in reliability. The methods to determine the appropriate sample sizes are based on one- and two-sample estimates of pr..
Effect of ovarian stimulation on estrogen production rates.

Estrogen production rates were determined before and after the administration of human menopausal gonadotropin (5 patients) and Clomid (4 patients). Clinically, the subjects described in this paper suffered from menstrual disorders of varying etiology. Pretreatment levels varied from 25 to 223 μg/24 hr. Following the administration of HMG, an increase in production rate was seen in all patients. The magnitude of this increase was extremely variable, the highest amount being determined at 4240 μg/24 hr in a patient with polycystic ovaries. Only 1 of the 4 Clomid-treated patients showed a positive response. This was probably due to the timing of the post-treatment measurement. These experiments, even though conducted in a small series of patients, lend further support to the need of an ovarian stimulation test for better understanding and classification of patients presenting with amenorrhea.
Time-stamped model predictive control: an algorithm for control of processes with random delays☆

Abstract This paper introduces an enhancement to the model predictive control (MPC) algorithm to address to address variable time delays that may occur in the control loop. These variable delays can arise from various sources such as measurement delays, human-in-the-loop, and communication delays. The specific focus of this paper is to investigate the effect of random communication delays on network-based process control systems. The process industry is moving towards sensor and control systems that are accessed over networks rather than hardwired. For fast responding processes, the communication delay introduced by the networks can lead to performance degradation and even instability. Our experimental characterization of network communication delays revealed that they were mostly white, had a baseline minimum and approached wide-tailed distributions. We propose the time-stamped model predictive control (TSMPC) algorithm, an extension to MPC that uses a communication delay model, along with time-stamping and buffering to improve reliability over networked control systems. Experimental validation of this new algorithm resulted in improved performance over traditional MPC. Where time-stamping is not possible, accounting just for the mean/median communication delay can still result in better performance, and this simplification to TSMPC is termed as the mean/median delay model predictive control (MDMPC). Future enhancements that are possible include addressing non-linearity, input constraints, disturbance rejection, and model mismatch within the algorithm as well as to characterize and tune for delays from other control loop elements.
Dynamics of Microfilaments are Similar, but Distinct from Microtubules During Cytokinesis in Living, Dividing Plant-Cells

The development and dynamics of the phragmoplast cytoskeleton have been analyzed in living stamen hair cells of Tradescantia. Microtubules and actin microfilaments have been identified by microinjecting either carboxyfluorescein labeled brain tubulin or rhodamine phalloidin. Examination with the confocal laser scanning microscope has permitted sequential imaging of the fluorescent cytoskeletal elements in single living cells progressing through division. Phragmoplast microtubules initially emerge through the lateral coalescence of preexisting interzone microtubules. As cytokinesis progresses, these tightly clustered microtubules shorten in length and expand centrifugally toward the cell periphery. By contrast, the phragmoplast microfilaments appear to arise de novo in late anaphase in close association with the proximal surfaces of the reconstituting daughter nuclei. The microfilaments are oriented parallel to the microtubules but conspicuously do not occupy the equatorial region where microtubules interdigitate and where the cell plate vesicles aggregate and fuse. As development proceeds the microfilaments shorten in length and expand in girth, similar to microtubules, although they remain excluded from the cell plate region. In terminal phases of cell plate formation, microtubules degrade first in the central regions of the phragmoplast and later toward the edges, whereas microfilaments break down more uniformly throughout the phragmoplast.
The respiratory pathology in infants with sudden unexpected deaths in whom respiratory specimens were initially PCR-positive or PCR-negative for Bordetella pertussis

In a previous controlled study, we investigated the relationship between Bordetella pertussis infections and sudden unexpected deaths among German infants (sudden infant death syndrome, SIDS). In this present study, we investigated further the respiratory pathology in a subset of infants in the original study. Originally, there were 234 infants with SIDS and, of these, 12 had either a nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) or a tracheal swab specimen (TS) that was positive for B. pertussis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Here, tissue specimens from eight infants who were originally PCR-positive were compared with tissue specimens from seven infants in whom the original PCR studies were negative. The histopathologic diagnoses were as follows: 14 of 15 had pulmonary edema and the remaining case had early diffuse alveolar damage. Although 14 of 15 cases had some histologic or clinical evidence suggesting respiratory tract infection, the features were more consistent with a viral etiology, and in none were the findings typical of respiratory disease attributable to B. pertussis. The findings in this present investigation do not support a direct role of B. pertussis at the site of infection (ciliated epithelium) in the causation of SIDS. The clinical aspects of this study were carried out in the 1990s when pertussis was widespread in Germany. Therefore, the original finding of some PCR-positive cases is not surprising. The possibility that B. pertussis infection could still be a factor in some SIDS cases, e.g., by a systemic release of toxins, cannot be definitely ruled out.
Estimation of Organic Carbon Blank Values and Error Structures of the Speciation Trends Network Data for Source Apportionment

Abstract Because the particulate organic carbon (OC) concentrations reported in U.S. Environment Protection Agency Speciation Trends Network (STN) data were not blank corrected, the OC blank concentrations were estimated using the intercept in particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) regression against OC concentrations. The estimated OC blank concentrations ranged from 1 to 2.4 μg/m3 showing higher values in urban areas for the 13 monitoring sites in the northeastern United States. In the STN data, several different samplers and analyzers are used, and various instruments show different method detection limit (MDL) values, as well as errors. A comprehensive set of error structures that would be used for numerous source apportionment studies of STN data was estimated by comparing a limited set of measured concentrations and their associated uncertainties. To examine the estimated error structures and investigate the appropriate MDL values, PM2.5 samples collected at a STN site in Burling...
Speed Tracking and Vehicle Follower Control Design for Heavy-Duty Vehicles

SUMMARY In this paper we address the problem of automation of heavy-duty vehicles. After a brief description of the dynamic model used in our design and simulations, we develop nonlinear controllers with adaptation, first for speed control and then for vehicle follower longitudinal control. We consider both autonomous operation as well as intervehicle communication, and evaluate the stability and performance properties of our controllers in several different scenarios through analysis and simulation.
The multinational bank: A financial MNC?

Abstract The theory of non-financial multinational corporations is applied to the multinational commercial bank. The incentives toward multinationality that characterize the expansion of non-financial firms have their counterparts in multinational banks. The theory of the MNC provides a useful basis for the development of a theory of the multinational bank when the subsidiary offices operate in foreign financial markets. When banks' foreign subsidiaries operate in supranational markets (such as the Eurocurrency markets), there is little or no equivalence because the multinational banks compete only among themselves: there is no competition with indigenous firms. The supranational markets give rise to a distinct type of subsidiary. These banking offices and the markets in which they operate serve to integrate national capital and money markets with some possible endangerment to the stability of the international financial system.
Guided subwavelength plasmonic mode supported by a slot in a thin metal film

We demonstrate the existence of a bound optical mode supported by a slot in a thin metallic film deposited on a substrate, with slot dimensions much smaller than the wavelength. The modal size is almost completely dominated by the near field of the slot. Consequently, the size is very small compared with the wavelength, even when the dispersion relation of the mode approaches the light line of the surrounding media. In addition, the group velocity of this mode is close to the speed of light in the substrate, and its propagation length is tens of micrometers at the optical communication wavelength.
On Using a Symbolic Manipulator to Solve Fracture Problems in Composite Materials

Abstract A symbolic manipulator is used to understand the mechanics of a crack problem in fiber-reinforced composite materials. Stress intensity factors in the front of crack tips are found directly in terms of the stiffness properties of the constituents, for constant crack lengths. The results are compared with the numerical solutions available in the literature.
A 16-Year Prospective Study of Prodromal Features Prior to BPI Onset in Well Amish Children

Abstract Background Longitudinal research of well Amish children over 16 years to identify the pattern and frequency of prodromal symptoms/behaviors associated with onset of BPI disorder during childhood or adolescence. Methods: Parental informants were interviewed annually using structured and semi-structured interviews to record medical, developmental and behavioral/symptomatic data for their children in two samples. The bipolar sample had 115 children with a BPI parent. The control sample had 106 children of well parents, with and without a positive family history for mood disorders. A panel of clinicians assigned risk ratings independently and blind to family relations. Results: Eight children, age 13 or older, onset with BPI in the bipolar sample compared with one in the control sub-sample (well parent of a BPI sibling). The specific “pre-school” behaviors/symptoms that most identified children with BPI from well children in control samples were: sensitivity, crying, hyper-alertness, anxiety/worry and somatic complaints. During school years, parents reported mood (sad) and energy changes (low not high) decreased sleep and fearfulness as key symptoms. Limitations: The sample of 9 BPI onsets is small. However, a variable age of onset means many children remain at risk. Although not statistically significant, 34.6% of the bipolar sample youngsters carry risk ratings compared to 15.2% among controls. Conclusions: The miniclusters of prodromal features that emerged pre-school (ages 1–6), were “episodic” through childhood (7–12) and appeared to mimic adult recurrent illness. Prepubertal onset with mania did not occur. The pattern of prodromal symptoms has clinical relevance for its potential predictive value for onset with BPI disorder and early intervention.
Low-Temperature Raman Spectroscopy of Individual Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes and Single-Layer Graphene

Confocal Raman microscopy was used to image and record the Raman spectra of individual single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and single-layer graphene on silicon substrates at both room and low temperatures. The temperature-induced Raman spectral change of individual nanotubes is observed to be tube diameter dependent, with larger-diameter tubes typically exhibiting a higher upshift in Raman frequency on decreasing temperature. The temperature-induced shift in the G-band frequency of single layer graphene is found to be greater than that of nanotubes. These observations can be ascribed to the temperature dependence of carbon−carbon bond force constants in SWNTs, and the nanotube curvature effect respectively. The tube-substrate interaction is proposed to be the main factor in contributing to the diameter dependence of the temperature-induced radial breathing mode (RBM) frequency change in SWNTs. Evidence of chirality dependence of the temperature dependent Raman scattering in SWNTs is also revealed in this...
Approximate solutions to large scale capacitated facility location problems

This article presents a heuristic algorithm for solving large scale capacitated facility location problems. The algorithm consists of solving a single source facility location problem and then solving a minimum cost network problem. The single source problem is solved by applying an iterative procedure in which lower bounds on the optimal objective value are generated through Lagrangian relaxation techniques. Upper bounds on the optimal objective value are obtained by modifying the Lagrangian solution to restore feasibility. The iterative procedure is terminated when the difference between the two bounds is within a prespecified tolerance. Further improvement of the objective value is attained by subjecting the single source solution to a network optimization code. The heuristic algorithm has been tested on over 300 problems, derived, in one form or another, from the Kuehn-Hamburger test problems. The testing has also been undertaken on the problems of Van Roy, which were generated using NETGEN. Computational results indicate that our approach can be effective in producing near-optimal solutions for problems with as many as 1000 customers and 100 potential facility locations. Most problems converged within 3 percent of the optimal value, requiring only a modest amount of computation on an IBM 3090.
Texture and anisotropy of Ti-22Al-23Nb foil

The texture and anisotropy of as-rolled and rolled and annealed Ti-22Al-23Nb foil have been investigated. The texture of the b.c.c. phase was analyzed and used to calculate the anisotropy of the foil. The predicted variation in yield stress is in good agreement with the experimental results. The texture of the b.c.c. phase is similar to textures observed in conventional b.c.c. alloys. The texture of the orthorhombic and hexagonal phases has also been analyzed. Although limited data exist for the single crystal properties of the alpha phase, prediction of the anisotropy of the orthorhombic phase is hindered by the absence of such data. The results to date indicate that the texture of the cubic phase predicts the anisotropy of the intermetallic foil reasonably well. Theoretical analysis of the single crystal yield surface of the orthorhombic phase shows that a deformation mode map can be constructed for this material. Comparison of simulated with experimental textures suggest limits on the variation of critical resolved shear stress among the four different slip systems.
Loss of tonic T-cell receptor signals alters the generation but not the persistence of CD8+ memory T cells.

The requirements for tonic T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling in CD8+ memory T-cell generation and homeostasis are poorly defined. The SRC homology 2 (SH2)-domain–containing leukocyte protein of 76 kDa (SLP-76) is critical for proximal TCR-generated signaling. We used temporally mediated deletion of SLP-76 to interrupt tonic and activating TCR signals after clearance of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). SLP-76–dependent signals are required during the contraction phase of the immune response for the normal generation of CD8 memory precursor cells. Conversely, LCMV-specific memory CD8 T cells generated in the presence of SLP-76 and then acutely deprived of TCR-mediated signals persist in vivo in normal numbers for more than 40 weeks. Tonic TCR signals are not required for the transition of the memory pool toward a central memory phenotype, but the absence of SLP-76 during memory homeostasis substantially alters the kinetics. Our data are consistent with a model in which tonic TCR signals are required at multiple stages of differentiation, but are dispensable for memory CD8 T-cell persistence.
Aesthetics Applied to Fashion Apparel

An apparently ambiguous status for aesthetics in fashion theory is noted and discussed and an applied aesthetics approach to supplement the current communications theory approach is proposed. Two classes of aesthetic properties—intrinsic formal and extrinsic symbolic content—are discussed in terms of stimulus properties. Certain stimulus properties are used in an experiment in which it is demonstrated that aesthetic properties can be identified and used in evaluating fashion apparel. The findings suggest that when aesthetic criteria are considered in fashion theory, classical fashion concepts such as taste leadership require reevaluation.