cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overview of control design methods for smart structural system

Smart structures are a result of effective integration of control system design and signal processing with the structural systems to maximally utilize the new advances in materials for structures, actuation and sensing to obtain the best performance for the application at hand. The research in smart structures is constantly driving towards attaining self adaptive and diagnostic capabilities that biological systems possess. This has been manifested in the number of successful applications in many areas of engineering such as aerospace, civil and automotive systems. Instrumental in the development of such systems are smart materials such as piezo-electric, shape memory alloys, electrostrictive, magnetostrictive and fiber-optic materials and various composite materials for use as actuators, sensors and structural members. The need for development of control systems that maximally utilize the smart actuators and sensing materials to design highly distributed and highly adaptable controllers has spurred research in the area of smart structural modeling, identification, actuator/sensor design and placement, control systems design such as adaptive and robust controllers with new tools such a neural networks, fuzzy logic, genetic algorithms, linear matrix inequalities and electronics for controller implementation such as analog electronics, micro controllers, digital signal processors (DSPs) and application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) such field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and Multichip modules (MCMs) etc. In this paper, we give a brief overview of the state of control in smart structures. Different aspects of the development of smart structures such as applications, technology and theoretical advances especially in the area of control systems design and implementation will be covered.
Antarctic mesocyclone regimes from satellite and conventional data

Mesoscale vortices in the Antarctic, poleward of 50°S, are examined in the synoptic context for the Ross Sea sector (100°E eastward to 80°W) for transition and winter months of 1988, using DMSP (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program) thermal infrared (TIR) images. Mesoscale vortices are classified and tracked and the dominant characteristics, such as life span, speed of movement and preferred geographical locations of formation, are defined and discussed. A “superposed epoch” (compositing) method utilizing 1000 and 500 mb height data identifies the dominant synoptic regimes in which mesoscale vortices tend to develop. This analysis indicates that during active or outbreak periods, a negative thickness anomaly (“cold pool”) is located northeast of the Ross Sea, and mesoscale vortices tend to occur on the poleward side of that anomaly. In addition, an enhanced trough-ridge pattern is evident for the Ross Sea sector compared with the composite pattern for inactive, or dearth, periods. The active periods of mesoscale vortices appear to originate from Antarctica, possibly via the persistent katabatic outflows from the ice sheet, rather than from teleconnections to lower latitudes. Analysis of Automatic Weather Station (AWS) data for the Ross Sea region supports this notion, at least for individual cases. Confirmation of these findings for the corresponding months of additional years is continuing. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0870.1992.t01-1-00007.x
Cooper pair and electron-hole pair instabilities in a quasi-one dimensional system

Abstract We calculate for an almost half-filled tight-binding band, the mean field ground state energy differences between the charge-density-wave (CDW) and BCS paired states for a truncated model Hamiltonian with zero-range instantaneous electron-electron interactions. The CDW pairing is found to be always unstable vis-a-vis BCS for a static lattice distortion of wave vector Q = (2kF, π, π).
Interaction of sex and year of enrollment in student perceptions of the university climate

This study investigated differences in student perceptions of the institutional climate associated with sex, year of enrollment, and the interaction between these two variables. Consistent with previous research, freshmen at both institutions sampled had significantly higher ratings of the climate on an intellectualism/scholarship factor than seniors. On two factors, identified as responsiveness and openness, a significant interaction effect was indicated between sex and class. No significant differences were noted between freshmen men and women; however, senior women were found to have significantly lower mean ratings on these two dimensions than senior men. Thus as length of exposure to the institution increased (comparing freshmen with seniors) assessments of the environmental press by male and female students tended to diverge.
FIRST-ORDER PERTURBATION CORRECTIONS TO THE HARTREE-FOCK APPROXIMATION FOR HELIUM

Variational perturbation theory has been used to compute the first-order wave function for the ground state of the helium atom, in a scheme where the Hartree-Fock function is treated as the zeroth-order approximation. The first-order function was approximated by a Hylleraas-like expansion, explicitly containing ${r}_{12}$. We obtain a total energy through third order of -2.90262 a.u., as compared with the nonrelativistic eigen-value of -2.90372. The first-order corrections to expectation values of a selection of one- and two-electron operators have been computed. The calculations have also been done for the isoelectronic ions, ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${\mathrm{Li}}^{+}$, and ${\mathrm{Be}}^{2+}$.
Investigation of a Superluminal Ring Laser using Double-Raman Gain

We show how a dual-peak gain produced via optical pumping and non-degenerate Raman pumps in a single vapor cell can be used to realize a superluminal ring laser with enhanced sensitivity for gyroscopy and accelerometry.
Implications of generalized Z − Z ′ mixing

We discuss experimental implications of extending the gauge structure of the standard model to include an additional U(1) interaction broken at or near the weak scale. We work with the most general, renormalizable Lagrangian for the SU(2){times}U(1){times}U(1) sector, with emphasis on the phenomenon of gauge kinetic mixing between the two U(1) gauge fields, and do not restrict ourselves to any of the {open_quotes}canonical{close_quotes} Z{sup {prime}} models often discussed in the literature. Low-energy processes and Z{sup 0}-pole precision measurements are specifically addressed. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Human immunoglobulin heavy-chain minilocus recombination in transgenic mice: gene-segment use in mu and gamma transcripts.

We (N.L. and L.D.T.) have introduced a human heavy-chain minilocus into mice transgenically. Constructs contain 2 heavy-chain variable (VH; psi VH3-105 and VH5-251), 10 diversity (D), 6 heavy-chain joining (JH), and either constant (C)mu or C mu and C gamma gene segments. Several founder lines were established and studied before immunization. Seventy heavy-chain transcripts were cloned and sequenced from murine splenic B lymphocytes, and gene-segment use was assessed before and after class-switching. In general, the repertoire was "fetal" in appearance with little evidence of somatic mutation in any gene segment. The two VH gene segments were found rearranged to mu- and gamma-chain C segments, with a preference of VH5-251. We observed a preponderance of the most-J-proximal D gene (DHQ52) segments among the mu transcripts (44%). The JH gene-segment use mimics most patterns seen in human antibodies. Diversification in CDR3 was extensive and included clear examples of D inversions and D-D fusions. These data suggest that a human immunoglobulin minilocus can undergo recombinatorial processes in a manner analogous to that seen in the human fetal/preimmune repertoire. This model, in addition to providing a potential source of human monoclonal antibodies, is ideal for the study of further questions concerning immunoglobulin gene-segment recombination.
High-resolution iontophoresis for single-synapse stimulation

We present a technique for stimulating post-synaptic receptors with neurotransmitter locally at a single synapse and with a concentration profile that is comparable to endogenous stimulation. We modify the technique of iontophoresis to use a 0.1 μm electrode tip for local stimulation, and we combine it with fast capacitance compensation to achieve high-speed application from a high-resistance tip. Ejection of fluorescent dye from the electrode shows that transmitter can be limited to the width of a single synapse and to a time scale similar to an endogenous event. The speed and localization of transmitter is confirmed by iontophoretically stimulating single labeled synapses in cultured hippocampal neurons held under voltage clamp. The amount of transmitter ejected is linear and reproducible over a physiologically relevant range, making this technique useful for examining receptor kinetics and receptor insertion/removal. The system should be capable of delivering any charged neurotransmitter, and we show examples using glutamate and GABA. The technique is also combined with computer-controlled manipulation to study the strength and plasticity of multiple synapses in real-time.
Hydraulic flushing as a Prymnesium parvum bloom-terminating mechanism in a subtropical lake.

Prymnesium parvum blooms have increased in frequency and magnitude in the south-central USA in recent years, resulting in large fish kills and economic losses. Here, we document seasonal and system-wide plankton dynamics of Lake Granbury, TX, over a period spanning the formation and termination of a large, highly toxic, P. parvum bloom that occurred from January through March 2007. High-resolution spatial mapping showed that this bloom was system-wide and patchy during its peak densities. Consistent with laboratory studies, the highest in-lake toxicity to fish occurred during peak bloom density and under the most stressful in-lake conditions (based on salinity, temperature, light and inorganic nutrients). As with other P. parvum blooms, this bloom at its peak density was near monospecific, with P. parvum accounting for ∼92% of the phytoplankton biomass, and diatoms, cyanobacteria and green algae comprising most of the remaining biomass. A large inflow event in April obliterated this bloom, dramatically reducing population densities by 89% and completely removing toxicity to fish. Interestingly, the bloom had already started to decline somewhat before this hydraulic flushing event affected the lake. During this decline, in-lake conditions were not likely stressful to P. parvum, and predation did not appear to be a factor. The role of pathogens of P. parvum was not assessed during this study, however. Our findings show a strong link between hydrology and bloom termination, which raises concerns given that in-stream flows are predicted to decline as human population increases in this region. In addition, flow reduction may be exacerbated by climate change. Increased understanding of factors that influence P. parvum blooms is paramount given the possible need to offset the effect of diminished hydraulic flushing.
Estimating the Distribution and Abundance of a Cryptic Species, Dipodomys stephensi(Rodentia: Heteromyidae), and Implications for Management

: A common hurdle in developing conservation plans for endangered species threatened by habitat loss is lack of basic information on distribution and factors affecting population densities. Such information is time-consuming and expensive to obtain for cryptic species, such as nocturnal small mamma whose presence at a site can only be determined through intensive sampling. We illustrate how readily-available soils maps can be used to estimate the potential distribution of such a species, Stephens' kangaroo rat. In this case, the distribution map accurately predicts presence or absence of this species at 70% of sites. Our maps reveal extensive habitat loss and fragmentation. Data from repeated censuses at several sites indicate that population densities of this species can vary more than 10-fold in response to rainfall patterns, and that temporal fluctuations in geographically separated populations are correlated. These results suggest that habitat subdivision is unlikely to substantially increase expected time to extinction for the species as a whole; habitat conservation efforts for Stephens’kangaroo rat should therefore be directed at establishing a few large, widely separated reserves, rather than many smaller reserves. Un obstaculo comun en el desamllo de planes de conservacion para especies en peligro, amenazadas por la perdida de habitates la falta de informacioa basica sobre la distribucion y los factores que afectan la densidad de poblacion La obtencion de esta informacion demora mucho en conseguirse y es costosa para obtenerla para especies cripticas, tales como pequenos mamiferos nocturnos, cuya presencia solo puede ser determinado por muestreo intensivo. Ilustramos como mapas de suelos, que son facilmente disponibles pueden ser usados para estimar la distribucion potencial de una de estas especies: la Rata canguro de Stephens. En este caso, el mapa de distribucion predice con exactitude la presencia o ausencia de esta especie en el 70% de los lugares Nuestros mapas revelan un extensa perdidu y flagmentacion del habitat de esta especie. Datos, de censos repetidos en various lugares, indican que las densidades de poblacion de esta especie pueden variar en mas de 10 veces en respuesta a patrones de precipitacion, y que fluctuaciones temporales en poblaciones geograficamente separadas estan correlacionadas. Estos resultados sugieren que la subdivision de habitat no parece aumentar substancialmente el tiempo esperado de extincion para la especies en general Por ello, los esfuerzos de conservacion de habitat para la Rata canguro de Stephens deben ser dirigidos a establecer algunas pocas reservas, grandes y bien separadas, en vez de muchas y pequenas reservas.
Distributed coordination architecture for multi-robot formation control

In the exploration and implementation of formation control strategies, communication range and bandwidth limitations form a barrier to large scale formation control applications. The limitations of current formation control strategies involving a leader-follower approach and a consensus-based approach with fully available group trajectory information are explored. A unified, distributed formation control architecture that accommodates an arbitrary number of group leaders and arbitrary information flow among vehicles is proposed. The architecture requires only local neighbor-to-neighbor information exchange. In particular, an extended consensus algorithm is applied on the group level to estimate the time-varying group trajectory information in a distributed manner. Based on the estimated group trajectory information, a consensus-based distributed formation control strategy is then applied for vehicle level control. The proposed architecture is experimentally implemented and validated on a multi-robot platform under local neighbor-to-neighbor information exchange with a single or multiple leaders involved.
Altered plasma dexamethasone and cortisol suppressibility in patients with panic disorders

Abstract Some abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in patients with panic disorders were recently reported. The possibility that the disposition of dexamethasone, which has been reported to influence the Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST), might be altered in this subgroup of patients has not, as yet, been reported. We report that 4:00 pm dexamethasone plasma concentrations following a 1-mg oral DST were significantly ( p p μg / dl ). The mean percent suppression of cortisol from baseline in panic disorder was normal despite one-half the dexamethasone concentrations in these subjects. The cortisol suppression versus dexamethasone concentration curve was also shifted lower (greater fraction of cortisol suppression) and to the left (toward lower dexamethasone concentrations). These results further suggest that the HPA system is indeed altered in panic disorders, but in a manner that is not readily apparent from the DST alone.
Recent advances in computer-aided drug design methods

A number of computational advances have had significant impact on the field of computer-aided drug design over the last several years. These advances can be grouped into three basic areas: conformational modelling (of small molecules, macromolecules and their complexes), property modelling (of physical, biological and chemical properties) and molecular design (to optimise physical, biological or chemical properties). The current state of the art in each of these areas is introduced. Recent patents related to these three topics are critically reviewed and their impact on the field of computer-aided drug design is assessed.
Observations on hypnotic dreams

Barber (1962), Tart (1965), and Moss (1967) have commented on hypnotic dreams in a way that might seem to negate my findings regarding their apparent structural similarity to nocturnal dreams (1965). I now offer these additional opinions. Barber indicated the possibility had not been excluded that similar productions can be elicited from non-hypnotized patients by instructions to imagine or visualize certain events or situations. I believe the ability to produce such imagery without hypnosis casts no adverse reflection on the structural similarity of hypnotic and sponraneous nocturnal dreams. It is simply an additional point of interest that some people can evoke imagery of this type without hypnosis and furnishes data on imagery that can be produced under a variety of circumstances. A serious flaw has been recognized in Barber's use of "controls." The suggestions he gives his "non-hypnotized" Ss often evoke the very hypnotic situation he allegedly avoids because the suggestions themselves are hypnotic in nature. It is not surprising with the duplication of hypnotic procedure that some of his "controls" give responses consistent with those of his hypnotic Ss. In fact, it would be surprising under these circumstances if his "waking conuols" did not show such responses. Tarr states, "It has long been known that, if an hypnotized subject is instructed to dream, many subjects will subsequently report an experience in response to this suggestion. This reported experience is usually called the hypnotic dream." I believe this vlew confuses the issue and is found more among experimentalists than clinicians. Obviously all responses are not dreams. Tart says later, "Hypnotic dream will refer to an experience of the hypnotic subject in response to the suggestion to dream, a definition based primarily on what the experimenter does." I should say that in clinical settings, at least, the definition should be based not on what the therapist does but on what the patient produces. Moss commented rhat, if hypnotic dreams are essentially comparable to nocturnal dreams, it might be expected that they could counteract compensatory effects associated with dream deprivation. While this remains to be evaluated, I believe there is no necessary connection. Hypnotic dreams may be indistinguishable in structure from spontaneous nocturnal dreams, yet their functional differences may include a variety of neurophysiological and psychophysiological correlates. While Moss includes much in his book rhar is skeptical of hypnotic dreams, he offers Ernest Hilgard's favorable opinion (1965) on evidence pointing to the fruitfulness of investigating hypnotic dreams, with his recognition that the two dream categories overlap and undoubtedly have much in common.
Incorporating transportation network modeling tools within transportation economic impact studies of disasters

Transportation system disruption due to a disaster results in "ripple effects" throughout the entire transportation system of a metropolitan region. Many researchers have focused on the economic costs of transportation system disruptions in transportation-related industries, specifically within commerce and logistics, in the assessment of the regional economic costs. However, the foundation of an assessment of the regional economic costs of a disaster needs to include the evaluation of consumer surplus in addition to the direct cost for reconstruction of the regional transportation system. The objective of this study is to propose a method to estimate the regional consumer surplus based on indirect economic costs of a disaster on intermodal transportation systems in the context of diverting vehicles and trains. The computational methods used to assess the regional indirect economic costs sustained by the highway and railroad system can utilize readily available state departments of transportation (DOTs) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) traffic models allowing prioritization of regional recovery plans after a disaster and strengthening of infrastructure before a disaster. Hurricane Katrina is one of the most devastating hurricanes in the history of the United States. Due to the significance of Hurricane Katrina, a case study is presented to evaluate consumer surplus in the Gulf Coast Region of Mississippi. RESULTS from the case study indicate the costs of rerouting and congestion delays in the regional highway system and the rent costs of right-of-way in the regional railroad system are major factors of the indirect costs in the consumer surplus. Language: en
Enhanced lithiation in defective graphene

Abstract We performed first-principle calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) to investigate adsorption of lithium (Li) on graphene with divacancy and Stone–Wales defects. Our results confirm that lithiation is not possible in pristine graphene. However, enhanced Li adsorption is observed on defective graphene because of the increased charge transfer between adatom and underlying defective sheet. Because of increased adsorption, the specific capacity is also increased with the increase in defect densities. For the maximum possible divacancy defect density, Li storage capacities of up to ∼1675 mAh/g can be achieved. While for Stone–Wales defects, we find that a maximum capacity of up to ∼1100 mAh/g is possible. Our results provide deeper understanding of Li-defect interactions and will help to create better high-capacity anode materials for Li-ion batteries.
Management's Guide to an Integrated Marketing Strategy

What happened to IBM's PCjr? The PCjr was expected to penetrate the home computer market, perhaps even reaching the dominance that IBM's personal computer—the PC—had achieved in the business market. The PCjr, however, has not become a leader in the home computer market, which would seem to be less sophisticated and challenging than the business market. Why was the PCjr unable to match the success of the PC? At least part of the answer lies in a failure to unify modern marketing ideas into an integrated strategy. The lessons to be learned from this failure are important for all managers who formulate business strategy.
TPA-induced contraction of isolated rabbit vascular smooth muscle

Myosin light chain phosphorylation may not regulate the sustained phase of vascular smooth muscle contraction. Another, unidentified, calcium-dependent pathway may be involved in this process. TPA, an activator of C-kinase, at concentrations of 10 to 333 nM induces a calcium-dependent contraction of vascular smooth muscle which develops slowly but progressively to reach values of 50-300 mm Hg. Arteries exposed to the ionophore A23187, in a calcium-free medium, display a uniform series of contractile responses when exposed to 1.5 mM Ca2+ for 2 min once every 10 min. Exposure to 100 nM TPA as well as ionophore leads to a progressive enhancement of these calcium-induced, contractile responses. Arteries stimulated by brief (10 sec), repetitive (every 3 min) electrical pulses, respond with a series of comparable phase 1 responses. Prior exposure of vessels to 10 nM TPA, causes a progressive increase in the magnitude of these responses to repetitive electrical stimulation. Addition of 25 microM forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase, to TPA-treated, partially-contracted muscle leads to the immediate inhibition of the TPA-induced contraction. These data suggest that the activation of C-kinase plays a significant role in regulating vascular smooth muscle contraction.
The effect of age on complications in women undergoing minimally invasive sacral colpopexy.

Previous research has demonstrated similar complication rates in older and younger women undergoing abdominal sacral colpopexy via laparotomy. The objective of this study was to compare perioperative complications in older and younger women undergoing minimally invasive sacral colpopexy. This was a retrospective study of laparoscopic and robotic sacral colpopexies performed from January 2009 to May 2012 at a large academic center. Patient demographics, surgical data, and perioperative complications were compared in women < 65 and ≥65 years of age. Primary outcome was the difference in major complications. A total of 302 women underwent minimally invasive sacral colpopexy during the study period. Mean age was 58.5 ± 8.8 years and 84 subjects (27.8 %) were ≥65 years. Older women were more likely to have had a prior hysterectomy (60.7 vs 39.0 %, p = 0.001) and had more severe preoperative prolapse (86.9 % vs 71.9 % ≥ POPQ stage III, p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in duration of hospitalization (1.4 vs 1.4 days, p = 0.54). Overall, there were significantly more major complications in women ≥ 65 years (unadjusted OR 1.84, 95 % CI 1.02–3.35, p = 0.04). After controlling for BMI, route of surgery, estimated blood loss (EBL), and operating room time, age ≥ 65 remained a significant predictor of complications (adjusted OR 2.28, 95 % CI 1.21–4.29, p = 0.01). Our findings suggest that older women have a higher rate of major complications following minimally invasive sacral colpopexy, even after controlling for BMI, route of surgery, EBL, and operating room time. This increased risk should be addressed during preoperative counseling and may influence surgical planning.
Effect of deep traps on sheet charge in AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors

The same traps that produce current collapse in AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors are also shown to limit the sheet charge that is attainable in these devices by the trapping of channel carriers at equilibrium (no applied bias). In the present case, this reduction in sheet charge was found comparable to that induced by current collapse.
REVERSION TO HYPERHYDRATION BY ADDITION OF ANTIBIOTICS TO REMOVE PSEUDOMONAS IN UNHYPERHYDRATED OREGANO TISSUE CULTURES

Abstract Hyperhydricity is a physiological malformation in tissue culture generated plants that impedes acclimation to outdoor conditions during plant regeneration. Hyperhydrated plants are associated with low chlorophyll, low phenolics and high water content when compared to normal plants. In addition, hyperhydrated plants are morphologically characterized by translucent, enlarged, and brittle leaves and stems. Recently, a unique Pseudomonas sp. was used to prevent hyperhydricity in oregano shoot cultures. In this study three antibiotics, ampicillin, carbenicillin, and cefotaxime were tested to strengthen the findings that prevention of hyperhydration is a direct result of inoculation with Pseudomonas , and therefore its removal would reintroduce hyperhydricity in the plants. To determine hyperhydricity the water content, total free phenolics, and chlorophyll levels of oregano shoot clones were compared. Furthermore, the growth, vigour and survival rate of these shoot clones during regeneration in potted vermiculite were compared. Results show that water content and total free phenolics in antibiotic treated pre-inoculated clones reverted to levels present in hyperhydrated clones, while chlorophyll remained at the elevated levels found in untreated, pre-inoculated clones. The acclimation study showed that pre-inoculated clones not treated with antibiotics had the greatest growth, vigour and survival rate of any treatment.
Trace amine-associated receptors: ligands, neural circuits, and behaviors

Trace amine-associated receptors (TAARs) are G Protein-Coupled Receptors that function as vertebrate olfactory receptors. Like odorant receptors, TAARs constitute an ever-evolving sensory subsystem, with individual TAARs recognizing particular chemicals and some evoking stereotyped behaviors. Several TAARs mediate aversion or attraction towards volatile amines that include the mouse odor trimethylamine, the predator odor 2-phenylethylamine, and the death-associated odor cadaverine. TAAR-expressing sensory neurons achieve monoallelic receptor expression, use canonical olfactory signaling molecules, and target a dedicated olfactory bulb region. In mouse, TAAR4 and TAAR5 are encoded by adjacent genes and localize to adjacent glomeruli, yet mediate opposing behaviors. Future studies are needed to understand how TAAR-expressing sensory neurons engage higher-order neural circuits to encode odor valence.
Effective Physics-Based Preconditioning for a Non-Conforming Domain Decomposition in Electromagnetic

Domain decomposition (DD) methods provide highly parallel iterative solution alternatives for partial differential equation techniques. Like most iterative solvers, convergence and robustness are at the center of current research. This paper outlines a methodology for faster and more robust DD solver through a local physics-based preconditioning of the interface problem.
Variance reduction method based on sensitivity derivatives, Part 2

A previous paper introduced a sampling method (SDES) based on sensitivity derivatives to construct statistical moment estimates that are more efficient than standard Monte Carlo estimates. In this paper we sharpen previous theoretical results and introduce a criterion to guarantee that the variance of SDES estimates is smaller than the variance of the Monte Carlo estimate. Previous numerical experiments demonstrated, and here we prove analytically, that the first-order SDES and Monte Carlo estimates converge at the same rate. We illustrate the efficiency of the SDES method of order n, where n is fixed, to estimate statistical moments with a Korteweg-de Vries equation with uncertain initial conditions.
Partner networks: Leveraging external ties to improve entrepreneurial performance☆

Abstract This paper examines the conditions under which successful partnership networks were formed by four entrepreneurial companies. Seven alliance partnerships were studied. Both sides benefited through product advances, administrative process improvements, and rapid response times due to the greater levels of information exchange and coordination through computers. Key to understanding the partnerships was the development of trust between organizations. The value of these partnerships in terms of benefits to smaller companies has not received adequate attention in the literature. Yet forging such collaborative alliances seems crucial in explaining the ability of smaller firms to grow and to innovate. These networks should be seen as a competitive alternative to vertical integration. Smaller-scale entrepreneurial firms lack the financial resources to vertically integrate steps in the value added chain. This research suggests that a network organizational form can be cultivated by smaller companies to realize the benefits of vertically integrated functions while avoiding the bureaucratic inefficiencies of that organizational form. The network strategy of building close collaborative alliances with a limited set of suppliers and customers enables a firm to stabilize itself while remaining flexible and responsive to a changing market. An important aspect of strategic planning for the entrepreneurial firm is to identify prospective partners and consciously initiate and build partnerships with responsive firms. The data gathered indicate that these alliances do not form by chance but can be studied as patterned, predictable exchange structures that can be replicated and used to improve a firm's competitive position against larger players. The paper argues for an expansion of our concept of entrepreneurship to include the effective management of partnership networks. We should also expand our ideas about organizational forms to recognize the network structure as an effective governance arrangement for entrepreneurial companies. The findings strongly suggest that entrepreneurial firm's ability to identify, cultivate, and manage these network partnerships is critical to survival and success.
Activation of autophagy and AMPK by gamma-tocotrienol suppresses the adipogenesis in human adipose derived stem cells.

Scope This study investigated the mechanistic details by which gamma-tocotrienol (γ-T3) manipulates adipocyte differentiation in human adipose derived stem cells (hASCs). Methods and results γ-T3 specifically inhibited the early stage of adipocyte differentiation by acting on downstream of C/EBP-β but upstream of C/EBP-α in hASCs. In searching a potential mechanism, we identified that γ-T3 promoted two catabolic signaling pathways: (i) AMP kinase (AMPK), and (ii) enhanced autophagy, as assessed by autophagic flux and cytosolic autophagosome (LC3II) accumulation. In addition, chronic exposure of γ-T3 induced caspase3-mediated apoptotic cell death. The blockage of AMPK by a dominant negative mutant of AMPK was insufficient to normalize γ-T3-mediated autophagy, suggesting that enhanced autophagic activity of γ-T3 is independent of AMPK activation. Intriguingly, AMPK inhibition significantly restored PPAR-γ activation, but marginally rescued lipid-loaded adipocyte morphology due to, at least partly, a lack of lipid droplet-coating protein. These data suggest that γ-T3 activates AMPK and autophagy signaling, which synergistically contributes to the suppression of adipogenic conversion of hASCs into adipocytes. Conclusion These results provide a novel insight into the molecular mechanism involved in anti-adipogenic action of γ-T3 in humans via AMPK and autophagy activation. Thus, γ-T3 may constitute a new dietary avenue to attenuate hyperplastic obesity in humans.
Noise in avalanche transit-time devices

The work performed on noise in avalanche transit-time devices is reviewed and presented in detail. Both theoretical and experimental results on the noise mechanisms and performance of these devices when employed as oscillators, amplifiers, and self-oscillating mixers are included. Suggestions for further studies in this area are also given.
Homo-timeric structural model of human microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 and characterization of its substrate/inhibitor binding interactions.

Inducible, microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 1 (mPGES-1), the terminal enzyme in the prostaglandin (PG) biosynthetic pathway, constitutes a promising therapeutic target for the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs. To elucidate structure–function relationships and to enable structure-based design, an mPGES-1 homology model was developed using the three-dimensional structure of the closest homologue of the MAPEG family (Membrane Associated Proteins in Eicosanoid and Glutathione metabolism), mGST-1. The ensuing model of mPGES-1 is a homo-trimer, with each monomer consisting of four membrane-spanning segments. Extensive structure refinement revealed an inter-monomer salt bridge (K26-E77) as well as inter-helical interactions within each monomer, including polar hydrogen bonds (e.g. T78-R110-T129) and hydrophobic π-stacking (F82-F103-F106), all contributing to the overall stability of the homo-trimer of mPGES-1. Catalytic co-factor glutathione (GSH) was docked into the mPGES-1 model by flexible optimization of both the ligand and the protein conformations, starting from the initial location ascertained from the mGST-1 structure. Possible binding site for the substrate, prostaglandin H2 (PGH2), was identified by systematically probing the refined molecular structure of mPGES-1. A binding model was generated by induced fit docking of PGH2 in the presence of GSH. The homology model prescribes three potential inhibitor binding sites per mPGES-1 trimer. This was further confirmed experimentally by equilibrium dialysis study which generated a binding stoichiometric ratio of approximately three inhibitor molecules to three mPGES-1 monomers. The structural model that we have derived could serve as a useful tool for structure-guided design of inhibitors for this emergently important therapeutic target.
Biased use of cross‐cultural and historical perspectives on male homosexuality in human sexuality textbooks

Consistent with lay and professional views, Masters, Johnson, and Kolodny (1985), in an early edition of their human sexuality textbook, presented man‐man sex as normal and acceptable but man‐boy sex as pathological and unacceptable. Despite drawing these moral distinctions, they used a series of examples of socially sanctioned man‐boy sex in other cultures to provide perspective on Western man‐man sex, suggesting its normalcy and potential to be socially accepted. They ignored these same examples when discussing Western man‐boy sex. This paper examines the biased use of cross‐cultural and historical data on homosexuality in a sample of more recent human sexuality textbooks (n = 18). A brief review of male homosexuality in other times and places is presented, which shows the prevalence of man‐boy sex, but the rarity of the Western man‐man pattern, cross‐culturally and historically. This finding further questions the practice of using man‐boy examples for Western man‐man, but not man‐boy, sex. Seventeen of...
Intracellular recording in trigeminal motoneurons of the anesthetized guinea pig during rhythmic jaw movements

Abstract Intracellular recordings were obtained from guinea pig trigeminal motoneurons during rhythmic jaw movements. The cells were identified by stimulation of the trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus which evokes excitatory postsynaptic potentials and spikes in jaw-closer motoneurons. The anesthetized guinea pig in the stereotaxic apparatus demonstrated spontaneous rhythmic jaw movements which were characterized by hyperpolarization of jaw-closer motoneurons, occurring concurrently with digastric muscle excitation during the jaw-opening phase of the cycle. The anesthetized guinea pig could also be induced to rhythmically clench and release a stick placed between the molar teeth. During this behavior intracellular recordings in jaw-closer motoneurons revealed a rapid depolarization leading to bursts of action potentials following the hyperpolarization which occurred during the jaw-opening phase of the cycle. The results demonstrate the feasibility of intracellular recording in guinea pig trigeminal motoneurons during rhythmic jaw movements. It was also shown that during the opening phase of the rhythmic jaw movement cycle there is a pronounced hyperpolarization present in the membrane potential of jaw-closer motoneurons. Resolution of the problem of central vs. peripheral origin of this hyperpolarization is significant for our understanding of the motor control of the jaw.
Morphine Inhibits Murine Dendritic Cell IL-23 Production by Modulating Toll-like Receptor 2 and Nod2 Signaling

IL-23, produced by dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, plays a critical role in innate immunity against bacterial infection. Our previous studies show that morphine disrupts the IL-23/IL-17 mediated pulmonary mucosal host defense and increases susceptibility to Streptococcus pneumoniae lung infection. To determine the mechanism by which morphine modulates IL-23 production, mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and macrophages (BMDMs) were treated with morphine, and infected with S. pneumoniae or stimulated with Toll-like receptor (TLR) and Nod2 ligands. We found that a significant increase in IL-23 protein production was observed in S. pneumoniae, TLR2 ligand lipoteichoic acid (LTA), and TLR4 ligand pneumolysin (PLY) stimulated BMDCs and BMDMs. Interestingly, although Nod2 ligand muramyldipeptide (MDP) alone had no effect on IL-23 production, it potentiated LTA induced IL-23 production to the same level as that observed following S. pneumoniae infection, suggesting that S. pneumoniae induced IL-23 production in DCs involves activation of both TLR2 and Nod2 signaling mechanisms. Furthermore, pretreatment of DCs with MyD88 (myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88) and IL-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) 1/4 inhibitors, or TLR2 antibody diminished the S. pneumoniae induced IL-23 and abolished the inhibitory effects of morphine, indicating that S. pneumoniae induced IL-23 production depends on activation of the TLR2-MyD88-IRAK1/4 signaling pathway. Moreover, morphine decreased S. pneumoniae induced phosphorylation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and activating transcription factor 2 in DCs. Taken together, our study shows that morphine impairs S. pneumoniae induced IL-23 production through MyD88-IRAK1/4-dependent TLR2 and Nod2 signaling in DCs.
Decentralized control for multimachine power systems

A new approach to solve the problem of designing decentralized optimal controllers for large-scale power systems is proposed. The control law that results from the design is a decentralized one; accordingly, each subsystem is controlled only by its own variables. In using the proposed scheme, the cost functional for each subsystem is minimized, and the interacting effects between the subsystems are not ignored in deriving the control strategy. As a result, the application of the control scheme proposed by this paper provides optimality even if the subsystems are very strongly coupled. Results of investigation into the decentralized optimal control of a 10-machine system are satisfactory.
Surface chemistry and surface electronic properties of ZnO single crystals and nanorods

The surface chemistry of ZnO single crystals of (0001) and (101¯0) orientations and ZnO nanorods was studied using x-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopies. Air drying and UV-ozone preparations were studied in particular as chemical treatments that could be applied to poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)-ZnO solar cells to enhance performance. The UV-ozone treatment showed negligible effect by photoelectron spectroscopy on the ZnO single crystal surfaces, but brought about electronic shifts consistent with increased upward band bending by ∼0.25eV on the ZnO nanorod surface. Modest interface dipoles of ∼0.15 and ∼0.25eV were measured between P3HT and the (101¯0) and (0001) single crystal orientations, respectively, with the dipole moment pointing from ZnO to the P3HT layer. The sol-gel films showed evidence of forming a small interface dipole in the opposite direction, which illustrates the difference in surface chemistry between the solution-grown ZnO and the ZnO single crystals.
Condition-dependent mate choice: A stochastic dynamic programming approach.

Abstract We study how changing female condition during the mating season and condition-dependent search costs impact female mate choice, and what strategies a female could employ in choosing mates to maximize her own fitness. We address this problem via a stochastic dynamic programming model of mate choice. In the model, a female encounters males sequentially and must choose whether to mate or continue searching. As the female searches, her own condition changes stochastically, and she incurs condition-dependent search costs. The female attempts to maximize the quality of the offspring, which is a function of the female’s condition at mating and the quality of the male with whom she mates. The mating strategy that maximizes the female’s net expected reward is a quality threshold. We compare the optimal policy with other well-known mate choice strategies, and we use simulations to examine how well the optimal policy fares under imperfect information.
Occupation time large deviations of the voter model

This paper is a sequel to [5] and [6]. We continue our study of occupation time large deviation probabilities for some simple infinite particle systems by analysing the so-called voter model ζt (see e.g., [11] or [8]). In keeping with our previous results, we show that the large deviations are “classical” in high dimensions (d≧5 for ζt) but “fat” in low dimensions (d≦4). Interaction distinguishes the voter model from the independent particle systems of [5] and [6], and consequently exact computations no longer seem feasible. Instead, we derive upper and lower bounds which capture the asymptotic decay rate of the large deviation tails.
TWO-STAGE MOISTURE DIFFUSION IN WOOD WITH CONSTANT TRANSPORT COEFFICIENTS

ABSTRACT To determine whether transport coefficients in desorption curves for northern red oak are constant, four sets of desorption data were compared against previously established mathematical conditions for infinite-series solution of the non-steady-state diffusion equation. For each data set, when moisture fraction in wood is above a certain value, designated as the first stage, these conditions are satisfied, with the diffusion and surface emission coefficients being positive and finite; below that value, designated as the second stage, these conditions are still satisfied, with the diffusion coefficient taking a smaller positive value but the surface emission coefficient becoming negative and finite. Mathematically, these two pairs of transport coefficients can be used to predict the whole diffusion curve that describes the variation of moisture fraction with time. However, the negative surface emission coefficient in the second stage of the desorption process implies that the moisture gradient has...
Design of a retrofit magnet using advanced cable-in-conduit conductor

The excellent properties of the new MIT cable-in-conduit conductor have made possible the design of a retrofit-scale superconducting MHD (magnetohydrodynamic) magnet using a momentless force containment structure. The authors describe the magnet design and compare its weight, cost, and manufacturing logistics with the prior art pool-cooled designs. The magnet system has a peak on-axis field of 4.5 T, has an aperture of 0.8*1.0 m at the inlet end of the magnet and 1.3*1.6 m at the outlet end, and has stored energy of approximately 490 MJ. >
Mechanisms of Acute Coronary Syndromes and Their Implications for Therapy

The notion that heart attacks develop from coronary-artery stenosis is an oversimplification of a process involving lipid metabolism, inflammation, macrophage activation, collagen breakdown, and plaque rupture. These insights are leading to new ideas for treatment and prevention.
The Impact of Explicit, Self-Regulatory Reading Comprehension Strategy Instruction on the Reading-Specific Self-Efficacy, Attributions, and Affect of Students with Reading Disabilities.

We compared a reading intervention that consisted of explicit, self-regulatory strategy instruction to a strategy inter- vention that was less explicit to determine the impact on the read- ing-specific self-efficacy, attributions, and affect of students with reading disabilities (RD). Participants included 20 students with RD who were entering grades 4-8. The interventions were deliv- ered on a one-to-one basis over five weeks, four days per week, for one hour per day. Those receiving the explicit, self-regulatory strategy intervention showed greater gains in their attributions to incorrect strategy usage for reading failure than participants in the less explicit intervention. Group differences approached statistical significance on the reading self-efficacy measure, with the less explicit intervention showing higher reading self-efficacy at posttest than the explicit, self-regulatory intervention. The pos- sibility of miscalibrated reading self-efficacy and reading skill in students with RD is discussed.
Phybase: an R package for species tree analysis.

Motivation: Phybase is an R package for phylogenetic analysis using species trees. It provides functions to read, write, manipulate, simulate, estimate, summarize and plot species trees, which contain not only the topology and branch lengths but also population sizes. Availability: The Phybase package is available at the R repository. The manual and supporting materials including source code, sample R code and sample data files for the species tree analysis are available at http://stat.osu.edu/~liuliang/research/phybase.html Contact: lliu@desu.edu.